This is also the first release that comes in different sub-versions or spins, GNOME and KDE desktop environment based bootable live images that can be installed to a hard disk. These spins are meant for desktop users who prefer a single disk installation and for sharing Fedora with friends, family, and event attendees. There is a regular image for desktops, workstations, and server users. This spin provides a good upgrade path and similar environment for users of previous releases of Fedora. The set of DVD images which includes all software available in the Fedora repository.

This spin is intended for distribution to users who do not have broadband Internet access and prefer to have software available on disc. Expect improvements on performance, desktop use and administration.

Just recently, Red Hat Enterprise Linux added a feather on its cap by getting approval for EAL4 Augmented with ALC_FLR-3 certification. The certification was awarded by the National Information Assurance Partnership's (NIAP) Common Criteria Evaluation and Validation Scheme for IT Security program, making Red Hat Enterprise Linux at par with Sun's Trusted Solaris operating system.

Personally, this just proves that open source can provide a safe and secure environment, contrary to the fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) that have been circulating. Now, I wonder when Ubuntu will get its certification.

Going to the other flavors, Ubuntu released version 7.0.4, code-named Feisty Fawn, last Thursday. This same code-base becomes the basis for Kubuntu, a KDE-based Ubuntu version, and Edubuntu, Ubuntu for Education. This new release also introduces Sun's products as part of the package. Sun included Netbeans 5.5, Java 6, GlassFish Java Application Server and Java DB. Java application development became first class citizen on Ubuntu. Being one of the Sun Java Champions, I welcome this new addition. If only I can install Ubuntu 7.0.4 as a guest OS on Parallels Desktop running on my Mac OS X.

Debian is one of the major Linux distributions available today. With some recent changes in the Debian leadership with Sam Hocevar getting elected as its leader, version 4, code-named "Etch", has officially been released.

If you are using one of the Debian-based distributions such as Linspire/Freespire, Knoppix and Ubuntu, I recommend that you wait for the update. It is inevitable.