New GNOME version is available for Linux users

A new version of GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment) desktop interfaces is now available for download.

The new software, GNOME 2.8.2 Desktop and Developer Platform, includes several improvements over the earlier 2.6 version, according to the GNOME Web site.

GNOME is free software that runs on a range of operating systems, including Linux, Unix, Solaris and Apple Computer's Darwin.

Improvements in the latest version of the desktop interface software include a new file manager that allows different applications to work more smoothly together; support of DNS-based Service Discovery (also known as Rendezvous in Apple products); and the ability to automatically recognize removable storage devices, such as CDs, DVDs and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory sticks.

The network monitor has been improved to support wireless interfaces, and now can display signal strength. The battery monitor also has been enhanced to estimate remaining battery capacity.

Of interest to enterprise users, GNOME 2.8.2 includes Evolution 2.0, which is an integrated e-mail and groupware client. Evolution supports traditional e-mail setups, as well as Novell Groupwise from Novell and Microsoft Exchange from Microsoft.

GNOME's own Epiphany Web Browser, based on Mozilla, includes several enhancements as well: bookmark toolbars are easier to manipulate; topics can be added directly form the new bookmark dialog; and popup windows can be blocked for specific Web sites.

The new GNOME software is available at: http://mail.gnome.org/archives/gnome-announce-list/2004-December/msg00024.html.

A test version of GNOME 2.9 is available for testing purposes. When complete, the version will become the official 2.10 release.