Users can choose to run either Ubuntu Desktop, which requires 3D driver support and offers Unity by default, or the Ubuntu Classic Session, which is based on the traditional GNOME desktop and supports all video hardware and video drivers, Canonical says.

Ubuntu 11.04 Alpha 1 also includes version 2.6.37-rc3 of the Linux kernel, which is based on the latest mainline release candidate. This represents a major update from version 2.6.35, which is what's used in Maverick Meerkat, or. By the time Natty Narwhal releases officially next spring, it is expected to include version 2.6.38, which will offer considerable under heavy loads.

The current kernel update includes a number of desktop-related responsiveness improvements along with AppArmor for security and multiple improvements to virtualization performance.

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Alpha versions may not be suitable for production use, but they're a great way to see what's coming.