Also new in this beta release is a set of images called . As the name suggests, these images include just the essential part of the software and are intended for use as the basis for customized Ubuntu distributions and products.

3. Improved 32-Bit Compatibility

Oneiric Ocelot now enables "multiarch" support for installing 32-bit library and application packages on 64-bit systems. So, users of AMD64 machines can now install select 32-bit software--including Skype and Flash--directly using the same 32-bit packages that are used on i386 installations, no extra compatibility software required. “For users this means 32-bit libraries will always be available at the same time as their 64-bit counterparts, even in the case of security updates, and users will only need to install those 32-bit libraries needed by the applications they have installed,” the Ubuntu team explains.

4. Interface Updates

New releases of both Compiz and are included in this new beta version of Ubuntu 11.10. As a result, users will find a new alt+tab switcher and better launcher and panel performance. "Places" have been renamed to "Lenses," as I've noted before, and they now integrate multiple sources and advanced filtering options such as ratings and range. A new music lens linked to the Banshee music player is also now installed by default.