Another release candidate of the next Ubuntu version called Dapper Drake has been released. The "Flight CD 2" gives a preview of the new version based on linux kernel 2.6.15.

Because of this kernel change the release has been slightly delayed, as is requires udev 071 or newer. That's why Canonical has updated Udev and removed the old Hotplug. Own Hotplug rules have to be rewritten to Udev rules manually. Because of that change the hardware detection should be even better now. Even the PCMCIA infrastructure has been switchted to Udev so that the Cardmgr isn't required any more, even though some old config files are still being used.

Dapper Drake uses a new bootloader based on gfxboot. It integrates the language selector, which should be a great benefit for the Live-CD. The standard resolution of the framebuffer has been set to 640x480 pixels, so that the installer is going to be displayed on all systems correctly now. The APT- and user configuration within the installer has also been improved.

Dapper Drake RC2 brings GNOME 2.13.3, Firefox 1.5, OpenOffice.org 2.0.1 RC2, Rhythmbox 0.9.2 and GStreamer 0.10.

The Flight CD 2 can be downloaded from several mirrors, there are also new images for Kubuntu. A new Edubuntu preview will follow soon.