Linux & Open Source - eWeek

Linux & Open Source: LABS GALLERY: Ubuntu Linux 9.10 Beta Provides Security, Web Integration Enhancements


Alongside the batch of open-source software updates you'll find in any new Linux distribution release, the upcoming Ubuntu Linux 9.10, now available in a beta version, packs some eye-catching enhancements around disk encryption, tightened access controls and Web service integration. Check out eWEEK Labs' screen gallery for a look at what's coming in the "Karmic Koala" Ubuntu release, and be sure to read eWEEK Labs' related review here.
 
  • LABS GALLERY: Ubuntu Linux 9.10 Beta Provides Security, Web Integration Enhancements
    by Jason Brooks
  • Home Encryption
    Ubuntu 9.10 will be the first Ubuntu Linux release to offer a file-level disk encryption option right from the system's default, LiveCD-based installer. This feature encrypts user home directories, along with the system swap partition.
  • Alternate Installer Encryption
    In previous releases, Ubuntu offered a block-level encryption option, but only from the distribution's text-based "alternate" install disc.
  • Record Passphrase
    After installing Ubuntu 9.10 with home directory encryption, the system prompted me to take note of my automatically generated pass phrase, which I'd need to decrypt my data manually. In typical usage, simply logging into the system with one's password is sufficient for decryption.
  • AppArmor Policy for Firefox
    Ubuntu 9.10 ships with an AppArmor policy (seen here) for constraining Firefox permissions. Rather than allow Firefox to access all resources available to the user who runs the browser—including sensitive data stored in user home directories—AppArmor can bolster security by helping to eliminate excessive rights.
  • AppArmor Denials
    With the Firefox AppArmor policy enabled, my attempts to access the contents of my test machine's SSH configuration directory were blocked, spawning these denial messages in my system log.
  • UbuntuOne Preferences
    UbuntuOne is a new synchronization service integrated with the Ubuntu desktop. The service covers file synchronization, and is expanding to take on certain application configuration and data sync duties.
  • UbuntuOne File Sync
    After signing up for the UbuntuOne service and installing the right client components, the contents of an Ubuntu One folder in my home directory stay in sync with a service online.
  • UbuntuOne Web Interface
    The synced files are accessible online, but the Web interface could use some work—note, for instance, the errant clouds in the middle of my file list.
  • Tomboy Notes Sync
    One of the first Ubuntu desktop applications to take advantage of UbuntuOne synchronization is the Tomboy Notes application.
  • Tomboy Online
    As with the file sync service, synced Tomboy Notes are accessible from the Web, albeit through a somewhat rough interface.
  • Evolution Contacts
    Evolution is another application that's starting to take advantage of UbuntuOne, with a desktop-based implementation of the open-source CouchDB project taking on a share of the replication load.
  • UbuntuOne Sign In
    Authentication for UbuntuOne is handled through the Ubuntu project's Launchpad system. Launchpad accounts are also used for filing bugs, signing on to Ubuntu forums and other sorts of participation with the project. It will be interesting to see whether the free 2GB of storage available via UbuntuOne will spur more Ubuntu users to increase involvement with the project.
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