Yesterday there was an oppsie with linux-image (linux-image-2.6.20-14-generic 2.6.20-14.23 ) that caused many computers not to boot after dist-upgrading. The Ubuntu Kernel devs had a fix released within 18 hours, that is now working its way to all the update servers. Let see Microsoft response and fix a bug so quickly.
I have seen various posts in the forums and Launchpad how horrible it was that this happened. I would like to remind people about using a development version of Ubuntu.
1. It is still BETA: While Feisty is very stable software, it is still beta software. This means could fail to boot, destroy your data, and kick your cat at any time. Helping test development versions of Ubuntu is a great way to help the community, but be sure not to do this on a production machine.
2. Ubuntu Developers are Humans: Ubuntu tagline is “Linux for Human Beings”. Ubuntu developers are also human, meaning mistake mistakes will happen. When it does happen, don’t yell and don’t threaten to leave Ubuntu, give the developers the information they need to fix the problem.
One suggestion I have if someone wants to help test a development version of Ubuntu. Always keep older version of the kernel that is stable on the machine. This will allow a computer to boot and download updates.
