Ubuntu Desktop 11.10, code-named Oneiric Ocelot, is the latest stable release of Ubuntu, a Linux distribution whose development is sponsored by Canonical Ltd., a Linux software provider with headquarters in the UK.

Aside from Ubuntu, Canonical also sponsors Kubuntu (based on KDE, the K Desktop Environment), Lubuntu (LXDE, the Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment), Xubuntu (Xfce), Mythbuntu (built around MythTV), Edubuntu (education-oriented packages) and Ubuntu Studio (centered around multimedia packages).

32- and 64-bit editions of all are released at or about the same time. Ubuntu provides three different installation ISO images for download – Ubuntu Desktop Graphical Installer (CD image), Ubuntu Desktop Alternate Installer (CD image), and Ubuntu Desktop DVD edition. This review is based on test installations of the 32-bit versions of all three on real hardware and in a virtual environment. Keep in mind that the DVD and Graphical Installer images use the same installer. The DVD edition just contains more language packs.

This is a screenshot of the boot screen of the Alternate Installer edition. Installation begins from the boot menu. There is no Live mode.