With 2007 coming to an end, I started thinking about the time I’ve spent in the Ubuntu community. This was the first year that I moved from being a user to a contributor.

Writing for the Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter, I try to keep my ear to the ground and track the major happenings in the community. It is truly amazing to see how large the Ubuntu community is and how fast it continues to grow. To LoCos getting more and more interested members everyday, all over the world, to the increasing numbers joining the MOTU ranks. Two great releases have garnered Ubuntu lots of press and blog coverage. Here are some of my highlights of the year.

Major Releases

Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty) - The first release of the year came out with a bang. The Windows migration tool helped copy over IE favorites, Firefox bookmarks, wallpapers, and IM contacts into Ubuntu. An easy codec installation UI made it easy to download everything needed to play mp3, divx, xvid, and various other file formats, increasing Ubuntu’s entertainment value. A Restricted Drivers Manager simplified installation of proprietary wireless and video drivers.

Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy) -

Community Happenings

There has been tremendous work done by LoCos promoting and supporting Ubuntu in their respective communities. While many new teams were created, 24 teams became approved LoCos:

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