The GNOME 2.10 Desktop and Developer Platform

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Digging a bit deeper, the What's New document describes a wide variety of improvements. Here are the highlights:

• Nautilus file manager improvements:
  • Performance and stability improvements.
  • Better interoperability with web browsers.
  • Usability improvements.
  • Automatic renaming for new files.
• New artistic desktop backgrounds to choose from.
• Improved typing focus as per the Freedesktop.org standard.
• Inclusion of the Totem video player.
• Inclusion of the Sound Juicer CD ripper.
• Epiphany web browser improvements:
  • A better full screen mode.
  • Secure site display in the location bar.
  • Exportable bookmarks.
  • A new extension manager.
• Evolution email and groupware client improvements:
  • Support for offline email, contact, and calendar work.
  • The ability to attach files to events.
  • Support for exceptions on recurring events.
  • Support for US weather information.
  • Support for shared folders.
• Inclusion of GnomeMeeting for VoIP and video conferencing.
• Better keyboard layout selection through the control panel.
• New and improved Panel Items (Applets):
  • Removal of the Actions panel menu.
  • New Places and Desktop menus.
  • An integrated modem control applet.
  • An optional panel trash can.
  • Built-in controls for mounting removable media.
  • An improved weather monitor.
  • A new sound mixer.
  • Support for the Sticky Notes note taking applet.
  • A processor speed monitor for laptops.
  • Removal of the CD applet, the Wireless applet, and the Mailbox Monitor.
• GNOME Utilities improvements:
  • GNOME text highlighting and spell checking improvements.
  • A wider selection of archive formats for the Archive Manager.
  • The GNOME Dictionary adds word suggestions and online dictionary linking.
  • The Floppy Formatter adds support for USB drives.
• System Administration improvements:
  • GNOME System Tools has improved support for wireless networking.
  • User and group administration has been improved.
  • More system changes are applied instantly.
  • The Log Manager now supports the viewing of multiple logs.
  • Archived logs can now be opened.
  • Logs can be copied to the clipboard.
• Game Improvements:
  • A new version of Same GNOME has been added.
  • The Nibbles game adds browsing of the local network for other users.
• The GNOME 2.10 Development Platform has API improvements.
• Full Python language bindings are now included.

The Release Notes mention improved internationalization, continuing standards compliance, a few known issues (bugs) and more.

There is also a GNOME 2.12 release schedule, look for the next version in about 6 months.

GNOME 2.10 adds some useful features to what is already a mature and stable desktop environment.

The source code for GNOME 2.10 and a live CD are available for download here.