Ubuntu 10.10 had released, few (~6) months ago, now Ubuntu 11.04 is the next version, scheduled to release on April 28, 2011. Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat)/10.04 (Lucid Lynx) is based on GNOME Desktop, while Ubuntu 11.04 is using Unity Shell/Desktop (with GNOME Application suite). If you are thinking to upgrade your Ubuntu 10.10, to it’s next version, 11.04 (Natty Narwhal ), then First make a backup and wait for few days, until the stable version of Ubuntu 11.04 comes out.
Ubuntu 10.10 is based on gnome 2.3, if you will upgrade , then unity will become the default desktop. The new desktop ‘unity’ is the major change in the next version, everything else is almost similar to previous version, or else if you are bored with old classic interface of gnome 2.3 then you can try Gnome 3 on Ubuntu 10.10, gnome 3 also looks great!, so instead of upgrading the whole system, you can just upgrade the desktop.
Upgrading Ubuntu 10.10 to Ubuntu 11.04 in few simple steps
step #1 : First of all, prepare a backup of all the files (customized apps, e.g gimp fonts, brushes, plugins) and data, it’s strongly recommended. When you are ready, move to next step.
step #2 : Hit ALT+F2 , a small window will appear, write
update-manager -d
and click on Run Button (you just started the Update Manager Daemon).
step #3 : Now, a new Window will appear, just click on Upgrade button (look at the snapshot, above), then move on..the upgrading will begin.
step #4 : Relax,until the upgrading process is completed. Restart the computer and enjoy Ubuntu 11.04!!
Here is a snapshot of the new Look of your Desktop (Unity with Ubuntu 11.04)!
Thank you Sudobits