First look at Ubuntu 18.04 or Bionic

With the date for the first 'Alpha 1' releases of the upcoming Ubuntu 18.04 code named Bionic Beaver having silently slipped by I decided to respin the latest daily build of Ubuntu MATE (20180123) using my 'isorespin.sh' script with the latest Canonical built kernel (v4.15-rc9) and try it out on the MINIX NEO Z83-4.

The command I used was:

isorespin.sh -i bionic-desktop-amd64.iso --atom -u -f 4345r6nvram.txt \
-c"mv/usr/local/bin/4345r6nvram.txt/lib/firmware/brcm/brcmfmac43455-sdio.txt"\
-f MINIX-Z83-4_usr_share_alsa_ucm_chtrt5645_HiFi.conf \
-f wrapper-linuxium-install-UCM-files.sh

which includes the required files to support wifi and headphone audio (see Linux on MINIX NEO Z83-4 and Z83-4 Pro) on this specific device

The following command should work for other Intel Atom devices:

isorespin.sh -i bionic-desktop-amd64.iso --atom -u 

or this command for Intel Apollo devices:

isorespin.sh -i bionic-desktop-amd64.iso --apollo -u

although do also read Resize EFI partition to prevent any installation issues on Intel Apollo devices.

The reason for trying Ubuntu MATE is due to what might be seen as somewhat provocative 'call to arms' in their blog which highlights their various 'panel' layouts which control the look of the desktop.

The panel layout 'Mutiny' creates a surprisingly similar look and feel to Unity and is certainly worth trying if you are still unsure of the direction Ubuntu is moving to in their current releases.

Simply use 'MATE Tweak' to change the default panel to 'Mutiny' and then 'pin' applications to the panel like with Unity.

Please donate if you find my scripts useful using the following link http://goo.gl/nXWSGf.