The familiar name of Ubuntu Netbook Remix will disappear when the Ubuntu 10.04 LTS ‘Lucid Lynx’ goes live, in favour of a more official sounding name: Ubuntu Netbook Edition.
An official blueprint for this change put the case succinctly, arguing that:
Ubuntu Netbook Remix has now been a part of the Ubuntu cycle for two releases now, and it should drop the Remix, and become Ubuntu Netbook Edition
While the meeting held during the Ubuntu Developer Summit to discuss the merits of the change was in favour of making it, stating:
“Remix” is an unofficial edition of Ubuntu that has been modified; we’re beyond that point and UNR is now official
And so it will be with the release of Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Netbook Edition.
The Case for Renaming
When hearing the term “Netbook Remix”, what does Joe Public think? Probably, that it’s some kind of fun take, offshoot or novelty.
The word ‘edition’ is more clear: it signals that it’s a separate and distinct part of the same line. It better articulates that it’s a version of Ubuntu designed for netbooks.
“Remix” isn’t as clear at relaying that.
The Case Against Renaming
On the flip side, the name “Ubuntu Netbook Remix” has weight because it’s what it’s known. People have heard of it, seen it discussed, and Google it regularly.
Changing it could confuse those less enamoured with Linux and Ubuntu. They might think their OS has been discontinued or that “Ubuntu Netbook Edition” is separate to the “Remix” they use – another netbook OS rather than a re-branding.
Your verdict
Regardless of cases for or against the decision has been made. There are also talks on renaming Ubuntu Moblin Remix to Ubuntu Moblin Edition – though given the niche appeal of it, I’d wager the overriding reaction would be ‘What’s Moblin?’…
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