Would you prefer Ubuntu have a version that was a rolling release model?

[Grant A.]

Would you prefer if there was another version of Ubuntu that used a rolling release model rather than the 6 month release period? If so, why?

Personally, I would prefer it because software evolves very rapidly over a period of 6 months, and although the 6th month period is for stability, I think that a system can be just as stable on a rolling release model because, well, look at Arch. It hardly ever breaks, but even Ubuntu breaks with it's 6 month release period. Anyone else remember the NVidia driver and Xserver fiasco a couple years ago in Ubuntu?

IMHO, an Ubuntu version that uses the Debian Sid repositories by default and has a minimal option would be just fine for me.

Please suggest a name, as well.

If I had to pick a name I would pick UbuntuE (Ubuntu, Evolved).

[TravisNewman]

It would have to be named with a ZZ, Zippy Zebra, I guess, and they never get to Zebra. When Yakkity Yak (or whatever) comes out they'd have to go back to AA and start over.

But yeah, I like the idea personally. Keep the 6 month but have a sid-like beast.

[ghindo]

It would be cool if Ubuntu had a Debian-style "when it's done, it's done" release system, but more cutting edge.

[T2manner]

I wouldn't mind this, but then what would be the big difference between Debian and Ubuntu?

[Grant A.]

I wouldn't mind this, but then what would be the big difference between Debian and Ubuntu?

Well, one could say that now, but the Ubuntu developers have always been much fonder towards proprietary software than the Debian devs have. If you try to install NVidia drivers in debian it will throw a fit. It doesn't even recommend them to you through the system notification area like Ubuntu does.

Ubuntu is essentially Debian + GNOME with a customized theme, some different default installed apps, and more proprietary blobs.

[Skripka]

Well, one could say that now, but the Ubuntu developers have always been much fonder towards proprietary software than the Debian devs have. If you try to install NVidia drivers in debian it will throw a fit. It doesn't even recommend them to you through the system notification area like Ubuntu does.

Ubuntu is essentially Debian + GNOME with a customized theme, some different default installed apps, and more proprietary blobs.

They also have very different release philosophies as to when something can be put out the door and called "stable".

[Solicitous]

It would be cool if Ubuntu had a Debian-style "when it's done, it's done" release system, but more cutting edge.

You can't have cutting edge and released "when it's done". Besides Debian performs that task rather well of ultra stable releases when ready, no point in Ubuntu following the same path, they'd be fighting each other for the same reasons.

[andrewpmk]

Depends on what you call a "rolling release". No way should Ubuntu upgrade to new major versions of core packages like the kernel, X, GNOME, KDE, etc. during a release cycle because that would result in instability, since everything depends on them. On the other hand, I would really like to see updated versions of end-user applications like OpenOffice, Firefox, etc. during a release cycle. I don't think this would result in significant instability given that third-party repositories are already widely used.

[swoll1980]

Ubuntu is aimed at new users, the rolling releases are a break waiting to happen, and a new user might loose his/her mind if this happened. Can't you just enable proposed for this effect?

[kenweill]

Depends on what you call a "rolling release". No way should Ubuntu upgrade to new major versions of core packages like the kernel, X, GNOME, KDE, etc. during a release cycle because that would result in instability, since everything depends on them.

sidux did that. and it works.