The Ubuntu developers have published the 1st alpha of version 12.04 of their Ubuntu Linux distro, code-named "Precise Pangolin".

The 12.04 Alpha 1 release uses the 3.2.0-2.5 Ubuntu kernel which is based on the recent 3.2-rc3 Linux kernel.

Bundled packages include Firefox 9.0 Beta, Shotwell 0.11.6 & version 3.4.4, Thunderbird 9.0 beta,  of the LibreOffice office suite.

This will be the 1st Ubuntu release that does no longer fit onto a standard CD, instead requiring users to burn the images to DVD or copy them to a USB drive for installation. The 32-bit version of the Alpha 1 release comes in at 703 MB, but be prepared that the final version will be bigger.

This Long Term Support release is focused on polishing & stabilising the system as much as possible rather than introducing major changes, because, when released, both the server edition and, for the first time, the desktop edition will be supported for five years.

Look here for more info.