Canonical on Thursday updated its Linux distribution for netbooks, simplifying the interface and adding new programs that the company says will make it easier for users to access and use Web content.

The Ubuntu 9.10 Netbook Remix is designed to run basic Web and office applications typically used on netbooks. Netbooks are cheap and lightweight laptops characterized by limited computing resources and small screen sizes.

The OS, codenamed Karmic Koala, centralizes applications and bookmarks under a single interface to quickly access programs and Web sites. The new version has a "newer, simpler, more beautiful interface" and is easy to install on the popular netbook models, Canonical said in a statement.

Canonical is offering versions of the OS with a variety of desktop environments, including Gnome, KDE and XFCE. These environments, built on top of the Linux kernel, have unique graphical user interfaces and integrated software.

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