Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Now Available for Download - Phoronix

Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, has released its latest long-term support (LTS) version, Ubuntu 24.04. This release comes with a slew of new features and improvements, making it an exciting update for both desktop and server users. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the new release and what users can expect from it.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Features and Improvements

Updated Kernel

One of the highlights of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is the inclusion of the Linux 5.16 kernel. This brings in new hardware support, performance improvements, and enhanced security features. The new kernel also ensures compatibility with the latest hardware, making it an attractive option for users who want to run Ubuntu on modern systems.

GNOME 42 Desktop Environment

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ships with the latest version of the GNOME desktop environment, GNOME 42. This brings in new features such as redesigned system settings, improved performance, and a more polished user interface. GNOME 42 also includes various usability enhancements, making it a more user-friendly experience for desktop users.

Wayland as Default Session

With Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the Wayland display server is now the default session for the GNOME desktop environment. Wayland offers better security and performance compared to the traditional Xorg server, and its adoption as the default display server is a significant step forward for the Ubuntu desktop experience.

Updated Software

As with every Ubuntu release, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS includes updated versions of various software packages, including the latest versions of popular applications and development tools. This ensures that users have access to the newest features and improvements in their favorite software.

Improved Security

Security is a top priority for Ubuntu, and the 24.04 release includes various security enhancements to protect users and their data. This includes features such as improved built-in firewall management, enhanced encryption options, and updated security libraries to provide a more secure computing environment.

Performance Optimizations

In addition to security improvements, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with performance optimizations to make the system more responsive and efficient. This includes improvements in resource utilization, faster boot times, and overall snappier performance across the board.

Enhanced Server Capabilities

For server users, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings in several enhancements to make it an ideal platform for running critical workloads. This includes updated server-specific packages, improved container support, and more robust networking features to ensure smooth operation in server environments.

Availability and Download Options

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is now available for download from the official Ubuntu website. Users can choose between the desktop and server versions, depending on their needs. The desktop version is suitable for personal and professional use, while the server version is tailored for running services and applications in data centers and cloud environments.

Desktop Edition

The Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop edition is optimized for home and office use, offering a polished user interface and a wide range of pre-installed applications for productivity, entertainment, and development. Users can download the desktop edition and create bootable USB drives or installation media to install Ubuntu on their systems.

Server Edition

The Ubuntu 24.04 LTS server edition is designed for running server workloads, such as web servers, databases, and cloud infrastructure. It includes server-specific packages and tools to streamline the setup and management of server environments. Users can download the server edition and deploy it on bare-metal servers or virtual machines.

Other Flavors

In addition to the standard desktop and server editions, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is also available in various official flavors, including Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, and Ubuntu Budgie. These flavors offer alternative desktop environments and configurations to cater to different user preferences.

Conclusion

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is a significant release that brings in a host of new features, improvements, and optimizations for both desktop and server users. With the latest kernel, GNOME desktop, Wayland as the default session, and enhanced security and performance, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is a compelling option for anyone looking to use Linux for their computing needs. Users can now download the latest release and experience the power and flexibility of Ubuntu for themselves. Whether for personal use, professional projects, or server deployments, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers a solid foundation for a wide range of use cases.