Ubuntu 24.04 Official Flavors: What's New and How to Get Them

Ubuntu 24.04, the latest LTS (Long Term Support) release from Canonical, has been a hot topic in the Linux community. The release comes with a host of new features and improvements, and perhaps most excitingly, it includes official flavors like Ubuntu Budgie, Kubuntu, and Xubuntu.

What's New in Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04 introduces a range of new features and improvements. Some of the notable changes in this release include:

1. Linux Kernel 5.15

This version of Ubuntu comes with the 5.15 LTS kernel, which brings numerous improvements for better performance, security, and hardware support. The new kernel also includes support for the latest hardware components and peripherals.

2. GNOME 42

Ubuntu 24.04 ships with the latest version of the GNOME desktop environment, version 42. This brings several improvements to the user interface, performance enhancements, and new features such as a revamped settings app and an updated Files application.

3. Wayland by Default

With Ubuntu 24.04, Wayland becomes the default display server for the GNOME desktop environment. This brings smoother graphics performance and better security compared to the traditional X11 display server.

4. Improved Desktop Experience

The Ubuntu developers have put a significant focus on improving the desktop experience with this release. This includes updated themes, new icons, and better support for high-DPI displays.

5. Performance Improvements

Canonical has made several under-the-hood optimizations to improve overall system performance, reduce resource usage, and enhance system responsiveness.

6. New Apps and Upgrades

This release introduces updated versions of several core applications, including the LibreOffice suite, Firefox web browser, and Thunderbird email client. Additionally, it also brings new apps and tools to enhance productivity and system management.

Official Ubuntu Flavors

Ubuntu 24.04 features several official flavors that cater to different user preferences and hardware requirements. Each flavor comes with a unique desktop environment and pre-installed applications, providing users with a diverse range of choices. Here are some of the official flavors available for download:

Ubuntu Budgie

Ubuntu Budgie is a popular flavor that combines the simplicity of the Budgie desktop environment with the power of Ubuntu. It provides a modern and user-friendly desktop experience, making it suitable for both new and experienced users. Ubuntu Budgie includes a range of tools and applications to enhance productivity and multimedia capabilities.

Kubuntu

Kubuntu is the official Ubuntu flavor that features the KDE Plasma desktop environment. Known for its high level of customization and visual flair, KDE Plasma provides a feature-rich and visually appealing desktop experience. Kubuntu includes a wide range of pre-installed applications, making it suitable for a variety of use cases.

Xubuntu

Xubuntu is a lightweight flavor of Ubuntu that features the Xfce desktop environment. Xfce is known for its speed, stability, and resource efficiency, making Xubuntu an excellent choice for older hardware or users who prefer a snappy and efficient desktop environment. Xubuntu comes with a selection of lightweight and essential applications for everyday use.

These flavors provide users with a diverse range of desktop environments and software choices, catering to different preferences and workflows.

How to Get Official Ubuntu Flavors

If youâ€™re interested in trying out the official Ubuntu flavors, you can download them from the official Ubuntu website. The installation images are available for 64-bit and 32-bit architectures, allowing users to install Ubuntu on a wide range of hardware.

To download an official Ubuntu flavor, follow these steps:

Visit the Official Ubuntu website and navigate to the "Ubuntu Flavors" section.
Select the flavor you want to download, such as Ubuntu Budgie, Kubuntu, or Xubuntu.
Choose the appropriate architecture (64-bit or 32-bit), and click on the download button to get the installation image.
Once the download is complete, you can create a bootable USB drive using tools like Etcher or Rufus, and then proceed with the installation.

Itâ€™s worth noting that the official flavors of Ubuntu undergo the same rigorous testing and quality assurance process as the standard Ubuntu release, ensuring a stable and reliable experience for users.

Conclusion

With the release of Ubuntu 24.04 and its official flavors, Canonical continues to provide a robust and versatile platform for users of all kinds. Whether you prefer a modern and sleek desktop experience like Ubuntu Budgie, a feature-rich and customizable environment like Kubuntu, or a lightweight and efficient system like Xubuntu, thereâ€™s an official Ubuntu flavor to suit your needs.

The latest LTS release brings a range of new features and improvements, making it an exciting update for Ubuntu enthusiasts. If you havenâ€™t already, consider giving Ubuntu 24.04 and its official flavors a spin to experience the latest that the Linux desktop has to offer.