Ubuntu is a popular, free, and open-source operating system (OS) based on Linux, known for being user-friendly, secure, and versatile for desktops, servers, cloud, and IoT devices, offering an alternative to Windows/macOS with a focus on community and privacy, developed by Canonical Ltd. Since its initial release in 2004, Ubuntu has grown rapidly in popularity due to its ease of use, stability, and vast ecosystem of applications and tools.
Key characteristics:
- Free & Open-Source: You can download, use, modify, and distribute it without cost, with its source code open for anyone to inspect and improve.
- Linux-based: It’s a distribution (distro) of Linux, meaning it uses the Linux kernel and offers a complete, stable environment.
- User-Friendly: Designed with a familiar graphical interface, making it accessible for beginners while powerful for experts, offering essential apps like Firefox and LibreOffice.
- Versatile: Runs on desktops, laptops, powerful servers, cloud infrastructure, and embedded systems like IoT devices.
- Secure & Stable: Features strong built-in security, regular updates, and long-term support (LTS) versions for reliability.
- Community-Driven: Supported by a vast global community and Canonical, ensuring constant development and support.
Common uses:
- Desktop Computing: Daily tasks, browsing, office work, gaming (with Steam/Proton).
- Software Development: A preferred platform for developers due to its Unix-like environment and tools.
- Servers & Cloud: Powers a significant portion of the world’s servers and cloud services.
Ubuntu Versions
Ubuntu versions are primarily distinguished by their support lifecycle (LTS vs. Interim), the desktop environment (official flavors), and the specific technical features introduced in each release.
Each version of Ubuntu brings new features, improvements and sometimes there are certain changes in system requirements. Ubuntu releases a new version every six months; whereas, Long Term Support versions (LTS) are released every two years. The difference is that LTS versions are supported for the next five years, which is more appropriate for production environments. This section will compare features and performance between different versions of Ubuntu, and we will focus on LTS versions that are suitable for production environments.
By Release Types & Support Lifecycle
LTS (Long-Term Support): Released every two years (e.g., 22.04, 24.04), these are stable, secure, and supported for 5+ years, ideal for servers and production.
Ubuntu Pro: Extends LTS support to 10–12 years with Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM).
Regular / Interim Releases: Released Every six months between LTS versions, these offer the latest features and software but have shorter support (9 months), great for users wanting new tech.
By Editions / Target Use
- Desktop: Includes GUI with productivity apps and for everyday computing, browsing, multimedia.
- Server: Headless (no GUI) by default, optimized for production, cloud, web hosting.
- Core: Minimal, secure snap-based version for IoT and embedded devices with 12 years of support.
| Ubuntu 18.04. LTS (Bionic Beaver) | Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) | Ubuntu 24.04. LTS (Noble Numbat) |
| Release Date: April 2018 | Release Date: April 2020 | Release Date: April 2022 | Release Date: April 25, 2024 |
| Support End: April 2023 | Support End: April 2025 | Support End: April 2027 | Support End: April 25, 2029 |
| Kernel Version: 4.15 | Kernel Version: 5.4 | Kernel Version: 5.15 | Kernel Version: 6.8 |
| Desktop Environment: GNOME 3.28: Became Default Desktop Environment | Desktop Environment: GNOME 3.36: Enhance performance & features | Desktop Environment: GNOME 42: Significant improvements in usability &performance | Desktop Environment: GNOME 46: Various upgrades to the Nautilus file manager |
| Key Features: Basic version of the ubuntu with essential utilities & software only | Key Features: Enhanced support for ZFS and WireGuard VPN in the kernel | Key Features: Enhanced support for modern hardware and new security features | Key Features: Support active directory group policy & real time apps |
| Software Versions: Includes Python 3.6, LibreOffice 6.0, and other applications | Software Versions: Includes Python 3.6, LibreOffice 6.4, GCC 9.3, PHP 7.4 & others | Software Versions: Includes Python 3.10, LibreOffice 7.4, PHP 8.1, GCC 11.2 & others | Software Versions: Includes Python 3.12, OpenJDK 21, GCC 14, PHP 8.3 & others |
