New Features in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, codenamed “Focal Fossa,” is the latest long-term support release of this immensely popular Linux distribution. It brings a plethora of new features and improvements, making it an exciting upgrade for both desktop and server users. In this article, we’ll explore the standout features that make Ubuntu 20.04 LTS a compelling choice.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution (or distro) that is based on the Debian operating system. It is known for its user-friendly approach and is designed to be accessible for both beginners and experienced Linux users. Ubuntu is one of the most widely used Linux distributions and has gained a significant following in the desktop and server computing communities.
New Features In Ubuntu include:
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, codenamed “Jammy Jellyfish,” is the latest long-term support release of this widely acclaimed Linux distribution. It brings an array of exciting new features, customization options, and performance improvements. In this article, we’ll delve into the highlights of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and what users can expect from this release.
GNOME 42 – A Leap Forward in Ubuntu 20.04
One of the most prominent changes in Ubuntu 22.04 is the switch to GNOME 42 for its shell and most libraries. This move offers several benefits, including a more streamlined user interface, compact on-screen display notifications, smoother horizontal workspace transitions, and improved multi-monitor support. Additionally, it introduces a new and improved screenshot tool with screencast capabilities.
Enhanced Customization Options
Ubuntu’s Yaru theme has been refined further in Jammy Jellyfish. Users can now enjoy a new accent color-picker, allowing for deeper customization of the desktop’s appearance. Additionally, the LTS release includes multiple community-contributed wallpapers, providing users with a wider selection to choose from. This is particularly useful as you can set different wallpapers for light and dark themes.
Performance and Power Efficiency Boost
Jammy Jellyfish brings significant performance enhancements to the Linux desktop. Thanks to work on GNOME triple buffering, Intel and Raspberry Pi graphics drivers will see up to double the frame rate when navigating the desktop. Improvements are also noticeable with AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards, along with runtime power management for NVIDIA GPUs. Wayland is now the default display server for most systems, while X11 remains the default for systems with NVIDIA GPUs.
Active Directory Integration
For enterprise users, Ubuntu desktop offers enhanced integration with identity management solutions. Building on the Active Directory integration introduced in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 takes it to the next level with full installer integration and ADsys, a client that supports Group Policy administration, privilege escalation, and remote script execution.
Ubuntu WSL Upgrades
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is also available on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Developers using Windows can now enjoy a full Ubuntu environment deeply integrated with Windows for Linux application development and execution. This update includes a new out-of-the-box setup experience that seamlessly inherits your Windows user details for a smoother installation process.
New Dock Mode
Ubuntu 22.04 introduces a new dock mode, allowing users to change the size of the dock, essentially detaching it from the left side for a floating appearance. This mode works best when combined with the auto-hide feature, providing users with greater flexibility in managing their desktop layout.
Accent Color Selection
Users now have the option to select a different accent color for their desktop, providing a more personalized experience. This change affects various elements, including folder icons, the notification bar, buttons, and other system components.
New Screenshot and Screencast Tool
With GNOME 42, Ubuntu 22.04 boasts a revamped screenshot tool that includes the ability to capture screencasts (video recordings of the desktop). Users can take screenshots of selected areas, the entire screen, or current application windows. The screenshots are copied to the clipboard and saved to the Screenshots folder under the Pictures directory.
Multitasking Settings
The new multitasking settings in Ubuntu 22.04 allow users to enable hot corners, making it easier to access the activities area. Users can also control screen edge effects, adjust the number of workspaces, and manage their behavior, catering to various multitasking preferences.
Wayland as Default Display Server
Ubuntu 22.04 once again makes Wayland the default display server, providing users with a more modern and efficient display protocol. However, this is limited to systems without Nvidia graphics cards due to known compatibility issues, with X11 remaining the default for Nvidia-equipped systems.
Grub 2.06 and Dual Boot Issues
While Ubuntu 22.04 includes Grub bootloader version 2.06, it comes with os-prober feature disabled by default. This may cause dual-boot users to experience issues with other operating systems not appearing in the Grub menu. Fortunately, this can be resolved by installing os-prober and editing the /etc/default/grub file.
Animation Control
Ubuntu 22.04 introduces an option to enable or disable animations in the accessibility settings. While animations are enabled by default for a more fluid user interface experience, disabling them can lead to a slight performance improvement, especially for users who prefer reduced animation effects.
Desktop Icons Position
The position of desktop icons in Ubuntu 22.04 defaults to the bottom right corner. Users can now choose to arrange icons in different positions, including top right, bottom left, or top left, enhancing desktop customization.
Control Over Mounted Drives and Trash
Ubuntu 22.04 allows users to control the behavior of mounted drives and the trash icon in the dock. Users can choose to show or hide mounted disks in the launcher according to their preferences.
Fractional Scaling Up to 225%
Fractional scaling in Ubuntu 22.04 has been extended to support up to 225%, offering greater flexibility for users with high-DPI displays.
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New Ubuntu Logo
Ubuntu has introduced a new logo in Ubuntu 22.04, visible during the boot process, on the login screen, lock screen, and in system information.
Improved Support for Raspberry Pi
With the introduction of zswap and additional tweaks, Ubuntu 22.04 delivers an improved desktop experience for Raspberry Pi users, particularly the low-end Raspberry Pi 4 2GB model.
Firefox as a Snap Package
Firefox is now included as a Snap package by default, simplifying maintenance, enhancing security, and facilitating faster updates across distributions.
Other Software Updates
Ubuntu 22.04 includes updated versions of several prominent software packages, including OpenSSL 3.0, Ruby 3.0, Python 3.10, PHP 8.1, and GCC 11. The Linux Kernel has been updated to version 5.15 LTS.
Please note that the availability of these features may vary depending on the hardware and system configuration. As Ubuntu 22.04 LTS continues its development, additional features and improvements may be introduced before the final release.
Keep an eye out for the official ISO release, and existing users can expect updates to roll out in the coming days. Whether you’re a developer, enthusiast, or enterprise user, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS offers an exciting and feature-rich Linux experience.
This article provides an overview of the expected features in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS based on the information available at the time of writing. Additional features and changes may be introduced as development progresses.
- User-Friendly Interface
- Package Management
- Regular Release Cycle
- Vast Software Repository
- Security
- Community and Support
- Variants
User-Friendly Interface: Ubuntu provides a user-friendly desktop environment, typically using the GNOME desktop by default. This makes it easy for individuals transitioning from other operating systems like Windows or macOS to get started with Ubuntu.
Package Management: Ubuntu uses the Debian package management system, which allows users to easily install, update, and manage software packages using tools like APT (Advanced Package Tool) and the Ubuntu Software Center.
Regular Release Cycle: Ubuntu follows a predictable release cycle, with Long-Term Support (LTS) versions released every two years and regular versions released every six months. LTS releases receive updates and support for five years, making them a stable choice for servers and enterprise environments.
Vast Software Repository: Ubuntu provides access to a vast repository of free and open-source software, making it easy to find and install applications for various purposes.
Security: Ubuntu is known for its strong security measures and regular security updates, making it a secure choice for both desktop and server use.
Community and Support: Ubuntu has a large and active user community, which can be helpful for troubleshooting issues and finding solutions. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, also offers commercial support for businesses and organizations.
Variants: Ubuntu comes in different “flavors” or variants, each with its own desktop environment. For example, Ubuntu GNOME, Ubuntu KDE, and Ubuntu Xfce provide different user experiences to cater to diverse preferences.
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