Useful innovations in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Calling Ubuntu 22.04 LTS a COVID-19 release would be bad public relations, but it's not completely untrue because its predecessor 20.04 was released more or less at the onset of the pandemic. For companies using Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu Server, Ubuntu Cloud, and Ubuntu Core, the upgrade to "Jammy Jellyfish" (Figure 1) is well worthwhile, but there is no rush. Officially, the preceeding Ubuntu 20.04 LTS will still be supported until April 2025, with Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for five additional years, assuming that you make an appropriate donation to Canonical.
However, users of other Ubuntu flavors, such as Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, and the like, can only count on official support until April 2023. Without ESM, admins will need to assess the consequences of the upgrade and compatibility issues at a somewhat less leisurely pace. If you switch to Ubuntu 22.04, the support period is extended to 2027 (or 2025 for the other flavors).
Kernel Support
By default, Ubuntu 20.04 used Linux kernel version 5.4.0, while Ubuntu 22.04 has kernel version 5.15 (linux-generic). Canonical even uses kernel 5.17 (linux-oem-22.04) on certified devices. If you want, you can also use the rolling Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel [1] (linux-hwe-22.04) with the LTS versions, whichs updates the distribution with the regular point releases and kernel versions.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.