According to Canonical’s release schedule, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS was officially launched on April 25, 2024. As a highly anticipated Long Term Support (LTS) version, it will receive software and security updates for up to 10 years, until April 2034, providing users with a stable and reliable experience.
Recently, Ubuntu, the popular open-source operating system, released its latest Long Term Support version—Ubuntu LTS 24.04. As the newest addition to the Ubuntu series, this version brings numerous new features and enhancements aimed at providing users with a more stable, efficient, and user-friendly operating experience.
First, Ubuntu LTS 24.04 has made significant improvements in user interface and interaction. The new “App Center” provides users with a more intuitive and convenient platform for discovering and managing applications. Here, users can easily browse and search for various popular apps, while the management interface for installed applications has also been redesigned, making it easier to view software details and perform updates. This design not only saves users’ time when searching for software but also makes managing installed applications more efficient.
Versions and Support Duration
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers several versions to meet different user needs:
- Desktop: The standard version suitable for desktops and laptops.
- Server: A version designed for servers and cloud environments, featuring additional functionalities and enhancements.
- Minimal Installation: A streamlined version that contains only basic operating system components, ideal for resource-limited systems or as a base for custom setups.
- No Desktop: A version without a graphical user interface, suitable for command-line operations or as a server backend.
- Image Version: Customized versions for specific hardware architectures or particular use cases.
New Feature Highlights
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS introduces a range of new features and enhancements, including:
- Improved Desktop Installer: The new installer is more modern and includes additional features, such as the ability to set accessibility options after the first screen. By default, the installer now adopts a “minimal” installation mode, meaning it only installs the basic operating system components.
- ZFS Support: Native support for the ZFS file system, which is high-performance, scalable, and reliable, making it an excellent choice for storage pools and file servers.
- TPM Support: Increased support for Trusted Platform Module (TPM), a chip that enhances computer security.
- Linux Kernel 6.8: Incorporation of the feature-rich Linux Kernel 6.8, which includes various performance improvements and new capabilities, such as support for nested KVM on ppc64el and new support for the bcachefs file system.
- Low-Latency Kernel: Integration of low-latency kernel capabilities into the default kernel, helping to reduce scheduling delays and improve performance for latency-sensitive applications.
- Other Updates: Numerous other updates, such as new Ubuntu fonts, improved network configuration tools, and enhanced hardware support.
Differences from Previous Versions
Compared to the previous LTS version (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS), Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers the following key advantages:
- Longer Support Duration: Offers 10 years of software and security updates, compared to only 5 years for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
- Updated Kernel: Utilizes the more powerful Linux Kernel 6.8, bringing performance improvements and new features.
- Enhanced Security: Increased support for TPM, improving overall computer security.
- ZFS Support: Native support for the ZFS file system, providing more storage options.
- Improved Desktop Experience: Features a more modern desktop installer and new Ubuntu fonts.
System Requirements for Installation
The minimum system requirements for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS are as follows:
- Processor: 64-bit processor (x86_64 or ARM64)
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Storage: 25 GB available disk space
- Graphics: Support for VGA resolution
Recommended Configuration
For optimal performance and experience, the following configuration is recommended:
- Processor: Dual-core processor running at 2 GHz or higher
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Storage: 50 GB available disk space
- Graphics: Support for OpenGL 3.0 or higher
How to Download and Install
You can download Ubuntu 24.04 LTS from the official website: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
After downloading, you can burn it to a disc or create a bootable USB drive, then use the media to boot your computer and install the system. You can also directly upgrade from an existing Ubuntu system to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Conclusion
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is a powerful, stable, and user-friendly operating system suitable for desktops, laptops, servers, and cloud environments. With its long support commitment, rich features, and improved performance, it will undoubtedly be the top choice for many users and organizations.