https://DevOpsCloud.io -- Cloud Monk Losang Jinpa, Ph.D., MCSE/MCT, GitOps DevOps Engineer

Return to Ubuntu, Debian Version History, Linux Version History, Linux, Version History, Versions, Ubuntu Topics, Ubuntu DevOps

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution based on Debian, developed and maintained by Canonical Ltd. Known for its ease of use, regular release cycle, and strong community support, Ubuntu is widely used for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. Below is the version history of Ubuntu, focusing on Long Term Support (LTS) releases and key features, along with relevant Wikipedia URLs.

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS introduced GNOME 42 as the default desktop environment, offering a more responsive and modern user interface. The update also included significant improvements to Wayland, better support for NVIDIA GPUs, and long-term support until 2027. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_22.04_LTS_(Jammy_Jellyfish)

Ubuntu 20.04 LTS was a major release that included GNOME 3.36, improved ZFS support, and new security features such as Secure Boot enhancements. The theme also saw updates with the Yaru theme being refined for a more modern look. This release receives support until 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_20.04_LTS_(Focal_Fossa)

Ubuntu 18.04 LTS marked the return to the GNOME desktop environment after the abandonment of Unity. This release included improvements in boot speed, better Snap support, and Minimal Installation options for users who preferred a lightweight system. Support for this version runs until 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_18.04_LTS_(Bionic_Beaver)

Ubuntu 16.04 LTS was a long-term support release that introduced Snap packages, providing a new way to install and update software. It also brought improvements to systemd, ZFS support, and continued usage of the Unity desktop environment. This version receives support until 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_16.04_LTS_(Xenial_Xerus)

Ubuntu 14.04 LTS featured the Unity 7 desktop environment and improved support for high-DPI displays. The release focused on stability and performance, making it a solid choice for desktop and server users alike. This version received extended support until 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_14.04_LTS_(Trusty_Tahr)

Ubuntu 12.04 LTS was a pivotal release that introduced HUD (Head-Up Display) to improve app navigation, and Unity became more refined in this version. This release laid the groundwork for subsequent interface developments. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_12.04_LTS_(Precise_Pangolin)

Ubuntu 10.04 LTS was known for its introduction of the Unity interface for Netbooks and a new color scheme, transitioning from the traditional brown to a more modern purple and orange theme. The system also featured faster boot times and enhanced cloud computing integration. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_10.04_LTS_(Lucid_Lynx)

Ubuntu 8.04 LTS was one of the earlier long-term support releases, offering extended support for servers and desktops. This version introduced Wubi, allowing Windows users to install Ubuntu without repartitioning their hard drives, and it included GNOME 2.22 as the desktop environment. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_8.04_LTS_(Hardy_Heron)

Ubuntu 6.06 LTS was the first long-term support release, receiving three years of support on the desktop and five years on the server. It introduced a new graphical installer and included GNOME 2.14. This version established Ubuntu as a reliable and user-friendly operating system for both personal and professional use. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_6.06_LTS_(Dapper_Drake)

Ubuntu 4.10 was the first official release of Ubuntu, based on Debian. It introduced GNOME 2.8 as the default desktop environment and offered easy installation and a six-month release cycle, which would become a hallmark of future releases. Ubuntu 4.10 laid the foundation for what would become one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_version_history#Ubuntu_4.10_(Warty_Warthog)

Ubuntu has grown from a user-friendly Linux distribution into a global operating system for personal, professional, and cloud environments. Each long-term support release has introduced new features, improved performance, and further refined the user experience, making Ubuntu a key player in the open-source ecosystem. With its commitment to regular updates and a strong support community, Ubuntu continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of users worldwide.

Snippet from Wikipedia: Ubuntu version history

Ubuntu releases are made semiannually by Canonical Ltd, its developers, using the year and month of the release as a version number. The first Ubuntu release, for example, was Ubuntu 4.10 and was released on 20 October 2004. Consequently, version numbers for future versions are provisional; if the release is delayed until a different month (or even year) than planned, the version number will change accordingly.

Canonical schedules Ubuntu releases to occur approximately one month after GNOME releases, resulting in each Ubuntu release including a newer version of GNOME.

Every fourth release, occurring in the second quarter of even-numbered years, has been designated as a long-term support (LTS) release. The desktop version of LTS releases for 10.04 and earlier were supported for three years, with server version support for five years. LTS releases 12.04 and newer are freely supported for five years. Through the ESM paid option, support can be extended even longer, up to a total of ten years for 18.04. The support period for non-LTS releases is 9 months. Prior to 13.04, it had been 18 months.

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0