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Canonical is now making the new version of its Linux operating system available to everyone: Ubuntu. On the program a simplified installer and a revamped and more accessible Gnome desktop. Discovery.
As with Windows or macOS, the arrival of a new Linux operating system is a small event in itself. Admittedly, the number of people involved is not that large, but Linux, and especially Ubuntu, has attracted a growing number of users with a pleasant graphical interface, advanced functionalities and increasingly affordable controls.
Ubuntu: A Free Operating System
What sets Linux and Ubuntu apart from Windows or macOS is that they are a free operating system. This means two things: its use is free and its development is the result of the work of thousands of programmers around the world. The system’s source code would be open, that is, anyone can read and modify it. The flip side of the coin is that anyone can do whatever they want with the code and thus create their own operating system. From this freedom comes the plethora of versions of Linux – we’re talking about distribution – that meet different needs and wishes. However, there are some big trends and some flavors of Linux have managed to stand out like Fedora, Suse, Arch and of course Ubuntu. Each of the distributions is available with different desktops (graphical interfaces) such as Gnome, KDE or XFCE to adapt to the power of your machine. This diversity is therefore both a strength and a weakness, as the Linux system can surprise the less accustomed with its inconsistency from one distribution to another.
Firefox and a terminal since Ubuntu 22.04
But what can a PC running Linux actually do? A large proportion of those who use Windows do so because it was already installed on their computers by default. Others have chosen to stay on it in order to play or even take advantage of the Microsoft Office suite. For a particular use, is it still necessary to pay a license to Microsoft in 2022 to enjoy a computer that works well? The days when Linux was just for computer scientists and geeks are long gone. Now almost anyone can find their account on a Linux machine. For standard usage, we can only recommend Ubuntu. And on the technical support side, you can count on extensive documentation produced by the French community, with help in regularly responding to messages on Telegram.
Several games present and functional under Linux.
Nowadays we mainly use our PCs for too restrictive actions on the phone. Respond to long emails, host video conference meetings, write a report or work on spreadsheets, play video games. Much of these actions are now done through web browsers. Anyone can view and write an email from their provider’s online space. Likewise, office software suites such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office 365 enable professional structures to organize their work online. All these tools, which work with an internet browser, are therefore automatically compatible with Linux. For people who still prefer to use Microsoft Word or Excel on their computers, Ubuntu offers the Libre Office suite by default, which essentially does the same job as the Microsoft suite… but for free.
Ubuntu 22.04: The New Long Term Support
Ubuntu’s lifecycle has been a well-oiled machine for over 10 years now, with a release rate of a midpoint release every six months and a major release every two years. Version 22.04 was released today, codenamed Jammy Jellyfish. This is a big update called LTS or Long term support† So it will be preserved until 2027. This means that you will have security updates for the entire period.
The update cycle of Ubuntu.
The most important novelties
Since March 31, 2022, it is possible to test a version very close to the final rendering. It is from this beta version that we were able to start our tests. While there are still a few tweaks and improvements to be made, most of the work is done.
Graphic redesign with Gnome
The most significant change for users is undoubtedly the move to Gnome 42. This new version of the default graphical interface (the desktop), adapted by Ubuntu’s own Yaru theme, offers new customization features. Like macOS or Windows, it is now possible to change the color of the system’s various bars and shadows. Of course, as with Windows, the color choice remains limited.
The new multitasking options in Ubuntu 22.04.
Another graphical aspect, Gnome 42 offers a new style of windows. Exit the two-tone display with black windows and white content gives way to rounded corners and a graphical style similar to macOS. This change, which may seem small, is nevertheless very interesting, as it is used on all windows present on the system. So even software that had a rather old-fashioned interface is brought up to date.
The various applications available by default from the activity view.
In terms of features, this version of Ubuntu also brings some nice little changes. The update to Gnome 42 allows those who regularly work with virtual desktops to regain horizontal spaces. Specifically, it is now possible to move its applications on the desktops, not by sending them down, but rather by moving them from right to left. Similarly, the application launcher changes to be closer to what’s already in Debian in different versions. The very vertical and rigid launcher of previous versions gives way to horizontal scrolling, which allows you to always see the different desktops to launch the application wherever you want. These two new spaces also remain highly customizable through Ubuntu Settings.
Ubuntu 22.04: menus, rounder and more colorful
Technical developments
Jammy Jellyfish follows the development that started with 21.04 by offering the Wayland desktop manager by default. For standard users, this change will likely go unnoticed. Only those who are used to using X11 and adjusting its settings will be able to notice the difference. However, Wayland is the future of graphics and the adoption of this new standard in Ubuntu should accelerate its adoption in the Linux world.
This major Ubuntu update is also an opportunity to update many system components, such as OpenSSL, which secures Internet connections. Developers and scientists are also entitled to the latest official version of Python, 3.10. The latter offers new features such as better error feedback, allowing users to better understand their code and thus create many applications.
In Ubuntu 22.04 Wayland replaced X11
Finally, Canonical makes it easier to join the Ubuntu Pro service. The latter provides the ability to perform important updates without having to reboot your machine. However, the free service for up to three machines focuses its offerings on the US market.
More secrets?
You may not have noticed, but Ubuntu is now using the snap utility more and more. The latter has nothing to do with the yellow ghost that can be found on the smartphones of many teenagers. This is the software or package installation manager. The latest software format developed by Canonical intends to enhance the security of your applications.
It is possible to subscribe to a Pro Ubuntu subscription for enhanced technical support.
So the software installed via snap is meant to be lighter as it is compressed and more “waterproof”. In other words, if an app is compromised, it shouldn’t be allowed to access the rest of your machine or other apps. This notion of sealing is gaining importance in a world where cyber-attacks are becoming more and more severe. However, many users find that snap greatly slows down the machines startup or even prevents the proper functioning of the drive. Many users of the Firefox web browser don’t appreciate the fact that it’s now automatic via snap!
Firefox in snap version for Ubuntu since version 21.10
In fact, during our testing, we noticed that Firefox took a long time to start… Sometimes very long… The English site OMGUbuntu also confirms the results we have obtained and believes that “Firefox takes up to 10 seconds after every full restart“. You will therefore either have to be patient or revert to the classic installation of software using .deb packages.
No new installation software
Finally, one of the announced updates was none other than the change to the installation software. Those who are used to it know that the current installer was there long before the arrival of UEFI in 2014. However, version 22.04 does not seem to include any new ones, as has been claimed by many occasions. It’s a safe bet that this will transfer smoothly during 22.10 or 23.04.
The Jammy Jellyfish version has you convinced and are you ready to take the plunge? First of all, we remind you that while installing Ubuntu is now within everyone’s reach, it is imperative to think about creating your backups beforehand!
If you are already on Ubuntu, the update will be offered to you automatically soon. To do this, you have two choices: reinstall your entire machine using the downloadable image from the web, or simply force updates to your PC. To get a new image, just go to the Ubuntu site and start the download. If you’d rather upgrade your machine, a simple “sudo do-release-upgrade -d” will do!
Ubuntu
Ubuntu, a GNU/Linux operating system based on the Debian distribution.
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Version :
22.04 -
To download:
192 -
Publication date :
21-04-2022 -
Writer :
Canonical Ltd. -
Permit :
Free software -
Categories:
Operating system
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Operating system :
linux
