If there were those who thought that Linux was now dead or in decline, he must immediately change his mind and try the latest version of Ubuntu, the most popular Linux distro in the world. Ubuntu came out in its first version in 2004 and has since completely changed the face of Linux making it a system not only for computer experts, but for everyone, for daily use even at home.
Ubuntu, an open source operating system whose development is handled by the Canonical company, is the Linux distribution that first of all tried to make itself similar to Windows and Mac in terms of ease of use.
At the same time, because of this feature, which has certainly brought more people closer to Linux than all other distributions have done, it is little loved by more experienced Linux users.
The new version released in these days of this Linux operating system, precisely Ubuntu 18.04 Bionic Beaver, should instead make everyone agree and make happy both those who want a more fun operating system to tinker with, and those who want it as easy and immediate as they are Windows and OS X.
The new version of Ubuntu is available in desktop, server, cloud and core variants and is a release of long term support ( LTS or Long Time Support ), which means that it can be maintained for five years, until April 2023.
Ubuntu 18.04 is a very large update for the most used Linux distribution in the world, with a large amount of improvements and changes that improve the usability of the computer for each user, also promoting itself as a new platform for application developers.
Among the main changes and the most important changes in the new version of the most used Linux distribution in the world we see that:
- There is no longer a 32-bit installer for Ubuntu Desktop
- Ubuntu Desktop uses the updated Gnome interface instead of Unity.
- Kernel updated to version 4.15
- Use of a swap file instead of a dedicated partition for those who install from scratch.
- "Minimum installation" option during installation.
- The installer no longer requires you to encrypt the Home directory and there is the option to use full disk encryption.
- Battery powered devices suspend after 20 minutes of inactivity
- Support for driverless printing.
Ubuntu 18.04 improves the package management solution called Snap .
This novelty is very important for developers who can now distribute the latest version of their applications more easily and make sure that they are isolated from the system so as not to give security and stability problems.
Put simply for users there is an improvement in the way apps update, the ability to use new versions above the previous ones and the convenience of having programs updated in less time than before.
This is an important change for Ubuntu which can now attract the attention of more software developers.
Those who already use Ubuntu can update the version from 16.04 LTS to Ubuntu 17.10 by going to System Settings, then to Software and updates, checking the box " for any version " and then " Notify me of a new Ubuntu version ".
Then use the keyboard shortcut Alt-F2 and type update-manager -cd in the command box.
The update manager should show the new version to be installed.
Those who want to try Ubuntu for the first time, can download Ubuntu from the official website, copy it to a DVD or a USB stick and try it even without installation on any Windows PC .
The complete list of changes for the latest version (18.04) and the download links is on the release notes page
On the Ubuntu website there are guides to install Ubuntu on a USB stick and to try Ubuntu even just out of curiosity, that is, without installing it and without touching the disk where Windows is located.
Who needs to update, can go, as you well know, in Software updates and download the new version of Ubuntu from there.
After installation, check that the Italian language settings are correct and complete and check that the drivers are downloaded (with the tool included in Ubuntu " Additional Drivers ").
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