Hands on: I tested the latest Ubuntu Desktop release – read what I thought of this popular Linux distro
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This comment first appeared in issue 354 PC Pro.
Debian-based Ubuntu is the starting point for many other distributions, including Linux Mint and OS SORIN. There are at least two builds for the desktop version: the so-called LTS (Long-Term Support) build, which has received at least five years of support since its release, and the BreeDing-Edge version, which comes with nine months of security and maintenance updates. In each case, in the case of this review, the build number is 23.10 – indicates the year and month of release, so 23.10 will be supported until July 2024 and until April 22.04 LTS. New versions appear every six months for shear builds, and LTS versions every other year.
Both 23.10 and 22.04.3 LTS require 4GB memoryalthough in different cores (6.5 vs. 5.17) and desktop environments (GNOME 45 vs. GNOME 41/42), 25GB of driver space and 2GHz dual-core processors, despite running on different cores (6.5 vs. 5.17) and desktop environments. Build 23.10 also runs more latest versions in its default application, FirefoxLibreoffice and Thunderbird. Of these, perhaps the most important is Thunderbird, which is 91-bit in LTS version and 115.2 in 23.10. Thunderbird 115 has made significant interface improvements, and even if you have the LTS version installed, we recommend that you update Thunderbird to at least 115 yourself.
In addition to the desktop version, it is also built for servers and IoT platforms, which include Raspberry pi. The PI version is available directly through Raspberry Pi Imager. There is also an unchanging build where core system files are protected from tampering.
There are not many problems with the installer. You don’t need to know what security the network uses like OpenSuse, nor do you need to use the drive’s partition to complete the process successfully.
Once up and running, you will give you a large vanilla workspace. Despite its own style, Ubuntu is still fairly true to Gnome’s default look and feel, rather than making a big move like Zorin (or Nitrux from KDE plasma). If you don’t like Gnome, you’ll find alternative builds that are a little searchable. kubuntu(Kubu. org) Switch it to KDE, while Ubuntu Budgie (ubuntubudgie.org) and ubuntu cinnamon (ubuntucinnamon.org) Naturally use Budgie and cinnamon. lubuntu (lubuntu.me), using QT and Xubuntu (xubuntu.org) Using XFCE, both Ubuntu recognition ports for lower power computers.
application You can use the built-in application center or install it using APT. The App Center has access to Debian and Snap suites and is upgraded in 23.10 and is more attractive than a replacement installer. There is a handy “jump-start desktop” at the top of the home page that provides direct access to the most common applications, rather than the recommended software section in Raspberry Pi OS. Other named sections, including the productivity section, make it easy to find essentials like alternative browsers, Bitwarden, and Slack. Neither Inkscape nor GIMP are pre-installed, but the versions provided through App Center match the latest version numbers available on their respective sites.
More good news? On the first startup, both wireless printers on our network have been successfully identified and set up.
For many new immigrants, Ubuntu is likely to be Linuxit is easy to understand the reason. Installation is a breeze and once it is done, it works fine. New features in the latest version (including the updated App Center and GNOME 45) are subtle, but welcome improvements to its predecessor, and the default interface is unshakable and has little distraction.
Ubuntu was our lab champion last time and as long as you are happy to run Gnome, nothing has changed here. If not, please take a look at KDE-based Opensuse Tumbleweed Or cinnamon-based Linux mint.
It’s not hard to find Ubuntu-based distributions running KDE, Budgie and several other desktop managers, although it’s fairer to think of them as different products as the companies behind Ubuntu itself aren’t directly controlled.
