Key Takeaways: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS offers a polished user experience, improved performance, and rock-solid stability, making it a great choice for a wide range of users, including both beginners and experienced ones, even in 2024.
As a long-time Linux enthusiast, I’ve always admired Ubuntu’s user-friendly approach and robust features.
This year marks the continued success of its Long Term Support (LTS) release, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish), which was released in April 2022 and is supported with security updates until April 2027. Plus, you can get free access to Ubuntu Pro from Canonical for additional security (Just a tip).
Because of its rock-solid stability and compelling value proposition, Ubuntu always tops our list of the most stable Linux distributions.
But the question is – is Ubuntu really a worthy choice in 2024? Well, let’s find out.
What’s New in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu has significantly improved over the years, and Ubuntu 22.04 is no different.
Here are some of the key areas where Ubuntu 22.04 shines –
- Simplified Installation: The installation process has been further streamlined, making it easier than ever for newcomers to get started with Ubuntu.
- Improved Search Functionality: Finding applications and files is now a breeze with the refined search functionality.
- Enhanced Settings Menu: The reorganized settings menu offers better navigation and easier access to system configurations.
- Faster Boot Times: Users can expect noticeable improvements in boot times, particularly on modern hardware.
- Enhanced Application Performance: Upgraded software and kernel optimizations contribute to smoother application performance and multitasking.
- Unwavering Stability: As an LTS release, Ubuntu 22.04 offers extended support with regular security updates and bug fixes until April 2027. Basically, you don’t have to worry about the security.
User Experience Enhancements
Beyond the technical upgrades, Ubuntu 22.04 prioritizes user experience with several noteworthy enhancements in various areas.
For example, the user interface now boasts a cleaner and more intuitive layout.
Many of my friends, particularly those transitioning from Windows, have appreciated the intuitive layout and clear organization of GNOME 42 in Ubuntu 22.04. Yet, if you are not sure about switching completely to Ubuntu, you can try installing it on VirtualBox.
This streamlined design makes navigating the desktop and finding needed applications and functionalities much easier.
What I noticed is that Ubuntu 22.04 received a major improvement in its search functionality and settings menu.
Performance and Stability
But the improvement isn’t limited to user experience only.
When I tested it on my old laptop that had i5-6th gen coupled with 4 GB of RAM, the system consistently demonstrated remarkable stability.
To test it out, I exported a video on OpenShot Video Editor along with a couple of web browser tabs simultaneously, and it maintained responsiveness and efficiency. Obviously, considering my poor laptop specification, I felt a slight lag, but it wasn’t a big deal.
So, I can say that even if you have a decent laptop, Ubuntu would surely be a good choice. (At least better than Windows.)
Apart from that, I felt Ubuntu had a noticeable improvement in boot times, application performance, and stability, something that we expect from LTS builds.
Hardware Support and Compatibility
Moving further, Ubuntu 22.04 boasts extensive hardware compatibility, ensuring a smooth experience on a wide range of devices. Basically, you don’t have to worry about your system specification to install it.
Ubuntu provides a comprehensive set of drivers for various hardware components, including graphics cards, network adapters, and printers. And due to its active community, this list is just expanding.
And if you want more features and better compatibility, you can opt for the HWE kernel. This can be beneficial for users with cutting-edge hardware.
But I’d recommend reading the complete documentation before switching to HWE due to potential stability implications.
Security and Privacy Features
Ubuntu 22.04 has taken a major leap in security and features.
For example, here are some of the latest improvements in the area of security and features –
- Regular Security Updates: As an LTS release, Ubuntu 22.04 receives regular security updates throughout its support until 2027.
- Firewall: Ubuntu comes pre-installed with a firewall, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic. It prevents unauthorized access to your system as well as against malicious attacks.
- AppArmor: It now boasts AppArmor, a mandatory access control (MAC) system that restricts applications to only the resources they need to function properly.
- Encrypted Home Directories: By default, Ubuntu encrypts your home directory, which contains your personal files and documents, adding an additional layer of security.
- Privacy Settings: Ubuntu offers various privacy settings that allow you to control how your data is collected and used. These settings can be used to disable location services, manage online tracking, and configure how applications access your data.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Ubuntu benefits from a vibrant and active community that plays a crucial role in its development and user experience. So, even if you are a beginner, you don’t need to worry about getting stuck in the problems.
Plus, its open-source nature allows you to contribute to its development. This can range from reporting bugs and suggesting improvements to actively participating in coding projects.
Future Roadmap and Prospects
Looking ahead, Ubuntu continues to push boundaries and foster innovation.
While the specifics of future releases remain under wraps, the Ubuntu development team is committed to maintaining its position as a leading desktop operating system.
Information about their upcoming LTS release, Ubuntu 24.04, has already made quite a lot of hype. It is scheduled to be released on April 25, 2024, and I am just eagerly waiting for it so that I can have my hands on it. (And you can have its review, too)
Comparison with Alternatives
While Ubuntu remains a compelling choice for many users, we tried to compare it with other Linux distros. The reason for that is simple – to give better recommendations to our readers.
Here is how the comparison went –
Debian
While both Ubuntu and Debian are well-respected operating systems, they cater to slightly different users. Ubuntu is known for its user-friendly interface, extensive software selection, and frequent updates, making it a great choice for beginners and those seeking a polished experience.
Debian, on the other hand, prioritizes stability and rock-solid performance, offering a more lightweight and customizable system. It’s favored by experienced users who appreciate control and are okay with longer software release cycles.
Linux Mint
Both user-friendly and hardware-compatible, Mint and Ubuntu are popular for beginners and veterans alike.
Mint offers a familiar Windows experience with pre-installed codecs and a stable update cycle based on Ubuntu’s LTS releases. On the flip side, Ubuntu enjoys the latest software and features with more frequent updates.
Fedora
Fedora follows a shorter release cycle of six months, providing access to the latest software versions but requiring more frequent upgrades compared to Ubuntu’s LTS model.
Besides that, Fedora is often considered more suitable for experienced users and developers. And Ubuntu, as we all know, caters to a broader audience, including beginners.
Pop!_OS
Unlike Ubuntu, Pop!_OS caters to gamers, creators, and power users, offering a curated system with a focus on performance and out-of-the-box experience. Plus, it utilizes a rolling release model, providing continuous updates with the latest software versions.
CentOS
CentOS primarily prioritizes server stability and long-term support, catering to enterprise users. Plus, it follows a predictable release cycle with minor updates every 6-7 years and major updates every 10 years. But you can opt for CentOS Stream based on a rolling release model with continuous updates.
While both offer extensive software repositories, Ubuntu has a slight edge due to its larger user base and a wider range of officially supported packages.
Kali Linux
Kali Linux is a security-focused distribution, pre-loaded with penetration testing and security auditing tools. It caters to ethical hackers, security researchers, and system administrators, basically it will overwhelm beginners and have a steep learning curve.
While both prioritize security, Kali Linux is specifically designed with security testing and ethical hacking in mind, and its pre-installed tools might pose security risks for general use due to their intended purpose.
Arch Linux
Arch Linux prioritizes flexibility and user control. Users build their systems from the ground up, selecting specific components and tailoring the experience to their needs. So, basically, it is not ideal for beginners.
Arch Linux further requires a more manual and command-line-based installation process, offering a steeper learning curve.
Kubuntu
Kubuntu utilizes the KDE Plasma desktop environment, known for its customizability, advanced features, and visually appealing interface, whereas Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop environment. As a result, Kubuntu caters to users who prefer a high degree of customization and powerful features in their desktop environment.
However, the KDE Plasma desktop environment in Kubuntu requires slightly but noticeably more system resources compared to the GNOME desktop environment in Ubuntu.
Manjaro
Manjaro caters to users who value access to the latest software and enjoy customization. However, it requires some technical knowledge for managing the rolling release model.
On the other hand, Ubuntu is better suited for beginners and general users as it prioritizes stability, ease of use, and a wider range of pre-configured functionality.
Conclusion
There you have it – a detailed review of Ubuntu 22.04.
In my opinion, Ubuntu still remains a compelling choice for various user groups in 2024. Obviously, the upcoming 24.04 might be a better pick with more advanced features. But since that one is yet to come, you can enjoy the 22.04 in the meantime.
With that said, here I am wrapping up this article. I hope it was a great read for you.
