Ubuntu 20.04, codenamed “Focal Fossa”, is the latest long-term support (LTS) release of the Ubuntu operating system. It was released on April 23, 2020, and is supported with security updates and patches until April 2025. The LTS release cycle means that Ubuntu 20.04 is a stable and reliable version of the operating system that is ideal for use on servers and workstations.
Table of Contents
New Features and Improvements
Ubuntu 20.04 comes with many new features and improvements, including:
- Linux Kernel 5.4: Ubuntu 20.04 uses the Linux kernel 5.4, which provides improved hardware support, performance, and security.
- GNOME 3.36: Ubuntu 20.04 comes with the latest version of the GNOME desktop environment, which includes many new features and improvements, such as better notifications, enhanced privacy settings, and a refreshed design.
- ZFS support: Ubuntu 20.04 includes support for the ZFS file system, which provides advanced data management and protection features.
- Improved performance: Ubuntu 20.04 includes many performance improvements, such as faster boot times and improved memory usage.
- Updated applications: Ubuntu 20.04 includes many updated applications, such as LibreOffice 6.4, Firefox 75, and Thunderbird 68.
Installation
You can download Ubuntu 20.04 from the official website, and it’s available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The installation process is straightforward, and the installer provides many customization options, such as partitioning and language settings.
Desktop Environment
Ubuntu 20.04 uses the GNOME desktop environment by default, but you can also install and use other desktop environments, such as KDE Plasma or Xfce. The desktop environment provides the graphical user interface and includes many applications and tools that you can use to manage your system and work with files and documents.
Recommended system requirements:
2 GHz dual-core processor or better
4 GB system memory
25 GB of free hard drive space
Internet access is helpful
Either a DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media
Software Management
Ubuntu 20.04 uses the APT package management system, which allows you to install and manage software packages easily. You can use the command-line interface or the graphical Software Center application to search for and install software packages.
Security
Ubuntu 20.04 includes many security features and improvements, such as:
- AppArmor: Ubuntu 20.04 includes AppArmor, a security module that provides mandatory access control for applications and services.
- UFW firewall: Ubuntu 20.04 includes the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW), a simple and easy-to-use firewall that you can configure with command-line or graphical tools.
- Encrypted home directory: Ubuntu 20.04 allows you to encrypt your home directory, which provides additional security for your personal data.
Linux kernel
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS ships multiple optimized kernels on per-product basis:
- Ubuntu Desktop will automatically opt-into v5.17 1.5k kernel on the latest generations of certified devices (linux-oem-22.04)
- Ubuntu Desktop uses a rolling HWE kernel (linux-hwe-22.04) on all other generations of hardware. The rolling HWE kernel is based on the v5.15 392 kernel for 22.04.0 and 22.04.1 point releases
- Ubuntu Server defaults to a non-rolling LTS kernel v5.15 (linux-generic)
- Ubuntu Cloud and Devices use optimized kernels in collaboration with partners (v5.15+ with additional backports and features)
Additional optimized and certified kernel flavours will become available in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS in due course.
Conclusion
Ubuntu 20.04 is a stable and reliable operating system that provides many new features and improvements. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS popular choice for servers and workstations, and it’s widely used in the development and scientific communities. If you are looking for a stable and secure operating system, Ubuntu 20.04 is definitely worth considering for you.
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