Ubuntu, the popular Linux distribution, has released its latest long-term support (LTS) version – Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, codenamed “Jammy Jellyfish.” This release brings a range of new features and enhancements to the Linux desktop, including more customization options, better performance and power efficiency, expanded Active Directory integration, and more. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights of this release, so you get a better understanding of what to expect from the update.
1: New GNOME 42 Desktop Environment
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS comes with the latest version of the GNOME desktop environment – GNOME 42. The updated edition offers a sleeker user interface that includes more condensed on-screen notifications and better support for multiple monitors. Furthermore, users can experience swift horizontal transitions between workspaces and corresponding touchpad gestures.
2: Customisation Options
Ubuntu’s Yaru theme has been refined, and users can enjoy more customization options with the introduction of a new accent color-picker. The community wallpaper competition was a great success, and all the finalists have been included in the LTS release, providing even more options for users to personalize their desktops.
3: Improved Performance and Power Efficiency
One of the most significant improvements in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is the massive upgrade in Linux desktop performance. As a result of the work done on GNOME triple buffering, individuals utilizing Intel and Raspberry Pi graphics drivers can anticipate a frame rate increase of up to two times when maneuvering through the desktop.
Additionally, AMD and NVIDIA graphics card users will also see significant improvements in performance, along with runtime power management for NVIDIA GPUs. For the majority of systems, Wayland is now the default display server, while X11 is still the default option for those utilizing NVIDIA GPUs.
4: Power Profile Options
With the release of GNOME 42, users can access fresh power profile alternatives that enable them to choose between performance and power consumption directly from the settings screen. Furthermore, Raspberry Pi users utilizing the low-end Raspberry Pi 4 2GB model can experience a more robust desktop environment with the default enabling of zswap and other optimizations made to the compression algorithm.
5: Expanded Active Directory Integration
The Ubuntu desktop has undergone upgrades that cater to enterprise users, particularly with regard to integrating with pre-existing identity management solutions. With the release of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, it became possible to integrate Active Directory for policy-based administration using Microsoft Active Directory Group Policy and to authenticate users via SSSD.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS takes Active Directory integration to the next level, offering full installer integration and the ADsys client that provides extensive Group Policy support, privilege escalation, and remote script execution capabilities.
6: Ubuntu WSL Upgrades to 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is now accessible on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which is beneficial for desktop developers who use Windows. The most recent Ubuntu WSL edition provides a complete Ubuntu environment that is seamlessly integrated with Windows, facilitating Linux application development and execution.
The new default setup process makes it user-friendly to get started as it automatically takes on your Windows user information for a more seamless setup experience. The latest kernel and updated toolchains are included, and developers can access the latest toolchains for Python, Ruby, Perl, Go, PHP, and Rust.
7: Other Updates
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS also comes with other updates and tweaks, including improvements to Bluetooth headset support in PulseAudio, updated versions of LibreOffice, Thunderbird, and Firefox (which now ships as a snap, published by Mozilla), and support for memory-safe, systems-level programming with Rust.
Conclusion
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish is a significant upgrade from the previous LTS version. The new release brings more customization options, better performance and power efficiency, and expanded enterprise integration, making it an ideal choice for developers and creators.
