Canonical recently announced the release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, codenamed “Noble Numbat.” This new version of Ubuntu is available for download now and promises a number of improvements over previous releases.
Improved Performance
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS features the latest Linux 6.8 kernel, which offers improved syscall performance, nested KVM support on ppc64el, and access to the new bcachefs filesystem. Additionally, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS has merged low-latency kernel features into the default kernel, reducing kernel task scheduling delays. For developers, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS also enables frame pointers by default on all 64-bit architectures, allowing for more complete CPU profiling.
Integrated Workload Accelerators
This release also sees the first-ever integration of Intel® QuickAssist Technology (Intel® QAT) in an LTS version of Ubuntu. This technology helps to accelerate encryption and compression tasks, reducing CPU utilization and improving networking and storage application performance on compatible Intel Xeon processors.
Increased Developer Productivity
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS includes the latest versions of popular programming languages, such as Python 3.12, Ruby 3.2, PHP 8.3, and Go 1.22. This release also includes a number of improvements for developers who use .NET, Java, and Rust. Notably, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers full support for .NET 8, and OpenJDK 17 and 21 are now TCK certified, ensuring they adhere to Java standards.
New Management Tools
For the first time in an LTS release, Ubuntu Desktop uses the same installer technology as Ubuntu Server. This means that administrators can now use image customization tools to create tailored desktop experiences for their users. The user interface has also been redesigned with a modern look and feel.
Focus on Confidential Computing
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS places a strong emphasis on confidential computing. Confidential computing helps to secure data at runtime from vulnerabilities within the system software, including the hypervisor. Ubuntu offers a wide range of confidential virtual machines that are available on Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services. Additionally, Ubuntu is the first and only Linux distribution to support confidential GPUs on the public cloud.
Long-Term Support
As with other LTS releases, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will receive five years of free security maintenance on the main Ubuntu repository. Canonical also offers extended security maintenance through Ubuntu Pro, which provides an additional ten years of support.
Overall, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS appears to be a significant update that offers a number of improvements for both individual users and businesses. With its focus on performance, developer productivity, and security, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is a compelling option for those looking for a stable and reliable Linux distribution.