Canonical Ubuntu 23.04, Lunar Lobster. Image: sjvn/ZDNET
Canonical has formally launched Ubuntu 23.04, codenamed Lunar Lobster, which is the newest model of its Linux distribution and it boasts enhancements for enterprise developer desktops, gaming enhancements, a revamped installer, and an expanded concentrate on gaming.
“This Ubuntu milestone launch demonstrates our progress in elevating the bar for the enterprise developer desktops, because of our best-in-class Linux integration with Active Directory (AD) Domain Services and now Azure Active Directory,” mentioned Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth.
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He additionally referred to the contemporary concentrate on gaming: “Our expanded funding in Ubuntu gaming means your downtime is simply as satisfying.”
As my Linux-loving colleague Jack Wallen mentioned in his current early have a look at Lunar Lobster, this launch “places on a masterclass for a way an working system ought to evolve.”
The advantages of the discharge begin with the brand new, streamlined Ubuntu Desktop installer. While it is designed for enterprise deployment and customization at scale, the one-off installer is engaging. Much as I like Linux, the assorted distributions’ installers cannot normally be described as “good-looking”. Whether you are putting in an Ubuntu server or desktop, the set up additionally makes use of the identical auto-install configuration workflows, because of the unified Subiquity set up engine.
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Ubuntu 23.04 goals to make the Linux desktop accessible to all and it sports activities a refreshed consumer interface, which helps fashionable but acquainted first-time consumer experiences and new enterprise administration capabilities.
Proof of the distribution’s accessibility comes from Thijs van dek Kanp, nationwide director of technical operations at training specialist Compudopt, who praised the brand new installer: “Our method combines Landscape (Ubuntu’s administration program) administration with Subiquity to allow us to deploy and securely handle our gadgets with ease, no matter their location. The new desktop installer launched in Ubuntu 23.04 will significantly simplify our workflows going ahead.”
For the primary time, the Ubuntu Desktop 23.04 provides native consumer authentication with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). This addition allows Microsoft 365 (M365) customers to authenticate their Ubuntu desktops with the identical credentials used for M365 or Azure.
IT directors can consider the aad-auth characteristic and supply suggestions for backporting to the Ubuntu 22.04 Long-Term Support (LTS) launch later this yr. If your online business is a heavy consumer of Microsoft Office, this course of will allow your group to maintain utilizing Office whereas operating it on the safer, safer Ubuntu Linux.
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The Active Directory Bridging Toolsuite (ADsys) additionally now helps Samba winbindd Domain Services moreover System Security Services Daemon (SSSD). This assist means you need to use Ubuntu with AD on Amazon Workspaces and older AD configurations. ADsys is out there with Ubuntu Pro, which allows IT directors to handle blended Windows and Ubuntu desktop fleets utilizing acquainted workflows. This shift is all a part of Canonical’s plans to make Ubuntu an workplace desktop.
The new Ubuntu additionally consists of up to date toolchains and runtimes for necessary programming languages, resembling Python, Java, Go, C, C++, Rust, and .Net. It additionally comes with improved container safety and lifecycle administration and enhanced debugging assist. Desktop snaps now characteristic refresh consciousness, permitting automated updates of particular snaps to be paused as desired.
Many customers will discover the newest GNOME 44 desktop to be a pleasure to make use of. It offers usability enhancements and fast settings choices for Bluetooth system administration and darkish mode. Additionally, the Firefox snap has seen important efficiency features on the Raspberry Pi with hardware-accelerated rendering.
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Of course, the brand new Ubuntu launch additionally comes with the newest variations of the usual Linux packages we all know and love, which incorporates Firefox 112 for internet looking, LibreOffice 7.1.2 for open-source workplace use, and Thunderbird 102.10.0 for e mail.
Finally, Ubuntu 23.04 takes Linux gaming to the subsequent degree with the promotion of the early entry beta Steam snap to the secure channel. The Steam snap bundles key dependencies to run each new and older titles, together with 32-bit libraries and cutting-edge Mesa drivers.
In abstract, Ubuntu 23.04 is a formidable launch. Give it a attempt — I feel you may prefer it, whether or not you utilize it for improvement, workplace work, or simply for gaming enjoyable.
