Canonical unveils Ubuntu 23.04 ‘Lunar Lobster’: A Linux distro for work and play

Canonical has formally launched Ubuntu 23.04, codenamed Lunar Lobster, which is the most recent model of its Linux distribution and it boasts enhancements for enterprise developer desktops, gaming enhancements, a revamped installer, and an expanded give attention to gaming. 

“This Ubuntu milestone launch demonstrates our progress in elevating the bar for the enterprise developer desktops, due to our best-in-class Linux integration with Energetic Listing (AD) Area Companies and now Azure Active Directory,” stated Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth.

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He additionally referred to the contemporary give attention to gaming: “Our expanded funding in Ubuntu gaming means your downtime is simply as satisfying.”

As my Linux-loving colleague Jack Wallen stated 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. Whereas it is designed for enterprise deployment and customization at scale, the one-off installer is engaging. A lot as I really like Linux, the varied distributions’ installers cannot often be described as “good-looking”. Whether or not you are putting in an Ubuntu server or desktop, the set up additionally makes use of the identical auto-install configuration workflows, due to the unified Subiquity installation engine.

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Ubuntu 23.04 goals to make the Linux desktop accessible to all and it sports activities a refreshed person interface, which helps trendy but acquainted first-time person 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 strategy 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 brand new desktop installer launched in Ubuntu 23.04 will enormously simplify our workflows going ahead.”

For the primary time, the Ubuntu Desktop 23.04 affords native person 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 Lengthy-Time period Assist (LTS) launch later this yr. If your online business is a heavy person of Microsoft Workplace, this course of will allow your group to maintain utilizing Workplace whereas working it on the safer, safer Ubuntu Linux. 

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The Active Directory Bridging Toolsuite (ADsys) additionally now helps Samba winbindd Domain Services in addition to System Security Services Daemon (SSSD). This assist means you need to use Ubuntu with AD on Amazon Workspaces and older AD configurations. ADsys is offered with Ubuntu Pro, which allows IT directors to handle blended Home 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 brand new Ubuntu additionally consists of up to date toolchains and runtimes for vital programming languages, similar to Python, Java, Go, C, C++, Rust, and .Web. 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 most recent GNOME 44 desktop to be a pleasure to make use of. It supplies usability enhancements and fast settings choices for Bluetooth gadget administration and darkish mode. Moreover, the Firefox snap has seen important efficiency positive factors on the Raspberry Pi with hardware-accelerated rendering.

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In fact, the brand new Ubuntu launch additionally comes with the most recent variations of the usual Linux applications we all know and love, which incorporates Firefox 112 for net searching, LibreOffice 7.1.2 for open-source workplace use, and Thunderbird 102.10.0 for e-mail.

Lastly, Ubuntu 23.04 takes Linux gaming to the subsequent stage 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 powerful launch. Give it a strive — I feel you may prefer it, whether or not you utilize it for growth, workplace work, or simply for gaming enjoyable.