Exploring Ubuntu 24.04 Beta: What’s New and Exciting

Rohan Timalsina

April 25, 2024 - TuxCare expert team

Canonical, the driving force behind the popular Ubuntu operating system, has just unveiled the beta version of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (code-named “Noble Numbat“). This release, aimed at public testing, offers users a sneak peek into the upcoming features and improvements before the official launch on April 25, 2024.

What’s Under the Hood?

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS beta brings in a number of enhancements and updates. It’s powered by the latest GNOME 46 desktop environment and runs on the Linux kernel 6.8, promising better performance and stability.

Exciting Features to Look For

One of the highlights of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is the revamped desktop installer with support for accessibility features. Moreover, it now adopts a provisioning-based installation approach, and users can automate deployment by opening a .yaml file with pre-filled configurations.

The beta version introduces new default installation options – Default selection and Extended selection – catering to different user preferences. Additionally, users can now opt for guided ZFS installations, including both encrypted and unencrypted options, although these remain experimental.

New Tools and Enhancements

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS debuts a graphical firmware update tool, Firmware Updater, simplifying the process of keeping hardware up-to-date. It also offers out-of-the-box support for Raspberry Pi 5, expanding compatibility to this popular single-board computer.

Netplan 1.0 makes its debut in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, offering advanced network management capabilities. Furthermore, Mozilla Thunderbird comes as a Snap by default, ensuring seamless email management.

Other Ubuntu 24.04 Changes

Technical improvements abound in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Notable enhancements include support for “Year 2038” on the ARMhf architecture, increased vm.max_map_count for enhanced gaming experiences, and security patches against recent vulnerabilities.

The Ubuntu App Center receives several new features and enhancements, facilitating smoother package management. The inclusion of apt priority for the “proposed” repository aims to prevent broken installations from potentially unstable updates.

Ready to Dive In?

If you’re eager to explore Ubuntu 24.04 LTS beta, head over to the official website to download the pre-release version. Later, you can also upgrade the beta version directly to the final release when it comes out on April 25, 2024. However, exercise caution as beta versions are not intended for production environments.

Conclusion

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS beta promises a glimpse into the future of this long-anticipated operating system. With a focus on accessibility, performance, and security, it sets the stage for an exciting and feature-rich release. Dive into the beta version today and be a part of shaping the future of Ubuntu!

Canonical ensures that all official Ubuntu flavors are also available in the beta channel. Whether you prefer Kubuntu with its Calamares installer or the simplicity of Lubuntu, there’s a flavor tailored to your needs.

The sources for this article include a story from 9to5Linux.

Summary