Ubuntu has long been a favourite among developers and system administrators for its stability, security, and ease of use. With the release of Ubuntu Server Core 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), there are several exciting updates and improvements over its predecessor, Ubuntu Server Core 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish).
Let's see what exciting changes this latest release brings to the table.
Linux Kernel and System Updates
First things first, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with Linux kernel 6.8, which is a major upgrade over the 5.15 kernel used in 22.04 LTS. This new kernel promises better performance, improved hardware support, and stronger security measures.
😱 systemd has also been updated - from version 249 in Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS to 255.4 in 24.04 LTS. This update will ensure smoother service management and faster boot performance.
| Feature | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
|---|---|---|
| Kernel Version | 5.15 | 6.8 |
| Performance | Standard | Enhanced |
| Hardware Support | Limited | Improved |
Performance Engineering
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings several improvements to performance:
- Performance tools are now pre-enabled and pre-loaded, allowing you to use them right away.
- Low-latency kernel features have been merged into the default kernel, reducing task scheduling delays.
- Frame pointers are enabled by default on 64-bit architectures, enabling accurate and complete flame graphs for performance engineers.
- bpftrace is now a standard tool alongside existing profiling utilities.
| Feature | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Tools | Basic | Pre-enabled |
| Low-latency Kernel Features | No | Yes |
| Frame Pointers | No | Yes |
| bpftrace | No | Yes |
Security Enhancements
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS takes security very seriously, and you'll find significant improvements in this area:
- Free security maintenance for the main repository has been extended to 5 years, with an option to add 5 more years and include the universe repository via Ubuntu Pro.
- A legacy support add-on is now available for organizations that require long-term stability beyond 10 years.
| Security Feature | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
|---|---|---|
| Free Security Maintenance | 5 years | 5 years + 5 optional |
| Legacy Support | No | Yes |
Support Lifespan and Upgrades
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with an extended support lifespan and improved upgrade options:
- Support duration has been increased to 5 years, with the option to extend it further.
- Automatic upgrades will be offered to users of Ubuntu 23.10 and 22.04 LTS when 24.04.1 LTS is released.
| Feature/Support | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
|---|---|---|
| Support Duration | 5 years (specific editions) | 5 years + optional extension |
| Automatic Upgrades | No | Yes (for 23.10 and 22.04) |
New Features and Package Updates
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings a few exciting new features and package updates:
- Year 2038 support has been added for the armhf architecture.
- Linux kernel 6.8 and systemd v255.4 are the latest versions included.
| New Feature | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2038 Support | No | Yes |
| Linux Kernel Version | 5.15 | 6.8 |
| Systemd Version | 249 | 255.4 |
Application and Service Improvements
Several key applications and services have received updates in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:
- Nginx has been updated to version 1.24, offering better support for modern web protocols and improved performance.
- OpenLDAP has been upgraded to version 2.6.7, bringing bug fixes and enhancements.
- LXD is no longer pre-installed, reducing the initial footprint, but will be installed upon first use.
- Monitoring plugins have been updated to version 2.3.5, including multiple enhancements and new features for better system monitoring.
| Service/Feature | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
|---|---|---|
| Nginx | 1.20 | 1.24 |
| OpenLDAP | 2.5 | 2.6.7 |
| LXD | Pre-installed | Installed on use |
| Monitoring Plugins | 2.3.2 | 2.3.5 |
Infrastructure and Deployment
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS also brings improvements to infrastructure and deployment:
- The new Landscape web portal is built with Canonical's Vanilla Framework, providing an improved API, better accessibility, and a new repository snapshot service.
- Enhanced management capabilities for snaps, supporting on-premises, mixed, and hybrid cloud environments.
Should You Upgrade from Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS to 24.04 LTS?
Currently Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS offers:
- Improved hardware support and compatibility with linux kernel 6.8
- Performance enhancements and faster boot times
- Extended 5-year support lifespan until June 2029
- Stronger security with 5+5 years of maintenance, legacy support add-on
- Seamless upgrade path from 23.10 and 22.04 LTS
- Updated packages like NGINX, OpenLDAP, and monitoring plugins
The decision to upgrade from 22.04 LTS should consider:
- New hardware/peripheral compatibility needs
- Performance requirements for workloads
- Security and compliance priorities
- Support window and maintenance needs
- Ease of upgrade and potential downtime
Also, Testing for stability and compatibility is crucial, especially for critical applications.
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