Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Basic Information

Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is a long-term support operating system specifically optimized for Dell hardware. It is based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, codenamed 'Jammy Jellyfish'.

• Model: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)
• Version: 22.04 LTS
• Release Date: April 2022 for the general Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. Dell-certified devices with pre-installed Ubuntu 22.04 LTS became available starting August 2022.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: 1 GHz or better (for server edition), 2 GHz dual-core or better (for desktop edition).
  • RAM: 512 MB (1 GB recommended) for server, 4 GB for desktop.
  • Storage: 2.5 GB for server, 25 GB for desktop.
• Supported Operating Systems: Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is itself an operating system. It runs on certified Dell hardware.
• Latest Stable Version: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
• End of Support Date: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS receives security updates for five years from its general release (April 2022). Extended security updates are available for up to 10 years with an Ubuntu Advantage subscription.
• End of Life Date: Up to 10 years from release with Ubuntu Advantage.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Updates are provided for 5 years for the standard LTS release, and up to 10 years with Ubuntu Advantage.
• License Type: Open-source (GNU GPL and other licenses).
• Deployment Model: Primarily pre-installed on Dell Developer Edition hardware (e.g., Dell XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition), also installable on compatible Dell systems.

Analysis: Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS offers a robust, long-term supported environment. Its LTS nature ensures stability and extended security updates, making it suitable for enterprise and development use cases. The tight integration with Dell hardware, particularly Developer Edition models, aims for an optimized out-of-the-box experience.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 4 GB for desktop, 1 GB for server. Recommended 8 GB+ for desktop, 2 GB+ for server.
• Processor: Dual-core 2 GHz or better for desktop, 1 GHz or better for server. Supports Intel (amd64), AMD (amd64), ARM (arm64), POWER (ppc64el), and IBM Z (s390x) architectures. Dell-certified devices often feature Intel Core i5/i7/i9 or Xeon processors.
• Storage: Minimum 25 GB for desktop, 2.5 GB for server. Recommended 50 GB+ for desktop, 20 GB+ for server. SSD storage is common in certified Dell systems.
• Display: VGA capable of 1024x768 resolution for desktop. Dell XPS models often feature 13.4-inch 1920x1200 (16:10 aspect ratio) or up to 4K+ OLED displays.
• Ports: Varies by Dell model. Common ports include USB (2.0, 3.0, 3.2), DisplayPort, VGA, Ethernet. Dell XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition features a minimalist design with limited ports.
• Operating System: Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is the operating system itself.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: The requirements are flexible, accommodating a range of hardware from minimal server setups to high-performance developer workstations. Dell's certification program ensures that specific hardware configurations, including processors, memory, and storage, are fully compatible and optimized for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. This optimization extends to specific drivers and kernel configurations.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
• OS Support: Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is the operating system. It is designed to run on a wide range of Dell hardware, including XPS, Precision, and PowerEdge systems.
• End of Support Date: Standard support for 5 years, extended to 10 years with Ubuntu Advantage.
• Localization: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS supports numerous languages and regional settings.
• Available Drivers: Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS includes specific software and drivers optimized for Dell hardware, often delivered via a meta-package. This ensures all components function as expected.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Dell's long-standing partnership with Canonical ensures excellent compatibility and support for certified Dell hardware. The Ubuntu certification program guarantees that all components work as expected, providing a stable and reliable experience. Long-term support, coupled with Dell's direct support for Ubuntu OEM customers, offers a comprehensive support ecosystem.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • nftables as default firewall backend.
  • OpenSSL updated to version 3 with new cryptographic algorithms.
  • Secure shell-RSA disabled by default in OpenSSH.
  • Rust for memory-safe system-level programming.
  • Optimized Linux kernels (v5.15 for most, v5.17 for OEM certified desktops).
  • Hardware-specific security enhancements like Intel SGX (Software Guard eXtensions) and ARMv8.5 Memory Tagging Extension.
  • Kernel stack randomization.
  • Private home directories by default.
  • BPF subsystem security enhancements.
  • Landlock Linux Security Module for application sandboxing.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Regular security updates address vulnerabilities. As an LTS release, it receives continuous security patches for up to 10 years.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; it is a legitimate operating system.
• Certifications: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is certified by Canonical for specific Dell hardware, ensuring optimal functionality and security.
• Encryption Support: Supports various encryption methods, including full disk encryption during installation. OpenSSL 3 provides updated cryptographic algorithms.
• Authentication Methods: Standard Linux authentication methods, including password, SSH keys, and integration with Active Directory for Ubuntu Advantage users.
• General Recommendations: Keep the system updated, use strong passwords, enable disk encryption, and follow best security practices.

Analysis on Overall Security Rating: Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS boasts a strong security posture. It incorporates numerous enhancements from the upstream Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, including updated cryptographic libraries, kernel hardening, and hardware-backed security features. The default configurations prioritize security, making it a highly secure platform for enterprise and development environments.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmarks for "Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS" are not readily available as a distinct entity. Performance is generally aligned with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS running on optimized Dell hardware.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Enhanced desktop performance with GNOME 42, including triple-buffering and improved power management.
  • Faster boot times and application responsiveness due to optimizations for Dell hardware.
  • Improved support for Bluetooth audio and battery level reporting via updated PulseAudio.
  • Integration of latest toolchains for Python, PHP, Ruby, Perl, GCC, Go, and Rust benefits developer workflows.
• Power Consumption: Improved power management settings in GNOME 42 contribute to better battery life on laptops. Dell's hardware optimizations further enhance power efficiency.
• Carbon Footprint: As a software asset, its carbon footprint is tied to the hardware it runs on and the energy efficiency of that hardware. Optimized power management can reduce energy consumption.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Offers a highly optimized experience compared to generic Ubuntu installations on non-certified hardware. It provides a stable and performant alternative to other Linux distributions or Windows for developers and enterprise users on Dell platforms.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status: The Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS delivers excellent performance, especially on certified Dell hardware. Canonical's and Dell's collaboration ensures deep integration and optimization, leading to a smooth and efficient user experience. Performance benefits stem from kernel optimizations, updated desktop environments, and tailored driver support.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback generally highlight the stability and reliability of Dell's Ubuntu Developer Editions.

• Strengths:
  • Out-of-the-box hardware compatibility and functionality on certified Dell systems.
  • Long-term support and security updates.
  • Optimized performance for Dell hardware.
  • Suitable for developers due to pre-installed tools and libraries.
  • Enhanced desktop experience with GNOME 42.
• Weaknesses:
  • Some users installing generic Ubuntu 22.04 LTS on Dell hardware might encounter issues with Wayland, Chrome, and screen sharing, especially with older Intel integrated GPUs, suggesting the value of Dell's OEM kernel.
  • Specific steps might be required for manual installation on Dell laptops, such as changing BIOS settings from RAID to AHCI and disabling fast boot.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Software development and programming.
  • Enterprise environments requiring stable, secure, and long-term supported Linux workstations or servers.
  • Users seeking a pre-configured, hassle-free Linux experience on Dell hardware.

Summary

Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS represents a highly optimized and secure operating system solution, particularly for Dell's certified hardware. Its foundation on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) provides a stable, long-term supported platform with a standard 5-year support window, extendable to 10 years via Ubuntu Advantage. This makes it an ideal choice for environments prioritizing stability and extended lifecycle management.

Technical requirements are adaptable, catering to both minimal server deployments and demanding desktop workloads, with Dell's certification ensuring seamless integration across a range of processors, RAM, and storage configurations. The asset excels in support and compatibility, benefiting from a deep partnership between Dell and Canonical. This collaboration guarantees that hardware components function optimally out-of-the-box, with tailored drivers and kernel configurations.

Security is a significant strength, featuring modern protections such as nftables as the default firewall, OpenSSL 3, disabled SSH-RSA by default, and hardware-backed security enhancements like Intel SGX. These features, combined with continuous security updates, position it as a highly secure operating environment. Performance is robust, particularly on certified Dell systems, offering an enhanced desktop experience with GNOME 42, improved power management, and optimized toolchains for developers.

User feedback generally praises its stability and the convenience of an optimized Linux experience on Dell hardware, especially for development tasks. While generic Ubuntu installations on Dell systems might present minor compatibility challenges, the Dell Customized version addresses these through its certification program.

Overall, Dell Customized Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is a highly recommended asset for enterprises and developers seeking a reliable, secure, and performant Linux environment tightly integrated with Dell hardware. Its strengths lie in its long-term support, robust security features, and hardware-optimized performance. Potential users should consider certified Dell hardware to fully leverage these benefits.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations; for up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.