Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS

Basic Information

Canonical Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS, codenamed "Jammy Jellyfish," is a long-term support release of the Ubuntu operating system.

• Model/Version: Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)
• Release Date: April 21, 2022.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: 2 GHz dual-core processor or better.
  • RAM: 4 GB.
  • Storage: 25 GB of free disk space.
  • Graphics: VGA capable of 1024x768 resolution or higher.
  • Installation Media: USB port or DVD drive.
• Supported Operating Systems (Architectures): x86-64 (AMD64), ARM64, RISC-V (RVA20 profile), ppc64le (POWER8 and later), s390x.
• Latest Stable Version: Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS (as of February 2025, with kernel 6.8).
• End of Standard Support Date: April 2027.
• End of Life Date (with Ubuntu Pro/ESM): April 2032 (with Ubuntu Pro/ESM, providing 10 years of support). An optional Legacy add-on to Ubuntu Pro extends support to April 2037, totaling 15 years.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Updates are provided until the end of standard support (April 2027) and can be extended with Ubuntu Pro/ESM.
• License Type: Primarily free and open-source software, based on Debian.
• Deployment Model: Desktop, Server, Cloud, IoT, and embedded devices.

Technical Requirements

Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS requires moderate hardware for a smooth user experience, with specific recommendations for optimal performance.

• RAM: Minimum 4 GB for physical installations, 2 GB for virtualized installations. For optimal performance, 8 GB or more is recommended.
• Processor: A 2 GHz dual-core processor or better is the minimum. For a better experience, a Core i3 or better, or a quad-core processor, is recommended.
• Storage: A minimum of 25 GB of free disk space is required. For comfortable daily use and future updates, 50 GB or more is recommended.
• Display: VGA capable of 1024x768 resolution or higher. A 3D acceleration-capable GPU with at least 256 MB of VRAM is recommended for desktop environments.
• Ports: A USB port or DVD drive is needed for installation media.
• Operating System: Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS is a standalone operating system.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The minimum requirements for Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS allow for basic functionality, suitable for light tasks like web browsing and office applications. However, for a truly smooth and responsive experience, especially with multiple applications or modern web content, exceeding these minimums is advisable. The recommended specifications provide a more comfortable and stable environment throughout the 5-year support period. The OS supports a wide range of 64-bit architectures, including Intel/AMD (x86-64), ARM64, RISC-V, POWER, and s390x, making it versatile for various hardware platforms.

Support & Compatibility

Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS offers extensive support and compatibility, characteristic of a long-term support release.

• Latest Version: Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS, featuring Linux kernel 6.8.
• OS Support: 5 years of standard security maintenance for the main OS. This extends to 10 years with Ubuntu Pro (ESM) and up to 15 years with the Legacy add-on.
• End of Support Date: Standard support ends April 2027. Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) through Ubuntu Pro extends support to April 2032.
• Localization: Available in more than 55 languages.
• Available Drivers: Supports a wide range of hardware with in-distro drivers. It includes readily available NVIDIA GPU drivers and NVIDIA AI Enterprise suite support.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS provides robust and long-term support, making it an excellent choice for enterprise environments and users prioritizing stability. The 5-year standard support period ensures consistent security updates and maintenance. The availability of Ubuntu Pro significantly extends this, offering up to 15 years of security maintenance, which is crucial for long-term deployments and compliance. Its broad architecture support, including x86-64, ARM64, and POWER, ensures compatibility with diverse hardware, from desktops to servers and IoT devices. Comprehensive localization options cater to a global user base. The inclusion of current kernel versions and readily available drivers for popular hardware like NVIDIA GPUs enhances out-of-the-box compatibility and performance.

Security Status

Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS emphasizes security with numerous features and ongoing maintenance.

• Security Features:
  • Default secure configuration with most network ports closed and a firewall enabled (nftables is the default backend).
  • AppArmor for fine-grained security confinement.
  • Full Disk Encryption (FDE) support.
  • Unprivileged User Namespace Restrictions.
  • Hardware-specific security enhancements like Intel SGX and AMD SEV support.
  • Kernel stack randomization.
  • Migration to OpenSSL 3, deprecating legacy algorithms by default.
  • OpenSSH UX improvements for FIDO/U2F tokens; ssh-rsa disabled by default.
  • Rust for memory-safe system-level programming.
  • BPF subsystem enhancements, restricting use to privileged processes by default.
  • Landlock Linux Security Module for application sandboxing.
  • Private home directories.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Canonical actively identifies, tests, and remediates vulnerabilities, backporting patches to supported versions.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; Ubuntu is a widely used and trusted operating system.
• Certifications: Supports enterprise Active Directory, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, FIPS, and FedRAMP compliance. FIPS-certified cryptography is available with Ubuntu Pro.
• Encryption Support: Full Disk Encryption (FDE) and Confidential Computing for upgraded data protection in cloud operations.
• Authentication Methods: Supports various authentication methods, including FIDO/U2F tokens via OpenSSH.
• General Recommendations: Canonical recommends keeping systems updated, utilizing Ubuntu Pro for extended security maintenance, and leveraging built-in security features.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS is designed with a strong focus on security, offering a robust platform for both individual users and enterprise deployments. Its default secure configuration, comprehensive hardware security support, and advanced kernel-level protections significantly reduce the attack surface. The adoption of OpenSSL 3 and memory-safe languages like Rust further enhances cryptographic security and mitigates common vulnerability classes. Canonical's commitment to timely vulnerability management and extended security maintenance through Ubuntu Pro provides a high level of assurance, making it suitable for environments with stringent compliance requirements.

Performance & Benchmarks

Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS delivers solid performance, benefiting from updated components and optimizations.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores vary widely depending on hardware and workload. However, the OS is generally considered performant.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Users report a responsive and stable experience. It features GNOME 42 with power profiles, upgraded workspace management, and frame rate optimizations, leading to smoother performance on various hardware. Wayland is the default display server, contributing to a smoother feel.
• Power Consumption: GNOME power profiles are introduced, allowing users to manage power consumption more effectively.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed in available data, but as an efficient Linux distribution, it generally has a lower overhead compared to more resource-intensive operating systems.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is considered very performant and well-maintained, with its GNOME 42 implementation being a positive, albeit sometimes "FrankenGNOME," aspect. It is often compared favorably to previous Ubuntu versions and other Linux distributions for its balance of features and stability.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS offers strong performance, particularly for a long-term support release. The integration of GNOME 42 brings significant usability, battery, and performance improvements, including optimized frame rates. The default use of Wayland as the display server also contributes to a smoother and more modern desktop experience. While specific benchmark numbers are hardware-dependent, the general consensus points to a highly responsive and stable system, suitable for a wide range of desktop computing tasks. Power management features further enhance its efficiency.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS highlight its stability, performance, and long-term support benefits.

• Strengths:
  • Stability: As an LTS release, it is highly stable and reliable, making it suitable for production environments.
  • Performance: Generally considered very performant, with a responsive desktop environment.
  • Long-Term Support: The 5-year support period (extendable to 10 or 15 years with Ubuntu Pro) is a major advantage for users seeking consistency and security.
  • User Experience: The GNOME 42 desktop environment, with its visual refinements and new features like accent colors and improved multitasking, is generally well-received.
  • Hardware Support: Offers extensive hardware support, including for Raspberry Pi 4 and NVIDIA GPUs.
  • Security: Praised for its enhanced security features and Canonical's commitment to updates.
• Weaknesses:
  • Snap Integration: The forced use of Snap packages for some applications, notably Firefox, has been a point of contention for some users who prefer traditional Debian packages or Flatpak.
  • "FrankenGNOME": Some users note that Ubuntu's GNOME implementation is a "hodgepodge of new and outdated components," leading to minor inconsistencies.
  • Resource Usage: While generally performant, the default GNOME desktop can be more resource-intensive than lighter desktop environments, especially on minimum-spec hardware.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • General desktop computing for home and office users.
  • Development environments, benefiting from up-to-date software packages and stability.
  • Enterprise deployments requiring long-term stability, security, and compliance.
  • Cloud and server environments due to its robust server edition and cloud optimizations.
  • IoT and embedded devices, with specialized versions like Ubuntu Core.

Summary

Canonical Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS, "Jammy Jellyfish," stands as a highly capable and stable operating system, designed for long-term reliability and broad applicability. Released on April 21, 2022, it offers a compelling blend of modern features, robust security, and extensive support, making it a strong contender for both individual users and enterprise environments.

Strengths include its 5-year standard support period, extendable to 10 or even 15 years with Ubuntu Pro, ensuring prolonged security updates and maintenance. Its technical requirements are moderate, with a 2 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB RAM, and 25 GB storage as minimums, but it scales well with more powerful hardware for optimal performance. The OS boasts comprehensive hardware compatibility across various architectures (x86-64, ARM64, RISC-V, POWER, s390x) and includes readily available drivers for key components like NVIDIA GPUs. Security is a paramount focus, featuring a secure-by-default configuration, AppArmor, FDE, hardware-backed security enhancements (Intel SGX, AMD SEV), OpenSSL 3, and the adoption of memory-safe Rust. Performance is generally strong, benefiting from the GNOME 42 desktop environment, Wayland as the default display server, and power management profiles.

Weaknesses primarily revolve around the integration of Snap packages, particularly for Firefox, which some users find restrictive. Additionally, while GNOME 42 is largely positive, some perceive Ubuntu's specific implementation as a "FrankenGNOME" due to a mix of component versions.

Recommendations: Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS is highly recommended for users and organizations seeking a stable, secure, and well-supported operating system for general computing, development, and enterprise deployments. Its long-term support makes it ideal for environments where frequent upgrades are undesirable. Users with older or lower-spec hardware might consider lighter Ubuntu flavors for optimal performance. For critical systems or those requiring extended compliance, leveraging Ubuntu Pro for its enhanced security maintenance and certifications is advisable.

The 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.