Ubuntu MATE 24.04

Basic Information

Canonical Ubuntu MATE 24.04, codenamed "Noble Numbat," is a Long Term Support (LTS) release of the Ubuntu MATE operating system. It combines the stability and extensive software repositories of Ubuntu with the traditional, efficient, and customizable MATE desktop environment.

• Model: Ubuntu MATE 24.04
• Version: 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)
• Release Date: April 25, 2024
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: 2 GHz dual-core 64-bit processor
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Storage: 10 GB HDD
• Supported Operative Systems: N/A (it is the operating system itself, supporting various hardware architectures including amd64, arm64, ppc64el, and s390x).
• Latest Stable Version: 24.04.3 LTS (as of August 2024).
• End of Support Date: April 2027 for the Ubuntu MATE desktop flavor, with standard Ubuntu support extending to April 2029.
• End of Life Date: April 2036 with an Ubuntu Pro subscription for Extended Security Maintenance (ESM).
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Updates are provided throughout the support period; there is no specific auto-update expiration date.
• License Type: Predominantly GNU General Public License (GPL) and other open-source licenses.
• Deployment Model: On-premise, deployable on physical desktop and laptop computers, virtual machines, and single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi.

Technical Requirements

Ubuntu MATE 24.04 is designed for broad hardware compatibility, prioritizing efficiency and responsiveness across a spectrum of systems.

• RAM: A minimum of 2 GB is required, with 4 GB recommended for optimal performance.
• Processor: A 2 GHz dual-core 64-bit processor is the minimum requirement. It supports amd64, arm64, ppc64el, and s390x architectures.
• Storage: A minimum of 10 GB of hard disk drive (HDD) space is needed for installation, with 20 GB solid-state drive (SSD) recommended for better performance. For Raspberry Pi installations, a minimum of 5 GB on a micro-SD card is required.
• Display: A VGA-capable display with a minimum resolution of 1024x768 pixels.
• Ports: Standard PC ports such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet are supported and generally expected for full functionality.
• Operating System: N/A (it is the operating system).

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Ubuntu MATE 24.04 maintains modest hardware requirements, making it an excellent choice for revitalizing older computers or for use in resource-constrained environments. The recommended specifications ensure a smooth and responsive user experience, while the minimums allow for functionality on very basic hardware. Its support for various architectures, including ARM, extends its applicability to embedded systems and single-board computers.

Support & Compatibility

Ubuntu MATE 24.04, as an LTS release, offers robust support and broad compatibility, making it a reliable choice for long-term deployments.

• Latest Version: The latest point release is Ubuntu MATE 24.04.3 LTS.
• OS Support: N/A (it is the OS, supporting various hardware architectures).
• End of Support Date: Ubuntu MATE 24.04 receives three years of maintenance and security updates until April 2027. The underlying Ubuntu base is supported for five years until April 2029, with an option for Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) via Ubuntu Pro until April 2036.
• Localization: The operating system offers extensive localization support, with many languages available for the user interface and applications.
• Available Drivers: It ships with the Linux kernel 6.8, providing broad hardware detection and support out-of-the-box. This includes improved Intel DRM drivers for Intel Lunar Lake GPUs and the Xe driver for Intel GPUs. Additional proprietary drivers for graphics cards and other peripherals are available through the system's software sources.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The LTS designation ensures a long support lifecycle, which is crucial for enterprise and mission-critical systems. Ubuntu MATE 24.04 benefits from the vast hardware compatibility of the Linux kernel, offering excellent driver support for a wide range of components, both modern and legacy. The availability of point releases further enhances stability and incorporates cumulative updates. The extensive localization options cater to a global user base.

Security Status

Ubuntu MATE 24.04 integrates a comprehensive suite of security features inherited from the Ubuntu base, focusing on protecting against modern threats.

• Security Features: Includes the Linux kernel 6.8, AppArmor 4 for mandatory access control with granular policy enforcement, enhanced restrictions on unprivileged user namespaces, and binary hardening using FORTIFY_SOURCE=3 to prevent buffer overflows. It also features secret memory support via the memfd_secret syscall, randomized slab caches, and hardware-based protections like Intel Indirect Branch Tracking (IBT), Software Guard Extensions 2 (SGX2), AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization-Secure Nested Paging (SEV-SNP), and Intel Trust Domain Extensions (TDX).
• Known Vulnerabilities: Canonical actively tracks and patches known vulnerabilities (CVEs) through regular security updates throughout the support lifecycle.
• Blacklist Status: As an open-source operating system, it does not have a "blacklist status."
• Certifications: While the operating system itself typically does not carry specific certifications, its underlying components and enterprise deployments may adhere to various security standards.
• Encryption Support: Supports full disk encryption using LUKS, with capabilities for storing decryption keys in a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). It also supports secure communication protocols like HTTPS and SSH.
• Authentication Methods: Standard password-based authentication, SSH key-based authentication, and extensible authentication via Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM).
• General Recommendations: Users should regularly apply security updates, enable and configure the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW), use strong and unique passwords, and consider implementing full disk encryption for sensitive data.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Ubuntu MATE 24.04 offers a high level of security, benefiting from the rapid patching cycle of the open-source community and Canonical's commitment to long-term security maintenance. The integration of advanced kernel-level protections, robust access controls, and binary hardening significantly reduces the attack surface. The focus on secure virtualization and memory protection addresses sophisticated threats, making it a secure platform for both general use and sensitive applications.

Performance & Benchmarks

Ubuntu MATE 24.04 is recognized for its efficient performance, particularly due to its lightweight MATE desktop environment.

• Benchmark Scores: While specific benchmarks for Ubuntu MATE 24.04 are less common than for the main Ubuntu desktop, the underlying Ubuntu 24.04 base has shown performance advantages over Windows 11. In tests involving AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processors, Ubuntu 24.04 achieved an overall 3% performance advantage across more than 100 tests, and significantly outperformed Windows 11 in Vulkan graphics benchmarks by up to 59%. The MATE desktop environment itself is noted for its efficiency, with MATE Desktop 1.28 (a newer version than 1.26.2 included in 24.04) reportedly using less RAM and running faster than XFCE 4.18 in some tests.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Users report fast boot times, a responsive user interface, and efficient resource usage, making it suitable for both modern and older hardware. It is designed to make "modern computers fast and old computers usable."
• Power Consumption: The lightweight nature of the MATE desktop generally contributes to lower power consumption compared to heavier desktop environments. Ubuntu MATE is actively optimized for low power consumption. However, some users have noted a slight increase in idle power draw compared to Ubuntu MATE 22.04 in specific desktop scenarios.
• Carbon Footprint: By extending the usable life of older hardware and operating efficiently, Ubuntu MATE indirectly contributes to a reduced carbon footprint.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: MATE desktop is generally considered lighter and more resource-efficient than desktop environments like GNOME or KDE. Its performance is often comparable to or better than other lightweight environments such as XFCE and LXQt, offering a good balance between features and system overhead.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Ubuntu MATE 24.04 delivers strong performance, especially on systems with limited resources, due to its optimized MATE desktop and the performance enhancements in the Linux kernel 6.8. Its efficiency makes it an excellent choice for extending the life of older hardware or for deployments where resource conservation is critical. While minor power consumption variations have been observed, its overall performance profile is highly favorable for a wide range of computing tasks.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for Ubuntu MATE 24.04 generally highlights its strengths in usability and efficiency, though some criticisms exist regarding its evolution.

• Strengths: Users frequently praise its user-friendly and traditional interface, which many find reminiscent of older Windows versions (98/XP/Vista) or classic GNOME, making it intuitive for those accustomed to a conventional desktop layout. Its stability, versatility, and suitability for older hardware are consistently noted. The system is often described as "just working" out of the box, with a high degree of customizability. The community is also seen as helpful.
• Weaknesses: Some users express concern that the development of Ubuntu MATE is slowing down, with fewer significant new features compared to previous releases, often adopting changes from the main Ubuntu distribution. The default integration and emphasis on Snap packages are a point of contention for some users who prefer alternative packaging formats like DEB or Flatpak, citing concerns about performance or control. Minor issues reported include initial App Center update failures, occasional lag in screen/audio sharing, and camera app detection problems. Some feedback suggests it is becoming too similar to other Ubuntu flavors or Linux Mint, potentially losing some of its unique identity.
• Recommended Use Cases: Ubuntu MATE 24.04 is highly recommended for users with older or less powerful PCs, virtual machine environments, and those who prefer a classic, intuitive, and highly customizable desktop experience. It is also favored by developers and users seeking a stable and reliable Linux distribution.

Summary

Canonical Ubuntu MATE 24.04 is a robust and highly capable Long Term Support operating system that stands out for its blend of traditional desktop aesthetics, modern underlying technology, and efficient resource management. Released on April 25, 2024, it offers a stable computing environment with a long support lifecycle, extending to April 2027 for the MATE flavor and up to April 2036 with Ubuntu Pro ESM.

Its primary strength lies in its lightweight MATE desktop environment, which provides a familiar and intuitive user interface, making it an excellent choice for users transitioning from other operating systems or those who prefer a classic desktop experience. This efficiency translates into modest technical requirements, allowing it to perform well on a wide range of hardware, including older PCs and single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, thereby extending hardware lifespan. Performance benchmarks indicate that the underlying Ubuntu 24.04 base can even outperform Windows 11 in certain scenarios, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks.

Security is a significant highlight, with Ubuntu MATE 24.04 inheriting a hardened Linux kernel 6.8 and incorporating advanced features such as AppArmor 4, enhanced unprivileged user namespace restrictions, binary hardening, and hardware-assisted memory protection. Full disk encryption with TPM support further bolsters its security posture. The extensive hardware compatibility and broad driver support, coupled with comprehensive localization, ensure a versatile and accessible system.

However, some users have noted a perceived slowdown in unique feature development for Ubuntu MATE, with recent releases largely adopting changes from the main Ubuntu distribution. The default integration of Snap packages, while offering benefits, is a point of contention for some users. Minor bugs related to the App Center or screen sharing have also been reported.

In conclusion, Ubuntu MATE 24.04 is an outstanding choice for users seeking a stable, secure, and efficient operating system with a traditional desktop feel. It is particularly recommended for organizations and individuals looking to maximize the utility of existing hardware, for educational purposes, or for development environments where resource efficiency and long-term support are paramount. Its strengths in performance, security, and compatibility far outweigh its minor drawbacks, making it a highly reliable and user-friendly asset.

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.