Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS

Basic Information

Canonical Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS, codenamed "Bionic Beaver," is a long-term support release of the Ubuntu Server operating system. It was released on April 26, 2018. This version focuses on stability, security, and performance for server environments. It is optimized for various deployment models, including bare metal, virtual machines, and cloud instances.

• Model/Version: 18.04 LTS (Bionic Beaver)
• Release Date: April 26, 2018
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: 700 MHz 64-bit processor (minimal install), 1 GHz 64-bit processor (recommended)
  • RAM: 256 MiB (minimal install), 512 MB (recommended), 2 GB (for better performance)
  • Storage: 1.5 GB (minimal install), 2 GB (recommended), 20 GB (for better performance)
• Supported Architectures: amd64 (64-bit Intel/AMD), arm64 (64-bit Arm), armhf (32-bit Arm), ppc64el (64-bit Power), riscv64 (64-bit RISC-V), s390x (64-bit Mainframe). Note that 32-bit processor support was abandoned for this version.
• Latest Stable Version (within 18.04 series): Point releases like 18.04.5 LTS were available.
• End of Standard Support Date: May 31, 2023
• End of Life Date (without Ubuntu Pro): May 31, 2023 (as standard support ended, it effectively reached EOL for security updates without ESM)
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Standard security updates ceased on May 31, 2023. Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) via Ubuntu Pro extends this to April 2028.
• License Type: Open Source (primarily GPL and other compatible licenses)
• Deployment Model: Bare-metal installations, virtual machines (e.g., on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, VirtualBox, VMware, KVM), and containerization technologies like Docker.

Technical Requirements

Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS offers flexible hardware requirements, scaling from minimal installations to robust production environments.

• RAM:
  • Minimum: 256 MiB
  • Recommended: 512 MB to 2 GB for general use.
  • Production/Resource-intensive: 4 GB or more.
• Processor:
  • Minimum: 700 MHz 64-bit processor.
  • Recommended: 1 GHz 64-bit processor or higher.
  • Supported architectures include amd64, arm64, armhf, ppc64el, riscv64, and s390x.
• Storage:
  • Minimum: 1.5 GB to 2.5 GB for base installation.
  • Recommended: 20 GB for optimal performance and software packages.
  • Production/Resource-intensive: 40 GB or more.
• Display: Minimal requirements, typically 640x480 resolution for initial setup, as it primarily operates via command-line interface (CLI).
• Ports: Ethernet connection for network access and updates is essential. USB ports are useful for installation media.
• Operating System: As an operating system itself, it runs directly on hardware or as a guest OS on hypervisors.

Analysis: The technical requirements for Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS are relatively low for a minimal installation, making it suitable for older hardware or resource-constrained virtual environments. However, for practical server applications and better performance, higher specifications for RAM and storage are recommended. The shift to 64-bit only for mainstream processors means older 32-bit hardware is not directly supported for this version.

Support & Compatibility

Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS, "Bionic Beaver," offered a five-year standard support period, which has now concluded. Extended support options are available.

• Latest Version (within 18.04 series): The final point release was 18.04.6 LTS.
• OS Support: Supports a wide range of hardware and virtualized environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, VMware, KVM). It is compatible with various CPU architectures including amd64, arm64, ppc64el, and s390x.
• End of Standard Support Date: May 31, 2023. After this date, standard security, feature, and maintenance updates are no longer provided by Canonical.
• Extended Security Maintenance (ESM): Available through Ubuntu Pro, extending security patching for all Ubuntu packages until April 2028.
• Localization: Supports a vast array of languages and regional settings, typical for a widely adopted Linux distribution.
• Available Drivers: Includes a comprehensive set of open-source drivers for a broad range of hardware. Proprietary drivers are often available through additional repositories or manufacturer websites.

Analysis: Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS has reached its end of standard support, meaning it no longer receives free security updates. This poses a significant security risk for systems still running it without Extended Security Maintenance (ESM). Users are strongly advised to either upgrade to a newer LTS release (e.g., 20.04 LTS or 22.04 LTS) or subscribe to Ubuntu Pro for continued security patching until April 2028. Compatibility with diverse hardware and cloud platforms remains a strength, but the lack of standard security updates makes it a less viable option for new deployments or unsupported existing systems.

Security Status

Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS incorporates robust security features, but its security status is now heavily dependent on whether Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) is active.

• Security Features: UEFI Secure Boot, Kernel Livepatch (for kernel updates without rebooting), AppArmor for application security, built-in firewall capabilities, and regular security updates during its standard support period.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As an operating system, it has had numerous Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) identified throughout its lifecycle. Without ESM, systems are vulnerable to unpatched exploits discovered after May 31, 2023.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable as an operating system.
• Certifications:
  • FIPS 140-2 Level 1 certification for cryptographic modules (e.g., Linux kernel, OpenSSL, OpenSSH, StrongSWAN) is available through Ubuntu Advantage for Infrastructure or Ubuntu Pro.
  • Common Criteria EAL2 certification for Ubuntu 18.04.4 LTS Server.
  • DISA STIG (Security Technical Implementation Guide) is available for hardening.
  • CIS Benchmarks are published for hardening configurations.
• Encryption Support: Supports full disk encryption (e.g., with LUKS during installation), data-in-transit protection (e.g., TLS, VPNs via StrongSWAN), and FIPS-validated cryptographic modules.
• Authentication Methods: Supports various methods including password authentication, SSH key-pair authentication, and integration with directory services. Strong password policies and disabling remote root login are recommended.
• General Recommendations: Regular software updates, strong password policies, use of SSH key pairs, disabling root login, implementing a firewall, and utilizing tools like Fail2ban are crucial for security.

Analysis: Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS offers a strong foundation for security with certifications like FIPS 140-2 and Common Criteria EAL2 available for regulated environments. However, its end of standard support means that without an Ubuntu Pro subscription, it no longer receives critical security updates, leaving systems highly vulnerable to new threats. For any deployment, especially those handling sensitive data, upgrading to a supported LTS version or acquiring Ubuntu Pro is imperative to maintain a secure posture.

Performance & Benchmarks

Performance of Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS is generally robust and optimized for server workloads, though newer LTS releases offer improvements.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores vary widely depending on hardware, workload, and configuration. Generally, Ubuntu LTS releases are known for stable and predictable performance.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Optimized for running server applications, handling high workloads, and delivering efficient performance. It includes features like the Linux 4.15 kernel with mitigations for Spectre and Meltdown, and updated components like Chrony and Netplan for improved networking and time synchronization.
• Power Consumption: Power consumption is highly dependent on the underlying hardware and the specific workloads running. As a server OS, it is designed to be efficient, but no specific universal metrics are available.
• Carbon Footprint: Directly tied to power consumption of the hardware it runs on. Efficient resource management and optimized workloads contribute to a lower operational carbon footprint.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: While 18.04 LTS provided significant improvements over previous versions, newer LTS releases (e.g., 20.04 LTS, 22.04 LTS) generally offer enhanced performance, better hardware enablement, and new technology benefits.

Analysis: Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS delivers solid performance for server applications, benefiting from kernel optimizations and updated system components. Its performance is reliable for a wide range of tasks. However, for cutting-edge performance and support for the latest hardware, migrating to a more recent LTS release is recommended.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS generally highlight its stability and suitability for production environments, tempered by the recent end of standard support.

• Strengths:
  • Stability and Reliability: Praised for its long-term stability, making it a popular choice for production servers.
  • Ease of Use: Offers a straightforward installation process and comprehensive documentation, simplifying server administration.
  • Extensive Package Repository: Provides access to a vast array of software packages for various server applications.
  • Cloud and Virtualization Support: Optimized for major cloud providers and containerization technologies.
  • Security Features: Robust security features and regular updates during its active support period.
• Weaknesses:
  • End of Standard Support: The primary current weakness is the cessation of free security updates, necessitating an upgrade or Ubuntu Pro subscription.
  • Upgrade Path: While direct upgrades to 20.04 LTS are possible, moving to 22.04 LTS requires an intermediate step, which can be complex for existing deployments.
  • Hardware Support: Newer hardware might not be fully optimized compared to more recent Ubuntu LTS releases.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Web hosting, database servers, file servers, development environments, and cloud deployments.
  • Environments requiring a stable, long-term platform, provided ESM is in place.

Summary: Users value Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS for its enterprise-grade stability and broad ecosystem support. Its straightforward management and extensive software availability make it suitable for diverse server roles. The main concern now revolves around its end of standard support, which mandates either an upgrade to a newer LTS version or the adoption of Ubuntu Pro for continued security. For those unable to upgrade immediately, Ubuntu Pro offers a critical lifeline for security and compliance.

Summary

Canonical Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS, "Bionic Beaver," released in April 2018, established itself as a highly stable and versatile operating system for server environments. It offered a robust platform with a five-year standard support window, which concluded on May 31, 2023. Key strengths include its strong security foundation with features like UEFI Secure Boot and AppArmor, coupled with certifications such as FIPS 140-2 and Common Criteria EAL2, which are crucial for regulated industries. Its broad compatibility with various hardware architectures and cloud platforms, along with a rich software repository, made it a popular choice for web hosting, database management, and cloud deployments. Performance was solid and optimized for server workloads during its active lifecycle.

However, the primary weakness and most critical consideration for Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS is its end of standard support. Without an active Ubuntu Pro subscription, systems running this version no longer receive crucial security updates, leaving them exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities. This significantly elevates security risks and can lead to compliance issues. While an upgrade path to newer LTS releases exists, it can be a complex process for established deployments.

Recommendations: For new deployments, it is strongly advised to utilize a currently supported Ubuntu LTS release, such as 22.04 LTS or later, to benefit from ongoing security updates, performance enhancements, and modern hardware support. For existing deployments still running Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS, immediate action is necessary. The recommended options are either to plan and execute an upgrade to a newer LTS version (e.g., 20.04 LTS then 22.04 LTS) or to acquire an Ubuntu Pro subscription to enable Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) until April 2028. This ensures continued security patching and compliance, mitigating the risks associated with running an unsupported operating system.

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.