In the world of open-source operating systems, Ubuntu stands out as one of the most popular and user-friendly distributions. It’s based on the Linux kernel, which is the core part of the operating system that interacts with the computer’s hardware. Each Ubuntu version is associated with a specific Linux kernel version. This article provides a comprehensive list of Ubuntu versions and their corresponding kernel versions.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. It’s developed by Canonical Ltd., and it’s known for its user-friendly interface and robust performance. Ubuntu is used worldwide in servers, desktops, smartphones, and network devices.
What is the Linux Kernel?
The Linux kernel is the core of any Linux operating system, including Ubuntu. It’s responsible for managing the system’s resources and facilitating communication between the hardware and software. The kernel version can significantly impact your system’s performance and compatibility.
Ubuntu Versions and Their Corresponding Kernel Versions
Here is a detailed list of Ubuntu versions and their corresponding Linux kernel versions:
- Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa): Linux kernel version 5.4. This LTS (Long Term Support) version was released in April 2020 and will be supported until April 2025.
- Ubuntu 19.10 (Eoan Ermine): Linux kernel version 5.3. This version was released in October 2019 and was supported until July 2020.
- Ubuntu 19.04 (Disco Dingo): Linux kernel version 5.0. Released in April 2019, this version was supported until January 2020.
- Ubuntu 18.10 (Cosmic Cuttlefish): Linux kernel version 4.18. This version was released in October 2018 and was supported until July 2019.
- Ubuntu 18.04 (Bionic Beaver): Linux kernel version 4.15. Another LTS version, Bionic Beaver was released in April 2018 and will be supported until April 2023.
- Ubuntu 17.10 (Artful Aardvark): Linux kernel version 4.13. Released in October 2017, this version was supported until July 2018.
- Ubuntu 17.04 (Zesty Zapus): Linux kernel version 4.10. This version was released in April 2017 and was supported until January 2018.
- Ubuntu 16.10 (Yakkety Yak): Linux kernel version 4.8. Released in October 2016, this version was supported until July 2017.
- Ubuntu 16.04 (Xenial Xerus): Linux kernel version 4.4. This LTS version was released in April 2016 and was supported until April 2021.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and only includes some of the recent Ubuntu versions. For a full list, you can visit the official Ubuntu website or the Ubuntu Wiki page.
How to Check Your Ubuntu and Kernel Version
If you’re using Ubuntu and want to check your current version and the kernel version, you can do so by opening the terminal and typing the following commands:
- To check your Ubuntu version, type:
lsb_release -a - To check your kernel version, type:
uname -r
The lsb_release -a command will display detailed information about your Ubuntu version, while the uname -r command will display your kernel version.
Conclusion
Understanding your Ubuntu and kernel version can help you troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and ensure compatibility with certain software. This article has provided a detailed list of Ubuntu versions and their corresponding kernel versions, but remember that both Ubuntu and the Linux kernel are constantly being updated and improved, so it’s essential to keep your system up-to-date.
As of September 2021, the latest version of Ubuntu is Ubuntu 21.04 (Hirsute Hippo).
New versions of Ubuntu are released every six months, in April and October.
LTS stands for Long Term Support. LTS versions of Ubuntu are supported for a longer period (typically five years) and are recommended for stability and enterprise use. Non-LTS versions are supported for a shorter period (typically nine months) and are generally targeted towards users who want the latest features and updates.
Yes, you can upgrade from one Ubuntu version to the next using the built-in update manager or the command-line tool called "do-release-upgrade". However, it’s always recommended to backup your data before performing an upgrade.
Installing a specific kernel version in Ubuntu involves downloading the desired kernel version from the Ubuntu kernel archive and manually installing it using the terminal. However, it’s important to note that this process can be complex and may not be recommended for novice users.
You can check for updates in Ubuntu by opening the Software Updater application or by running the command "sudo apt update" in the terminal.
