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1.3.2. Ubuntu Versions
In October 2004, Ubuntu released its first version. A new version of Ubuntu is released every six months and upgrades to new releases are free of charge. Users are encouraged to upgrade with each new release in order to enjoy the latest features and applications. Its versions are named using the Y.MM (name) scheme, where Y indicates the year and MM refers to the month of release. The name in brackets is a code name given to the version pre-release.
Each release is supported for 18 months; Long Term Support releases (LTS) are supported for 3 years on the desktop and 5 years on the server.
Figure 1.4. Ubuntu Versions
A brief history of releases:
• Ubuntu 4.10 (Warty Warthog). Ubuntu 4.10 was the first release of Ubuntu in October 2004; supported until April 2006.
Nice to Know:
The early testing community of version 4.10 was called the Sounder, named after the collective
noun for warthogs. The Sounder mailing list continues today as an open discussion forum for the community.
• Ubuntu 5.04 (Hoary Hedgehog). Released in April 2005; supported until October 2006.
• Ubuntu 5.10 (Breezy Badger). Released in October 2005; supported until April 2007.
• Ubuntu 6.06 LTS (Dapper Drake). The first release with Long Term Support (LTS); it was released in June 2006. Long-term support version refers to guaranteed three years of support on the desktop and five years on the server. All other releases are provided with 18 month support for desktops and servers. The extended support period provides reassurance and makes it easier and more practical for large deployments of Ubuntu. Desktops supported until June 2009; servers supported until June 2011.
• Ubuntu 6.10 (Edgy Eft). Released in October 2006. This version guarantees a robust boot process; sup- ported until April 2007.
• Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn). Released in April 2007. This version introduced significant improvements to network roaming; supported until October 2008.
• Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon). Released in October 2007. Key features include spectacular visual effects by default, fast user switching, printer auto-detection and easier desktop file searching and tracking; supported until April 2009.
• Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron). Released in April 2008. Ubuntu 8.04 LTS forms the second Long Term Support release of Ubuntu. Desktops will be supported until April 2011; servers supported until April 2013.
• Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex). Released in October 2008. Ubuntu 8.10 includes hundreds of improvements and full 3G support. This release will be supported until April 2010.
• Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope). Scheduled for release in April 2009. Ubuntu 9.04 will be the latest cutting edge Ubuntu release. This release will be supported until October 2010.