Ubuntu 18.04 has been released today with many changes and improvements, giving this Linux distribution a renewed chance for continued life. This version is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, meaning you can use it worry-free with security updates for the next five years.

• As you probably know, the less-than-stellar Unity desktop has long been replaced by the beloved GNOME, and in this version, GNOME 3.8 will manage the desktop environment.
• Ubuntu’s slow boot time, one of its most frustrating issues, has been resolved. The time from system start to desktop login is now just a few seconds.
• Minimal installation option with only essential features and no bloatware.
• Adding new software repositories now takes only 2 commands instead of 3.
• Uses Linux kernel 4.15.
• Return to the X.Org display system instead of Wayland to resolve compatibility issues.
• New visual changes in the Nautilus file manager.
• Default support for emojis.
• Community themes and icons (though they didn’t make it into this version*).

*The new themes and icons were planned to be included by default in version 18.04, but they weren’t finished by release time and will likely appear in the next version. Even now, you can install the unfinished version if desired.

Since returning from military service, I’ve been using version 16.10 and dealing with many issues caused by a cluttered system. I hope this release provides a good opportunity for cleanup, especially with the minimal installation option.