Ubuntu Linux in 2025 has focused on migrating to Rust-based system tools like sudo-rs and Rust Coreutils, exploring performance optimizations, enhancing ARM64 support, and planning for the upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS release, despite some challenges with Rust transitions and security vulnerabilities.
The article compares the performance of Ubuntu 24.04 WSL2 running on Windows 11 25H2 with a native Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS installation on the same hardware, revealing the performance overhead of using WSL2 on Windows 11.
Ubuntu 25.10 'Questing Quokka' introduces a new default wallpaper featuring a quokka mascot on a purple gradient, with various light and dark mode options and additional alternate designs, to be available in upcoming updates and downloads.
The article reviews the Geekcom IT 15 Mini PC, highlighting its compact size, powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, and excellent performance with Linux, especially Ubuntu, making it a highly capable small-form-factor desktop suitable for various tasks, with the option to dual-boot Windows 11 or run Linux exclusively.
Disabling Intel graphics security mitigations can improve GPU compute performance by up to 20%, and Canonical, in collaboration with Intel, plans to disable these mitigations in Ubuntu packages to enhance performance, with the change expected to be included in Ubuntu 25.10. This move is based on the understanding that the security risks are minimal, as Intel and Canonical have approved the change, and Intel's own builds already disable these mitigations for better performance.
Microsoft, in a playful April Fools' Day move, has added a "Try Ubuntu" button for Windows 10 users who are ineligible for the Windows 11 upgrade, acknowledging that maintaining older systems can be costly. This lighthearted suggestion comes amidst ongoing notifications and requirements for Windows 11 upgrades, prompting users to consider switching to Ubuntu if they cannot upgrade. While the move is in jest, it reflects the growing interest in Linux as an alternative operating system for users facing Windows upgrade challenges.
A logic flaw in Ubuntu's 'command-not-found' package suggestion system and the snap package repository could allow attackers to promote malicious Linux packages to users, posing a significant supply chain risk for Linux and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) users. The flaw enables attackers to impersonate legitimate APT packages with malicious snap packages, exploiting loopholes in the naming and aliasing system of snaps. Steps to mitigate the risks include users verifying package authenticity and Snap developers registering similar names for their apps.
Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a potential exploit in the Ubuntu operating system's 'command-not-found' utility, which could allow threat actors to manipulate the system and recommend their own malicious packages, potentially leading to software supply chain attacks. The exploit involves the utility suggesting rogue packages from the snap repository, as well as impersonating legitimate APT packages and leveraging typosquatting attacks. Users are advised to verify package sources before installation, while developers have been urged to register associated snap names for their commands to prevent misuse.
As we enter 2024, the best Linux distros cater to both beginners and experts, with Ubuntu, Manjaro, and Pop!_OS recommended for novices, and Debian, openSUSE, and Arch Linux suitable for experienced users. Various desktop environments and installation methods contribute to the diversity of Linux distributions, offering flexibility but also potential confusion. Newcomers can test Linux by installing it on a main or spare PC, using a virtual machine, or booting from a USB, making 2024 an ideal time to explore the world of Linux distros.
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is planned to use the Linux 6.8 kernel, deviating from the expected 6.6 LTS release. The new kernel, set for stable release in March, will provide support for the latest hardware and features, including stable Intel Meteor Lake graphics and improved performance engineering. Ubuntu developers aim to enhance the default developer experience and potentially include low-latency features for music creation, video editing, and gaming, making the upcoming release highly anticipated for tech enthusiasts.
To enable Bluez experimental features in Ubuntu and potentially display battery levels for Bluetooth devices, users can modify the /etc/bluetooth/main.conf file by adding "Experimental = true" under the 'General' section, then reboot or restart the Bluetooth service. This may help Bluetooth devices that should show battery levels but don't.
Microsoft's recent update to Visual Studio Code has caused issues for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS users due to a change in minimum build requirements, leading to a break in workflows for developers. The update, which automatically installed for most users, raised the minimum glibc version to 2.28, incompatible with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS's 2.27. Affected developers were caught off-guard and are now facing challenges in their work. Microsoft has suggested workarounds, including using the web client or downgrading to a previous version, while also locking heated discussions on GitHub.
Linus Torvalds has released Linux 6.8-rc3, the latest weekly test candidate for the upcoming Linux 6.8 kernel, noting that it's slightly larger than expected but not concerning at this stage. The release includes driver fixes, filesystem updates, and tooling improvements, with notable changes such as initial support for Lenovo Legion Go controllers and optimizations for low-memory scenarios. Linux 6.8 is anticipated to be an important release, especially with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS considering its use.
Canonical is considering applying low-latency optimizations, currently used in Ubuntu's specialized kernel build, to the generic kernel for the upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release. The move aims to streamline kernel maintenance and reduce engineering costs, but concerns about potential performance regressions in CPU-intensive applications need to be addressed. The decision is pending, and further performance changes for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS are anticipated.