Exploring Ubuntu 25. 04: A Familiar Face with New Twists

Ubuntu has long been a go-to choice for many Linux enthusiasts. It's known for its user-friendly interface and strong hardware compatibility. On April 17, the latest version 25. 04 is set to hit the scene. This release is a short-term version, which means it won't have the extended support period that long-term releases enjoy. Instead, it will be supported until January 2026. Short-term releases often fly under the radar, but 25. 04 has some interesting updates that might catch your eye. Let's start with the installer. The team behind Ubuntu has given it some love, making the dual-boot process smoother and improving how it handles Windows BitLocker-encrypted disks. These tweaks make Ubuntu even easier to install, which is a big plus for newcomers. The desktop environment, GNOME 48, also sees some upgrades. While it's not a groundbreaking release, it does bring performance improvements and a few handy additions. One of the standout features is the new Wellbeing section in Settings. Think of it like Android's Well-being app, but for your desktop. It tracks your screen time, sets limits, and reminds you to take breaks. It's a small feature, but it can make a big difference if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen. Other notable improvements include notification grouping, HDR support, and the usual round of app updates. But the real star of the show is GNOME's new triple buffering feature. It makes animations smoother and overall desktop performance better. From what has been seen, it works well, making this the smoothest Ubuntu desktop in a while.Now, let's talk about the overall experience. Ubuntu is known for being predictable, and 25. 04 is no exception. As soon as you log in, you know you're in for a stable, easy-to-use experience. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, isn't one to mess with a good thing. They've been refining Ubuntu for a long time, and it shows. Every new release is like meeting an old friend who's just a bit more polished. One of the biggest surprises in 25. 04 is the switch from the old document viewer, Evince, to a new one called Papers. It's a small change, but it's a step forward. Ubuntu also ships with a bare minimum of applications, which is a good thing. It keeps the desktop clean and lets you add only what you need. The App Center has improved a lot over the years, making it easy to find and install new software. Performance-wise, Ubuntu has never been the fastest, but 25. 04 feels a bit snappier than the previous release. This is likely thanks to GNOME 48 and the new kernel, 6. 14. Apps open quickly, and even Firefox, which can be a bit slow, feels faster. So, should you give 25. 04 a try? If you're into short-term releases and want to experience the latest features, go for it. Just remember to wait for the official release on April 17. If you're more into stability and continuity, you might want to stick with the long-term release until the next one comes out. But if you're all about the desktop experience, 25. 04 is a solid choice.