GET INTO UBUNTU

Fed up with Microsoft? Try out the best of Linux

UBUNTU 21.04— known to its mates as Hirsute Hippo—is here and demanding your immediate attention. If you’re running Ubuntu 20.10, then you’ve probably already had the update reminder, while those running Ubuntu 20.04 LTS may be getting itchy feet and wondering whether now is the time to switch to the six-monthly release cycle, at least for the next year.

And what if you’re thinking of switching to Ubuntu for the first time? Perhaps you’re fed up with broken Windows updates and constant privacy creep as it tries to trick you into surrendering yet more of your personal data.

We’ll kick off by looking at how you can test-drive the latest version of Ubuntu without committing to a full-blown install on your system. All you will need is a blank DVD or a spare USB stick, which then enables you to run a ‘live install’ that doesn’t touch your existing system.

Want to try the full version, but aren’t quite ready to commit? Discover how easy it is to install in VirtualBox. And when you’re ready to give it a permanent home on your PC, we’ll reveal how to install it alongside your existing operating system, making it possible to switch between the two as you see fit.

But what of Ubuntu 21.04 itself? We’ve explored the new and improved features to give you a full rundown of what to look for. The big talking point is a new default windowing system called Wayland. We’ll explain what this is, what it means and whether, after one previous failed attempt, this is a change that will finally stick. We’ll also reveal what else to look for in an update that, while not revolutionary, has lots of useful tweaks and improvements to make your computing life that bit easier.

And we ask the question: do you need to upgrade, particularly if you’re currently on the LTS (long-term support) channel?