Kubuntu For Linux

Kubuntu is probably the most popular and definitely one of the most  loved KDE/Plasma-based distributions out there.

The latest release, Kubuntu 22.10 Kinetic Kudu, even though it's only an interim releases (meaning it only provides support for 9 months), solidifies Kubuntu's standing as it brings forth multiple good changes, improvements, updates, and fixes.

Since Kubuntu is Ubuntu-based, it's only natural that most of the changes in Ubuntu 22.10 are also present here.

These include the switch to Pipewire (replacing the legendary Pulse Audio network-capable sound server program), an updated version of Qt (now at 5.15.6), and, of course, the Linux Kernel 5.19 (which comes with the run-time Average Power Limiting RAPL for Intel's Raptor and Alder Lake processor, multiple ARM-related updates in the mainline kernel, and the expected processor/GPU power consumption improvements.

By far the most exciting change is the fact that Kubuntu 22.10 ships with Plasma 5.25 (5.25.5, the 5th scheduled bugfix release to be more precise). This version of Plasma makes the whole experience a lot more user-friendly and a lot smoother thanks to its multiple improvements.

KDE Plasma 5.25 allows you to navigate between workspaces and apps a lot easier, it's a lot better suited for dealing with touchpad and touchscreen-based devices (along a series of new gestures), and tons of extra customization features (including the option to sync the accent color with the wallpaper), and a "floating" panel.

The Discover app has been redesigned completely, so that it looks more modern and it's also friendlier to Flatpak apps, and the Krunner launcher now detects the search language and displays results accordingly.

Other changes include various updates to all the KDE apps such as KDE Gear (22.08), and various core apps and packages found in Ubuntu 22.10. These include Firefox 106 (snap, of course), Thunderbird 102.3.2, LibreOffice 7.4.2.3, and VLC Media Player 3.0.17.

Even though it might come across as a bit of a disappointment, KDE Plasma 5.26 (which was launched before Kubuntu 22.10 rolled out) is not included. However, we wouldn't be surprised if Plasma 5.26 eventually found its way into Kubuntu 22.10. Last but not least, please note that Plasma Wayland is available for testing. This means that it's not officially supported, but you can test it out by selecting it at the login screen.

Kubuntu 22.10 is definitely a step forward in all respects. It's better and more modern looking than 22.04, and it brings a plethora of customization options which should make the whole user-experience a lot smoother.

It's definitely worth a try if you want to try out all the latest changes, but, as always, 22.04 is a better choice if stability and consistency are what you're after.