Lubuntu For Linux

Even though it's not everyone's favorite Ubuntu flavor, Lubuntu has always been ready to lend a helping hand to users with old or low-spec computers. The project's main goal was to offer a lightweight Linux, Ubuntu-based distribution but with as few functional compromises.

Lubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) is the 18th release, and it brings significant improvements and changes over the previous LTS version. Its aim remains the same, but instead of only focusing on being as light as possible, it now aims to offer a more modern, polished, and overall more enjoyable user experience.

For a very long time, Lubuntu relied on LXDE to provide its core experience to users. LXDE was a big part of what made Lubuntu such a remarkably lightweight Linux distribution. LXDE is based on GTK+2 and most of the libraries employed by GNOME.

However, the reality is that LXDE had its last stable release more than 4 years ago (as of this writing). IN short, Lubuntu 18.04 was the last version to use LXDE, and 20.04 is the first LTS edition to use LXQt (a QT port of LXDE), and the fourth overall version to use it. 18.04 was also the last 32-bit version of Lubuntu.

Nevertheless, LXQt is still a very efficient and lightweight desktop environment, and more importantly, it's actively developed.

Almost all Ubuntu flavors rely on Ubiquity for a streamlined installation experience. This LTS version of Lubuntu opts for the new Calamares installer, and it promises to be easier to use, and a bit faster than installers of previous versions of Lubuntu.

Since we're on the subject of installation, please note that because of this switch (from Ubiquity to Calamares), you cannot upgrade from one LTS to another. This means that users running 18.04 should not upgrade to 20.04, but rather perform a fresh install.

Overall, the new Lubuntu LTS is not only geared towards users looking for a lightweight Linux distribution, but also for those looking for a minimalist experience as well.

Since LXQt uses Openbox (the famous window manager) by default, the desktop is quite customizable. The application menu is located in the lower-left corner, the taskbar allows you to manage active and pinned apps, and the system tray is in the lower-right corner. Overall, the whole look is more reminiscent of Windows rather than other Ubuntu flavors.

This version brings the following upgrades to some default apps such as Qt (5.12.8 LTS), Firefox (75), LibreOffice (6.4.2), VLC (3.0.9.2), Featherpad (0.12.1), Discover Software Center (5.18.4), and Trojita (0.7).

Other upgrades can be viewed by reading the following blog entries for 20.04.1 LTS, 20.04.2 LTS, and 20.04.3 LTS.

This is going to be the face of Lubuntu until 2023 when the next LTS will be released. 20.04 is a massive step forward for Lubuntu, which is now more modern looking, more flexible, while still being one of the most lightweight Ubuntu flavors, and will continue to be a possible favorite for minimalist lovers.