Ubuntu Server For Linux

Even though the Desktop versions of Ubuntu steal the show, so to speak, it's actually the Server version of Ubuntu that's the unsung hero. Launched on October 20, 2004, Ubuntu Server has come a very long way in terms of usage and technology.

The latest LTS (long-term release) is the Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) is set to receive constant support and updates until 2025, and users can even extend this period by an additional five years through the ESM (Extended Security Maintenance) program.

Enhanced general security and stability, a new feature called Ubuntu Server Life installer, and a more flexible, hardy bootloader are just some highlights for this release of Ubuntu Server.

Ubuntu Server 20.04.3 LTS is set to be one of the most stable, secure, and long-lasting Ubuntu server distro. The ten years of constant security updates provided by the UA-I subscription is a big reason for this, as it ensures a stable and reliable platform for both app deployment and server infrastructure.

Another big change is the Ubuntu Server Live Installer. It now provides an automatic update system, meaning the system can update itself each time it boots.

Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS is the first version of the distribution that supports hardware-based two-factor authentication for SSH. This ensures that password leaks and other types of potential SSH-related leaks are kept to a minimum, and improves the overall security provided by SSH.

WireGuard VPN is now included in Ubuntu Server. WireGuard provides such great value for enterprise-level infrastructure that it will even be backported to 18.04 LTS.

Historically, Unbutu installers only allowed writing the bootloader to a single disk. In 20.04 LTS, it allows writing the bootloader to multiple disks, which is bound to result in fewer failures in systems with multiple disks.

With the launch of Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS, users now benefit from a new official Ubuntu Server Guide.

20.04 LTS also provides support for all major architectures such as x64-64, ARM v7, ARM64, POWER 8, POWER 9, IBM x390x (LinuxONE) and introduces initial support for RISC-V, as well as support for the latest version of IMDS (instance metadata service). 20.04 LTS also includes improved support for IPv6 on Microsoft Azure.

Various apps have received updates as well. These include QEMU (v4.2), libvirt (v6.0), PHP (v7.4), Ruby (v2.7), GCC (v9.3), Python (v3.8), MySQL (v8.0) and NGINX (v1.17).

With all the recent changes and improvements, as well as with the ten-year support, Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS is a prime candidate for enterprise-level deployments, for all stages from development to production.