Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS vs 22.04 LTS

Explore the major upgrades, exciting new features, and enhancements in Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS, including performance improvements, security updates, and extended support.

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Ubuntu has long been a favourite among developers and system administrators for its stability, security, and ease of use. With the release of Ubuntu Server Core 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), there are several exciting updates and improvements over its predecessor, Ubuntu Server Core 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish).

Let’s see what exciting changes this latest release brings to the table.

Linux Kernel and System Updates

First things first, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with Linux kernel 6.8, which is a major upgrade over the 5.15 kernel used in 22.04 LTS. This new kernel promises better performance, improved hardware support, and stronger security measures.

Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Kernel Version
5.15
6.8

Performance
Standard
Enhanced

Hardware Support
Limited
Improved

Performance Engineering

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings several improvements to performance:

Performance tools are now pre-enabled and pre-loaded, allowing you to use them right away.Low-latency kernel features have been merged into the default kernel, reducing task scheduling delays.Frame pointers are enabled by default on 64-bit architectures, enabling accurate and complete flame graphs for performance engineers.bpftrace is now a standard tool alongside existing profiling utilities.

Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Performance Tools
Basic
Pre-enabled

Low-latency Kernel Features
No
Yes

Frame Pointers
No
Yes

bpftrace
No
Yes

Security Enhancements

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS takes security very seriously, and you’ll find significant improvements in this area:

Free security maintenance for the main repository has been extended to 5 years, with an option to add 5 more years and include the universe repository via Ubuntu Pro.A legacy support add-on is now available for organizations that require long-term stability beyond 10 years.

Security Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Free Security Maintenance
5 years
5 years + 5 optional

Legacy Support
No
Yes

Support Lifespan and Upgrades

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with an extended support lifespan and improved upgrade options:

Support duration has been increased to 5 years, with the option to extend it further.Automatic upgrades will be offered to users of Ubuntu 23.10 and 22.04 LTS when 24.04.1 LTS is released.

Feature/Support
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Support Duration
5 years (specific editions)
5 years + optional extension

Automatic Upgrades
No
Yes (for 23.10 and 22.04)

New Features and Package Updates

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings a few exciting new features and package updates:

Year 2038 support has been added for the armhf architecture.Linux kernel 6.8 and systemd v255.4 are the latest versions included.

New Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Year 2038 Support
No
Yes

Linux Kernel Version
5.15
6.8

Systemd Version
249
255.4

Application and Service Improvements

Several key applications and services have received updates in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:

Nginx has been updated to version 1.24, offering better support for modern web protocols and improved performance.OpenLDAP has been upgraded to version 2.6.7, bringing bug fixes and enhancements.LXD is no longer pre-installed, reducing the initial footprint, but will be installed upon first use.Monitoring plugins have been updated to version 2.3.5, including multiple enhancements and new features for better system monitoring.

Service/Feature
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Nginx
1.20
1.24

OpenLDAP
2.5
2.6.7

LXD
Pre-installed
Installed on use

Monitoring Plugins
2.3.2
2.3.5

Infrastructure and Deployment

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS also brings improvements to infrastructure and deployment:

The new Landscape web portal is built with Canonical’s Vanilla Framework, providing an improved API, better accessibility, and a new repository snapshot service.Enhanced management capabilities for snaps, supporting on-premises, mixed, and hybrid cloud environments.Currently Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS offers:Improved hardware support and compatibility with linux kernel 6.8Performance enhancements and faster boot timesExtended 5-year support lifespan until June 2029Stronger security with 5+5 years of maintenance, legacy support add-onSeamless upgrade path from 23.10 and 22.04 LTSUpdated packages like NGINX, OpenLDAP, and monitoring pluginsThe decision to upgrade from 22.04 LTS should consider:New hardware/peripheral compatibility needsPerformance requirements for workloadsSecurity and compliance prioritiesSupport window and maintenance needsEase of upgrade and potential downtime

Also, Testing for stability and compatibility is crucial, especially for critical applications.

Ubuntu Release Notes:Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)