Ubuntu requirements. Ubuntu system requirements. HiDPI High resolution displays.

Material today will be devoted to a review of the new version Linux Ubuntu 16.04, we will take a detailed look at the installation process of the distribution kit, find out what's new in this release and, of course, look at the screenshots.

Last time, we examined this distribution using the example of Ubuntu version 14.10, and it was already a long time ago, at the moment it’s released a new version besides LTS, i.e. with long-term support, so we’ll review it today.

Linux Ubuntu 16.04

Ubuntu Is a free operating system distribution linux systemsIt is one of the most popular in the world. Unity acts as a graphical shell, but as I said, this is a very popular distribution, so it has many derivative distributions with other graphical shells, for example: Kubuntu with the KDE desktop environment, Lubuntu with LXDE, Ubuntu MATE, Xubuntu with the environment Xfce, as well as Ubuntu with classic GNOME. In addition to the listed distributions, which are officially supported by the community, Ubuntu is based on a huge number of other distributions, the most famous and popular of which is Linux Mint.

So, as you already understood, a new version of Ubuntu 16.04 with the code name Xenial Xerus has been released. It will be supported for 5 years, i.e. this is a long-term version (LTS), for comparison, regular versions are supported for 9 months.

Where to download Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus?

You can download Ubuntu 16.04, of course, from the official site, the next page provides a general list of all editions of Ubuntu 16.04, i.e. Desktop and Server with different architectures, here is the link - http://releases.ubuntu.com/16.04/

After you go to the page, several download options will be available to you, for example, using a browser or torrent, for example I will use torrent and select a file ubuntu-16.04-desktop-i386.iso.torrentThis is a 32 bit version for a regular home computer.

As a result, I will boot ISO image ubuntu-16.04-desktop-i386.iso

Ubuntu 16.04 system requirements

• Dual core processor with a frequency of 2 GHz or better;
• RAM at least 2 gigabytes;
• 25 GB of free hard disk space.

What's new in Ubuntu 16.04?

Now let's see what new things appeared in this release, and what versions of programs are included in it:

You can learn more about all the innovations in the official Release Note.

Install Linux Ubuntu 16.04

The installation process is practically no different from the installation previous versions It is simple and straightforward.

Step 1

We boot from the disk and get into the language selection menu. Find the desired language and click " Enter».

Step 2

Then select " Install ubuntu».

Step 3

As a result, the installation program starts, where we can immediately click " Continue».

Step 4

Then, if you want, and if you have an Internet connection, you can check “ Download updates during ubuntu installations ", Click" Continue».

Step 5

Further, since I have this new installation, for example, I will select the first item “ Erase Drive and Install Ubuntu", You in turn can choose" Another variant", In order to create disk partitions yourself, click" Install now».

We agree with the changes, click " Continue».

Step 6

Then indicate your location, click " Continue».

Step 7

Select the keyboard layout, click " Continue».

Step 8

We enter the username, computer name, and also come up with a password for the user and confirm it, click " Continue».

Installation has begun, now it remains to wait a bit.

Installation will be completed when the following message appears, click " Reload».

Screenshots Ubuntu 16.04

Login screen

Desktop

Ubuntu Search

Ubuntu software

File manager

System parameters

That's all for now, bye!

Are you a Linux user who likes Ubuntu but fears Unity? You're lucky. There are a lot of canonicals from Ubuntu from canonical and independent developers that retain the basic infrastructure and essence of Ubuntu, but have been replaced by Unity desktop.

The canonicals have been producing official campers since their second release, but they still have a lot of attention since they switched to Ubuntu Unity. The oldest and one of the most popular is Kubuntu, which offers KDE desktop; if you need Ubuntu on a computer with a lack of space, there is an easy Lubuntu; and from the 13.04 release of the Raring Ringtail, users will also be able to use the Gnome desktop thanks to the new Ubuntu Gnome spin.

Like these official versions, many third-party developers use Ubuntu as the base for their distributions. While most of them are just a Ubuntu release with a few additional applications, some developers have put in extra effort. Bodhi Linux is a semi-rolling distribution based on the Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) release. It has an elegant look, a minimal system that can be easily customized to suit a regular desktop or machine data. Zorin OS, designed to reassure users who come from Windows, is also good.

How we tested ...

Comparing distributions is difficult. Since they are locked on Ubuntu, the usual options for comparison, such as installation, were very similar. And this is the main reason why they begin to choose a distribution kit - the ease of installation.

Another important point is the comparison of system requirements. Unity requires graphics acceleration, which makes standard Ubuntu unsuitable for older computers. We also drew attention to custom tools that come with several distributions that have their own package manager. Some have replaced standard tools with a separate desktop environment for ease of use.

Comparison of distributions does not go without looking at the application bundle and configuration parameters, and moreover, how both of these factors depend on the desktop environment.

Basic

For most distributions in this review, the default software choice depends on the desktop. This way you will find Gnome apps like Evolution, Shotwell, Rhythmbox and Totem in Ubuntu Gnome, KDE apps like Kmail, Amarok and Dragon Player in Kubuntu.

Although both of these distributions try to be faithful to their desktop computers, there are some exceptions. The most notable LibreOffice default set in Gnome is Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and Zorin. Lightweight Lubuntu uses AbiWord and Gnumeric instead, and Bodhi ships with a simple text editor. In fact, the only real app in Bodhi is the Midori web browser, which you can use to access the Bodhi online app store and download new apps. Interestingly, Google Docs thinks Midori is deprecated version of google Chrome

Zorin ships with a real component Google chromeAt that time, Lubuntu included the open source Chromium resources. Instead of the Gnome’s Epiphany browser (currently renamed simply Web), it includes Ubuntu Gnome Firefox. Kubuntu ships with its own Reconq browser, although it does have a shortcut to install Firefox.

Dramatically different from Bodhi is another lightweight distribution. Lubuntu is full of applications. He has some GTK applications, such as Evince for viewing documents, Archive Manager and MtPaint image editor, along with the weight function of the application that come with his LXDE desktop, such as Leafpad text editor and PCManFM. Lubuntu also has a Sylpheed email client and a Gnome web browser. He also got Audacious and Gnome Mplayer, so you can play the most popular formats: MP3, AVI files and MP4.

Ubuntu Gnome also lets you play MP3s from boxing with Rhythmbox. You won't find plugins under Kubuntu, but its multimedia applications are designed to extract codecs. The best thing about Ubuntu derivatives is that you can install your own plugins and codecs to play limited formats when installing the distribution.

Zorin is the only distribution in our review that allows you to view content in proprietary formats internally in the environment. With 1.5 GB, Zorin is the heaviest distribution. In addition to what has already been mentioned, it includes Gimp, Shotwell, Google Chrome, Gwibber, Thunderbird, Empathy, Totem, Rhythmbox, VLC and even the OpenShot video editor. It also includes Wine for installing Windows-only applications.

Verdict

Ubuntu Gnome - 3/5

Kubuntu - 3/5

Lubuntu - 4/5

Bodhi Linux - 1/5

Zorin - 5/5

Special purpose

The distributions that we have chosen are completely different, but each of them works well for its target audience.

The goal of Ubuntu Gnome spin is to provide a relatively clean Gnome desktop. Since the main ubuntu distribution still using the libraries from Gnome 3.6, Gnome Ubuntu 13.04 comes with older versions of Gnome, and users will have to manually install the latest Gnome from the Person Package Archive (PPA). Users also skip new Gnome applications, such as Boxes and Web, which depend on the latest libraries.

Kubuntu does the same for KDE as Ubuntu Gnome does for the Gnome Shell. But Kubuntu integrates well in the KDE desktop. However, it does not include all applications developed as part of the KDE project, primarily Calligra Office Suite.

Lubuntu developers wanted to create a less resource-intensive project and the LXDE distribution meets these requirements. Lubuntu also includes software like Mplayer, which makes it more convenient.

Bodhi Linux is also a lightweight distribution, but we recommend that users configure the system.

Finally, Zorin OS is designed for Windows users, thanks to its default interface and custom look of the Changer application.

Verdict

Ubuntu Gnome - 2/5

Kubuntu - 4/5

Lubuntu - 5/5

Bodhi Linux - 5/5

Zorin - 5/5

Desktop experience

Until there was Unity, Ubuntu was the most popular Linux distribution for desktop users - and for good reason. It has the best-in-class Ubiquity distribution installation, as well as an easy-to-use package management system that allows users to upgrade with a single click. All distributions in this review are of the same line. While some require more resources to run, what sets them apart from Ubuntu and each other is the appearance and how you operate them.

The questions we are going to answer are: can these distributions be of interest to new Linux users who are migrating from other operating systems, such as Windows and Mac OS? And if you are already a Linux user who worked on Ubuntu, which of these systems is closest to pre-Unity?

Ubuntu Gnome - 2/5

If you're disappointed with Unity, then the Gnome Ubuntu desktop environment is unlikely to make you happy. There are a number of similarities between Gnome 3 and Unity, although each is implemented differently. If you don't like Unity's vertical launch, you probably won't be interested in a similar launch in Gnome. And while the launch of Unity is always visible, in Gnome you must run the Activities View before you can even see it.

Gnome is another low point with minimally designed windows and the inability to create desktop icons. In fact, even Gnome users will not like this system because it comes with older Gnome 3.6.

Kubuntu - 3/5

At first glance, KDE is very similar to Windows: it has a taskbar at the bottom of the screen, a launch menu in the corner, QuickLaunch icons and a notification area with tray icons.

He is interested in a huge number of configuration options and functions, such as Activities, which, unfortunately, misleads users and they begin to ignore it. Activities, in fact, is a workspace or virtual desktops that you can configure and switch between to another type of activity. Kubuntu is the oldest Ubuntu spin, it has its fans, but it lacks some of the best features of Ubuntu, such as Software Center.

Lubuntu - 3/5

Like KDE, LXDE Desktop Lubuntu is similar to Windows, with a panel at the bottom. The menu, however, resembles Windows 98. If you think it is a Windows 98 double, and is not interesting for windows users 7 / Vista / XP, note that LXDE does not have other Windows features.

In addition, Lubuntu lacks Ubuntu One, and integration with PCManFM and Sylpheed is still not implemented. But then Lubuntu is aimed at various user groups: those who want to run Ubuntu Desktop - like on an old, powerful machine. This is what makes Lubuntu surprisingly good.

The fact that it also has a pleasant desktop environment is an added bonus.

Bodhi Linux - 2/5

Another minimalist distribution, Bodhi Linux is based on the elegant Enlightenment Window Manage and has its own file manager, several gadgets and compositing effects. With Bodhi, you can revive the car to life in the old style.

The distribution also offers several different styles of desktop placement: desktop wallpaper with a traditional menu layout, Taskbar and System Tray in the lower right corner; the laptop / netbook puts System Tray, the menu and taskbar at the top, as well as some gadgets, and moves the launch of applications to the bottom, while the freakish places to launch applications on the left of the screen. There is also a style for small / touchscreen devices that uses a menu app like Unity's Dash or Gnome 3's Activities.

Zorin OS - 5/5

This is the most best distribution, it offers the ultimate desktop experience for Linux users, as well as tools that others have operating systems. Not only is the default Zorin desktop reminiscent of Windows 7, for additional familiarity, its custom application launch also mimics the Windows 7 Start menu. Linux users can use the Zorin Look Changer app to customize their desktop and see how GNOME 2 works.

System requirements

Due to various requirements of the desktop environment, some of them may not start on all types of equipment. The most demanding distribution in our review is Ubuntu Gnome, due to the persistence of the desktop to use accelerated graphics. On the other hand, you can run KDE, Kubuntu on a computer that does not have a discrete graphics card. The desktop will be, but by default there will be only the most basic effects of compositing, although it remains fully functional.

If you need a distro for old boxes, neither Gnome, nor Ubuntu Kubuntu, nor Lubuntu or Bodhi Linux will work. To use Lubuntu-based LXDE productively, you'll need at least 512 MB of RAM. The project also makes special installations of ISO-images for computers with less than 700 MB of RAM.

Bodhi Linux goes even further. You can install it on a system with 128 MB of RAM and it will take up only 2.5 GB of free space on your hard drive. Zorin OS brings you the best of both worlds. While the normal version is based on Gnome and requires the same amount of resources as Kubuntu, there is also a Lite-edition, which is based on LXDE for older computers.

Verdict

Ubuntu Gnome - 1/5

Kubuntu - 3/5

Lubuntu - 4/5

Bodhi Linux - 5/5

Zorin - 4/5

Documentation and Support

One of the reasons Ubuntu is so popular is its support infrastructure and vibrant user community. But how true is that? Ubuntu Gnome has a growing community with its own IRC channel and mailing list, and although it does not have a forum, users regularly receive its news on its official Google+ community page.

The oldest Ubuntu spin, Kubuntu, has a very active community hosting KDE specific forums, mailing lists, and IRC channels. The distribution also has information on getting help in languages \u200b\u200bother than English, and there is a complete guide available e-books   at ubuntuguide.org.

Lubuntu also has its documentation and infrastructure support on Ubuntu. The documentation contains information about various applications and how to configure various components. The forum link shows all posts tagged “Lubuntu” on ubuntuforums.org.

Zorin OS has a very rudimentary installation guide, although they do have a forum with a tutorial section.

Bodhi Linux has the most organized support and documentation. There is a quick guide and detailed guides for setting up Enlightenment and Bodhi. The forum even has recommendations on ARM devices.

Verdict

Ubuntu Gnome - 2/5

Kubuntu - 3/5

Lubuntu - 2/5

Bodhi Linux - 5/5

Zorin - 2/5

Custom tools

As we have already mentioned, our experimental systems differ among themselves primarily in terms of user convenience.

Consider, for example, Zorin. It was created specifically for Windows users who want easy and smooth access to Linux, so it includes the Look Changer user application, which allows you to change the interface with one click. In the release you can download the OS for free, the application offers on windows choice   7, XP or GNOME 2. For 10 € you will also get support for Mac OS X, Unity and Windows 2000. The Zorin web browser manager makes it easy to install various browsers and the distribution also includes a redesigned Ubuntu Software Center.

Bodhi Linux is the expanse of custom tools. It comes with the Eccess System Tool for basic system administration tasks such as user and time management. There on the Bodhi Linux forum there are whole sections devoted to user applications written in Elementary and Python, which are available in official repositories. Another highlight is its online App Center, which simplifies the installation of applications. For example, if you want to install a selection of different educational applications, you can install a package that includes TuxPaint, TuxTyping, Gcompris etc.

Develop Lubuntu with a management pack by creating a lite ubuntu versions   Software Center called - you guessed it! - Lubuntu Software Center. This software works in different categories, you mark the applications that you want to install, add them to the application basket and install them all at once. This tool also has expert mode for installing individual libraries.

Kubuntu also has its own package manager, Moun and HomeRun launcher, which works full Screen   and similar to the Dash of the unity and activity of Gnome.

And only one system that does not have any special tools is Ubuntu Gnome. The distribution includes the stock Ubuntu Software Center, but some tools are missing here, such as the Gnome web browser or the Boxes virtualization app. Still embarrassing is the fact that the distribution includes two new accounts   applications from Gnome and with Ubuntu.

Verdict

Ubuntu Gnome - 1/5

Kubuntu - 2/5

Lubuntu - 3/5

Bodhi Linux - 5/5

Zorin - 5/5

Configuration options

Most distributions task the desktop with a GUI. This is a drawback for Ubuntu Gnome, as the default settings will work for the average user. A more advanced user Linux user   you will need to add tools to configure your computers.

Lubuntu also has many configuration options. There is an Openbox configuration manager and Customiser from the LXDE project. There are also various applications for changing the keyboard, mouse, monitor and power management, etc.

Kubuntu, by contrast, does not have its own set of configuration tools, like Yast OpenSUSE or Mageia's Control Center.

Bodhi Linux allows users to select a theme and wallpaper to change them for the desktop layout. You can also download various desktop gadgets, such as batteries and clocks. In the panel settings, you can change the wallpaper and themes of the desktop and applications, as well as adjust the number of virtual desktops, configure menus, launchers, file manager, manage installed power, and so on.

Zorin is the only distribution here that comes with the Ubuntu Tweak tool, and also uses the Ufw firewall app, which can be configured with gufw front-end.

Verdict

Ubuntu Gnome - 2/5

Kubuntu - 4/5

Lubuntu - 4/5

Bodhi Linux - 4/5

Zorin - 4/5

Sentence

All distributions in this review use a different desktop environment, and some even purposefully completely different user bases. It makes sense that if you are a KDE user, you should use Kubuntu, if you want a distribution for an old machine that is gathering dust in the attic, you should choose Lubuntu.

Unfortunately, the same logic does not apply to Ubuntu Gnome. Current version   The distribution (13.04) has the disadvantage that his parents still use the old Gnome 3.6 release. Although this cannot stop Gnome and Ubuntu lovers from manually pulling the latest Gnome Desktop from PPA, we cannot recommend this linux distribution   for inexperienced users.

Bodhi Linux release also requires a visit to the package manager, but online application   distribution store and its package management system makes the process very simple and straightforward. Bodhi Plus allows users to choose from several desktop layouts and, thanks to the minimal hardware requirements of the distribution kit, can be run on almost any computer.

The winner was Zorin OS (named after the villain from the Bond - Max Zorin). The distribution successfully uses its Ubuntu Core to create a ready-to-use Linux desktop that will appeal to users from different operating systems.

While the default Zorin desktop view mimics Windows 7, GNOME 2 fans can change the desktop with a single click. The distribution is packed with applications for the average user. And in the public domain there is a Core edition. For example, Business Edition has tools for accounting, accounting, stock analysis, etc.

Final grades

Ubuntu Gnome - 1/5

Lubuntu - 3/5

Kubuntu - 4/5

Bodhi Linux - 4/5