Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (codenamed "Noble Numbat") builds upon its predecessor's strengths while introducing thoughtful improvements that matter to system administrators, enthusiasts and DevOps professionals.
Verdict
Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS represents a solid evolution rather than a revolution - exactly what you want in an enterprise-grade server platform. It delivers the stability and security that administrators and users expect while thoughtfully incorporating current technologies and performance improvements.
With five years of guaranteed updates and a proven track record of reliability, Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS deserves its place as one of the leading server operating systems in enterprise environments.
Core Improvements
Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS brings the stability enterprises expect with a 5-year support window (extendable to 10 years with Ubuntu Pro) while incorporating several noteworthy enhancements:
- Kernel 6.8: The updated Linux kernel improves hardware compatibility, security, and performance across diverse server environments
- OpenSSH 9.6: Enhanced security features and improved compatibility with modern authentication methods
- Python 3.12: The latest stable Python version is now standard, supporting modern development workflows
- PHP 8.3: Significantly improved performance and reduced memory usage for web applications
- Streamlined Server Installer: The subiquity installer continues to mature with more deployment options and smoother hardware detection
Container and Cloud Optimization
Ubuntu Server has always excelled in cloud and container environments, and 24.04 furthers this commitment:
- OCI Runtime Improvements: Enhanced container performance and compatibility
- Cloud-Init Updates: More robust cloud instance provisioning with improved first-boot experiences
- Native ARM64 Support: Optimized performance on ARM-based infrastructure, including AWS Graviton processors
Security Focus
Security remains paramount in this release:
- Enhanced AppArmor Profiles: Better application isolation by default
- Improved Memory Protection: Additional kernel-level memory protection features
- Automated Security Updates: Simplified configuration for unattended security patching
- Secure Boot Enhancements: Improved hardware root-of-trust implementation
Performance and Efficiency
Resource efficiency is critical for server deployments, and 24.04 delivers:
- Reduced Memory Footprint: The minimal installation requires even less RAM than previous versions
- Improved I/O Scheduling: Better performance under heavy disk load
- Network Stack Optimizations: Enhanced throughput for high-bandwidth applications
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