Those yet to sample Ubuntu 18.04 LTS may want to grab the latest point release, which available to download from today.
The Ubuntu 18.04.3 point release also includes a new Linux kernel, Linux Kernel 5.0, the same kernel version as on offer in Ubuntu 19.04
Ubuntu 18.04.3 is the third of five point releases planned to accompany the latest Ubuntu long-term support release, and is the second to see release this year.
If you’re sure what the point of a point release is I can explain it to you in one simple word: convenience.
Ubuntu point releases are new .iso install images which contain all of the bug fixes, security patches, performance enhancements, and key app updates released to the OS since the previous install image was produced.
By including all of those essential updates on a new disc images it saves on the amount of updates that need to be downloaded and applied after installation.
Among the crop of fixes in Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS that might interest desktop users are tweaks to the display and selection of colour emoji in the emoji picker (ctrl + .) applet; a swathe of cherry-picked GNOME Shell and Mutter fixes/enhancements; while the Ubuntu Software now only displays app reviews from other Ubuntu users.
But that’s not all…
The Ubuntu 18.04.3 point release also includes a new Linux kernel, Linux Kernel 5.0, the same kernel version as on offer in Ubuntu 19.04. Among many changes, Linux 5.0 features a roster of improved hardware support, performance tweaks, and other betterments.
There’s also improved support for Canonical’s live patch service via desktop indicator applet. Livepatch is free for home users, but does require a(n also free) Ubuntu One account.
Download Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS
You can download the Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS .iso as a 64-bit .iso file from the Ubuntu download server:-
Can I Upgrade to Ubuntu 18.04.3?
Sort of.
If you installed Ubuntu 18.04 LTS using the .iso images released in April of last year and you have installed all updates and patches issued since then you are technically running the bulk of this point release already.
What you won’t get is the updated kernel, X.org, and graphics drivers. To get those you will need to opt-in to something called “hardware enablement” or HWE.
To install HWE on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS run this command:
sudo apt-get install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-18.04 xserver-xorg-hwe-18.04
Make sure you reboot your system when prompted.
If you installed Ubuntu 18.04 LTS using the second point release (Ubuntu 18.04.2) launched back in February and you’ve installed all updates since, you’re also technically running Ubuntu 18.04.3 too — but you will receive the new HWE automatically.
Want to learn a bit more about Ubuntu 18.04 LTS? Check out our video: –