Links to download Ubuntu 20.10 (the final, stable version that is) are now live!
The official release announcement has been posted on the Ubuntu mailing list and the final Ubuntu 20.10 desktop .iso are up on the Ubuntu release server ready for you (and everyone else) to download and try it out.
Ubuntu 20.10 ‘Groovy Gorilla’ is a short-term release. It comes with 9 months of security updates, critical fixes, and select software updates from Canonical, makers of Ubuntu.
Ubuntu 20.10 rides atop the Linux 5.8 kernel, includes the GNOME 3.38 release, has new wallpapers, Active Directory integration (for enterprise users) in the installer, and carries a clutch of updated software, tools, and libraries.
Plus this is the first version of Ubuntu to offer desktop support for the Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB + 8GB models).
A top level overview of new features and key changes:
- Linux kernel 5.8
- Active Directory support in the installer
- LibreOffice 7.0.2 with new icon set
- High precision scrolling in Firefox
- Rearrangeable app grid
- Paginated app folders
- Share Wi-Fi hotpots by Qr code
- Indicator alert when microphone in use but muted
- Calendar event shown below calendar widget
- Option to ‘show battery percentage’ in top bar
- Visible ‘Restart’ option in Status Menu
- New wallpapers
Or for a visual run-through, watch this video:
Download Ubuntu 20.10
Sounds good — but where to download it from?
Note: the Ubuntu 20.10 desktop image is a whopping 2.9GB in size so do make sure you’re on a decent connection (i.e. not a mobile tether) before you hit the download button!
When the download completes you need write the Ubuntu 20.10 .iso image to a USB stick using a tool like Etcher. Then pop the USB in an empty port, reboot your computer, and choose to boot from the USB.
The rest is pretty straightforward; follow the instructions on your screen.
You don’t have to download and install Ubuntu 20.10 though. You can upgrade to Ubuntu 20.10 from 20.04. This is easier way to try the release than starting afresh, especially if you have a lot of files or bespoke app settings.