Feature Tour of the Latest Xubuntu 20.04 LTS Release and this is what’s new in-store.
The popular lightweight Ubuntu derivative – Xubuntu recently released Long Term Support (LTS) Version supported until April 2023. Powered by the Xfce desktop environment, this release based on the solid Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. However, there are lots of Xubuntu specific changes in this release which makes it a great Linux distribution for older hardware PCs, Laptops as well as high-end machines.
Having said that, let us look at what Xubuntu 20.04 LTS brings to its users.
Table of Contents
What’s New in Xubuntu 20.04 – Feature Tour
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Linux Kernel
Xubuntu 20.04 LTS is powered by Linux Kernel version 5.4. Linux Kernel 5.4 brings support for new hardware and processors, support for exFAT filesystems, built-in support for the WireGuard VPN. Also, this version brings improvements in USB 3.2, USB Type-C, power-saving improvements
Xfce 4.14
Xubuntu 20.04 LTS comes with Xfce 4.14 which is the latest stable release to date. Xfce 4.14 brings some long-pending improvements with this version.
Display flickering is resolved with VSync support with the help of OpenGL. This was a long time issue and now it should be eliminated.
Improved GLX support brings better compatibility with NVIDIA proprietary graphics drivers.
Xfce Panels
Xfce panel improves window grouping, a new default panel layout, and clock format. The Xfce panel is robust and loaded with pre-installed widgets which you can add and customize your Xubuntu experience.
Desktop Look and Feel
A new menu option added in the desktop context menu to apply the “Next background” from the user-selected wallpaper folder and an orientation option for icon management also added. This can be enabled only when you turn on the ‘Change background‘ settings in Desktop settings.
Xubuntu 20.04 LTS brings a new dark optional theme named Greybird-dark. This theme integrates itself very well with the overall desktop while maintaining contrast. To switch from the default Greybird to Greybird-dark, open your Settings Manager and:
Click “Appearance”. Select “Greybird-dark”.
Click “All Settings”.
Click “Window Manager”. Select “Greybird-dark”.
It is worthwhile to mention that the new theme and default themes are available to install via snap and flatpak which works well out of the box. Snaps can be installed via pre-installed GNOME Software application.
Window Scaling
The XFCE 4.14 appearance dialog now shows the GTK window scaling and monospace font support.
Session Manager
The session manager in Xfce 4.14 in Xubuntu brings some new features. You can now have the ability to run commands during login, logout or suspend; better support for adding/editing autostart entries, and hybrid sleep support.
Thunar File Manager
The latest Thunar 1.8.14 is available in Xubuntu 20.04. This release brings a completely redesigned path bar, BlueRay support in volume section, larger thumbnail support, improved keyboard navigation, and an ability to change folder icon via “folder.jpg”.
Accessories and applications
This release of Xubuntu 20.04 comes with a wide range of default apps to fit the needs of all users.
- Office, email and internet
- LibreOffice 6.4.2
- Thunderbird 68.7.0
- File manager
- Thunar File Manager 1.8.14
- Catfish 1.4.13: File search utility
- Firefox 75.0
Some other notable applications in Xubuntu 20.04 includes
- Parole Media Player 1.0.5
- Engrampa 1.24.0
- MATE Calculator 1.24.0
- GNOME Mines 3.36.0
- GNOME Software 3.36.0
- GNOME Sudoku 3.36.0
- Simple Scan 3.36.0
- Blueman 2.1.2
- GIMP 2.10.18
Default Wallpapers
Xubuntu 20.04 LTS comes with pre-installed nice 6 wallpapers chosen by community competitions.
Download Xubuntu 20.04 LTS
Head over to the below link to get your free copy Xubuntu 20.04 LTS as ISO image. Once downloaded, you can create a bootable USB and try the new Xubuntu 20.04 LTS.
This release is another significant milestone for Xubuntu 20.04 LTS among other popular Ubuntu-based distributions. Xubuntu 20.04 managed to bring the latest to its users who are still using older hardware and devices with its offerings.
