Kubuntu Goes for KDE 4 – LTS Ditched
Based on the release policy of Ubuntu and its KDE derivative Kubuntu, the next version of Kubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) scheduled for mid January would be a Long Term Support (LTS) version with three years support. Now, Kubuntu's chief developer Jonathan Riddell has announced that there will not be an LTS version; instead Kubuntu is relying on the KDE 4 desktop update.
This decision does not affect the Gnome-based Ubuntu. Kubuntu users will be able to install a version of 8.04 that still uses KDE 3.5.
The Kubuntu developers are not all thrilled about Riddell's annoucement as the mailing list evidences. KDE 4 has not even been released and it is bound to be affected by various bugs and issues, they say. Additionally, less experimentally oriented, professional users should be given the opportunity to opt for a Kubuntu version with longer support.
Riddell cited strategic motives for the step, which came as a surprise even to those familiar with Kubuntu developments. Who, if not the KDE edition was destined to offer the KDE 4 major release, he argued. This is what made a continuation of the release cycle introduced by Canonical impossible. Kubuntu had to commit itself. The large number of downloads of a live version of Kubuntu 7.10 with KDE4 RC2 are ample proof that users see things the same way, Riddell says.
Kubuntu developers like Jonathan Jesse do not see this ditching of the LTS version as a logical step. At the Ubuntu Developer Summit in Boston there was general agreement that the next Ubuntu and Kubuntu versions should be LTS versions, and that there should be an additional releases of both with KDE4. Jesse now sees Kubuntu as playing guinea pig.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
KaOS Linux 2024.05 Adds Bcachfs Support and More
With updates all around, KaOS Linux now includes support for the bcachefs file system.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils New Iteration of the Stellaris Laptop Line
The Stellaris Slim 15 is the 6th generation and includes either an AMD or Intel CPU
-
KDE Releases Plasma 6.0.5
The latest release of the Plasma desktop has arrived with several improvements and the usual bug fixes.
-
Gnome OS Adopting systemd-sysupdate
Gnome OS is about to undergo a major under-the-hood change that promises enhanced security.
-
Endless OS 6 Now Available
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.