Several days ago the release of the second update point of Ubuntu 20.04.2 was announced LTS, which includes changes related to improved hardware support, Linux kernel and graphics stack updates, installer and bootloader bug fixes.
It also includes the latest updates for several hundred packages to address vulnerabilities and stability issues, plus similar updates are being introduced at the same time for Ubuntu Budgie 20.04.2 LTS, Kubuntu 20.04.2 LTS, Ubuntu MATE 20.04.2 LTS, Ubuntu Studio 20.04.2 LTS, Lubuntu 20.04.2. 20.04.2 LTS, Ubuntu Kylin 20.04.2 LTS and Xubuntu XNUMX LTS.
We must remember that LTS versions are used as a continuous update support model to deliver new versions of the kernel and graphics stack, whereby backported kernels and drivers will be supported only until the next Ubuntu LTS branch patch update is released.
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS was a notable release for including the Linux 5.4 kernel, version that had many important news and features and among the most important was support for a broader range of hardware (such as AMDNavi 12 and 14 GPUs) and the exFAT file system, for example.
Although in the new update, the Linux 5.8 kernel has been proposed and will be supported until Ubuntu 20.04.3, which will offer an Ubuntu 21.04 kernel. Initially shipped, the base kernel 5.4 will be supported for a full five-year maintenance cycle.
Another change that stood out in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS was the native support for WireGuard, As such, this version of Kernel 5.4 did not include it as a feature, but it was up to Kernel 5.6, WireGuard can be integrated into this version of the Kernel. WireGuard is one of the best known open source solutions for the implementation of secure connections under VPN.
Regarding the desktop environment of the system, we can find Gnome 3.36 that brings with it a new design for applications folder and system menu.
About the new Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS update
This version includes some improvements of the Ubuntu 20.10 version of which we already mentioned one, which is Proposed package update with kernel version 5.8 (kernel 5.4 was used in Ubuntu 20.04 and 20.04.1).
Regarding the components of the graphics stack, we can find that most were updated, including X.Org Server 1.20.9, libdrm 2.4.102 and Mesa 20.2.6, which were tested in the fall release of Ubuntu 20.10. New versions of video drivers have been added for Intel, AMD and NVIDIA chips.
Unlike previous versions of LTS, newer versions of the kernel and graphics stack will be used by default in existing installations of Ubuntu Desktop 20.04, rather than offered as options.
Updating of updated versions of packages is also highlighted GNOME 3.36.8, LibreOffice 6.4.5, libfprint 1.90.2, snapd 2.46, ceph 15.2.7.
For server systems a new kernel is added as an option in the installer, plus it makes sense to use new assemblies only for new installations - previously installed systems can receive all the changes present in Ubuntu 20.04.2 through the standard update installation system.
Users of the old LTS branch of Ubuntu 18.04 will be notified in the update installation manager that they can automatically switch to the 20.04.2 branch.
How to update to the new Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS update?
For those who are interested and are on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, they can update their system to the new update released by following these instructions.
If they are Ubuntu Desktop users, just open a terminal on the system (they can do it with the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T) and in it they will type the following command.
sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic
At the end of the download and installation of all the packages, although it is not necessary, we recommend carrying out a computer restart.
Now for those who are Ubuntu server users, the command they must type is the following:
sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-20.04