Xubuntu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Xubuntu

Xubuntu 24.04 "Noble Numbat"
Company / developer	Community
OS family	Linux (Unix-like)
Working state	Current
Source model	Open source
Initial release	23 June 2006; 19 years ago (2006-06-23)
Latest stable release	24.04 / 25 April 2024; 14 months ago (2024-04-25)
Available language(s)	Multilingual
Package manager	dpkg
Kernel type	Monolithic (Linux)
Userland	GNU
Default user interface	Xfce
License	Free software licenses (mainly GPL)

Xubuntu (/zʊˈbʊntuː/) is a special version of the Ubuntu operating system. It's made by a community of people and is officially recognized by Canonical Ltd., the company behind Ubuntu. The name Xubuntu comes from combining Xfce and Ubuntu. This is because Xubuntu uses the Xfce desktop environment, which is different from the GNOME desktop that regular Ubuntu uses.

Xubuntu aims to give you a "light, stable, and customizable" computer experience. It uses Xfce parts to do this. Xubuntu is good for both new and experienced Linux users. It's not just for old computers, but it tries to be "extra responsive and fast" on any computer you use.

The Story of Xubuntu

First Xubuntu logo

Xubuntu was first planned to come out in October 2005, but it wasn't ready yet. Instead, you could get the Xfce desktop by installing a special package called xubuntu-desktop.

The very first official Xubuntu version came out on June 1, 2006. This was part of the Ubuntu 6.06 Dapper Drake family, which also included other versions like Kubuntu and Edubuntu.

In 2008, a plan for Xubuntu's future, called the Xubuntu Strategy Document, was approved. This helped guide the project.

Later, in 2009, another lightweight Ubuntu version called Lubuntu was created. It uses a different desktop environment (LXDE) and also aims to work well on older or less powerful computers, similar to Xubuntu.

Over the years, Xubuntu's leadership changed. In 2017, the project officially started being run by a "Xubuntu Council" instead of a single leader. This council helps make sure the project follows its goals.

How Xubuntu Performs

The Xfce desktop environment is designed to use less of your computer's power than the regular Ubuntu desktop. In 2010, Xubuntu developers said it could run on as little as 128 MB of RAM, though 256 MB was better.

Early tests in 2007 showed that Xubuntu used less memory than regular Ubuntu. However, some later tests in 2009 found that Xubuntu used more RAM than a similar setup of Debian (another Linux system) with Xfce. This was because Xubuntu included more software that used up memory.

Some reviewers in 2010 felt that Xubuntu wasn't as "lightweight" as it used to be. They thought it had too many heavy programs and was too connected to the GNOME desktop.

But other users still found Xubuntu to be very good. In 2016, one writer said Xubuntu was their favorite for an older desktop computer because it was "lightweight and works great." They also liked how easy it was to change its look. In 2019, Xubuntu was even suggested as a way to make a Linux computer faster.

Xubuntu Versions Over Time

Xubuntu releases new versions twice a year, just like Ubuntu. They share the same version numbers (like 24.04, meaning April 2024) and fun code names (like Noble Numbat).

Some versions are called "Long Term Support" (LTS) releases. These are supported for three years, meaning they get updates and fixes for a longer time. Regular releases are supported for nine months.

Early Xubuntu Releases

• Xubuntu 6.06 LTS (Dapper Drake) (June 2006): This was the first official stand-alone release. It was designed to be light and good for older computers. Reviewers liked its speed.
• Xubuntu 6.10 (Edgy Eft) (October 2006): This version improved on speed and included new programs like Firefox 2.0. It was praised for being user-friendly and fast.
• Xubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) (April 2007): This release was based on Xfce 4.4. Some reviewers noted it didn't include OpenOffice.org by default, but it was easy to add programs.
• Xubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) (October 2007): This version was very fast on older computers. It was seen as perfect for "that old computer just lying around."
• Xubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron) (April 2008): An LTS release that brought new features like Wubi, which let Windows users install Xubuntu easily. It worked well on moderate hardware.
• Xubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) (October 2008): This version was good for netbooks, which were popular at the time.
• Xubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) (April 2009): This release focused on faster startup times and included Xfce 4.6 with new settings. However, some tests showed it still used more memory than expected.
• Xubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) (October 2009): This version used the faster ext4 file system and improved how quickly applications loaded. Some reviewers found it had usability issues.
• Xubuntu 10.04 LTS (Lucid Lynx) (April 2010): Another LTS release. It included the Ubuntu Software Center for easily installing apps. Some tests showed it wasn't much lighter than regular Ubuntu.
• Xubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) (October 2010): This release focused on using less memory by switching to lighter programs like Parole media player. It was praised for being stable and fast.
• Xubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal) (April 2011): This version kept the Xfce desktop, unlike Ubuntu which switched to Unity. It had a new icon theme and updated look. It was recommended for those who liked a traditional Linux desktop.
• Xubuntu 11.10 (Oneiric Ocelot) (October 2011): This release brought new default programs like gThumb for images and Leafpad for text. It performed well on netbooks and was seen as a good choice for users who didn't like the direction of other desktops.
• Xubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise Pangolin) (April 2012): A Long Term Support release. It had many visual changes, including a new logo and wallpaper. A popular new app launcher called Whisker Menu was introduced.

Recent Xubuntu Releases

• Xubuntu 18.04 LTS (Bionic Beaver) (April 2018): This LTS version improved its look with HiDPI support for high-resolution screens. It also swapped some GNOME programs for MATE versions, like the calculator. It needed at least 1 GB of RAM.
• Xubuntu 19.04 (Disco Dingo) (April 2019): Starting with this version, Xubuntu no longer offered 32-bit versions. It added GIMP and LibreOffice Impress by default. Reviewers found it stable and simple.
• Xubuntu 19.10 (Eoan Ermine) (October 2019): This release included the updated Xfce 4.14 desktop. Reviewers praised its stability, speed, and how it didn't get in the way of users working.
• Xubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) (April 2020): A major LTS release. It included a new dark theme and new wallpapers. Reviewers noted its dependability and how it "just works."
• Xubuntu 21.04 (Hirsute Hippo) (April 2021): This version brought Xfce 4.16, which uses newer technology. It also offered a new "minimal installation" option and included HexChat and Synaptic.
• Xubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) (April 2022): This LTS release switched Firefox to a "snap package" for better security and faster updates. It also improved the Mousepad text editor and Ristretto image viewer.
• Xubuntu 22.10 (Kinetic Kudu) (October 2022): This release included updates to the Xfce desktop and improved programs like the Thunar file manager, which gained native search. It was called "one of the best lightweight Linux distributions."
• Xubuntu 23.04 (Lunar Lobster) (April 2023): This version updated to Xfce 4.18, bringing improvements to the Thunar file manager like image previews and undo/redo. It also changed its sound system to PipeWire. A new "Xubuntu Minimal" download was officially offered.
• Xubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) (April 2024): This is the current Long Term Support release, supported until April 2027.

Programs Included

As of the 24.04 LTS version, Xubuntu comes with these programs already installed:

• Atril – For reading PDF files.
• Catfish – Helps you search for files on your computer.
• Disk Usage Analyzer – Shows you how much space your files are taking up.
• Firefox – A popular web browser for surfing the internet.
• GIMP – A powerful program for editing pictures.
• HexChat – An Internet Relay Chat (IRC) program for online chats.
• LibreOffice – A set of office programs like a word processor and spreadsheet.
• Mousepad – A simple text editor for writing notes.
• Parole – A media player for watching videos and listening to music.
• Rhythmbox – A music player.
• Thunderbird – An e-mail client for managing your emails.
• Simple Scan – For using a scanner.
• Xfburn – For burning (writing) files to CDs and DVDs.

Xubuntu Release Table

Xubuntu versions are released twice a year, at the same time as Ubuntu. They use the same version numbers and fun code names. For example, "6.06" means June 2006.

The code names are usually an adjective and an animal starting with the same letter, like "Dapper Drake." These names are in alphabetical order, so you can easily tell which release is newer.

Long Term Support (LTS) releases get updates for three years, while regular releases get updates for nine months.

Other Versions of Xubuntu

Other developers have used Xubuntu to create their own special versions:

• Element OS: A version for home theater PCs, no longer updated since 2011.
• Emmabuntüs: Made to help reuse computers for charity.
• GalliumOS: A Linux version for ChromeOS devices.
• Black Lab Linux: This version used to look like an old operating system called BeOS.
• UberStudent Linux: A version for education, no longer updated.
• UserOS Ultra: A very small Xubuntu version made for an Australian magazine.
• Voyager: A French version that includes a special "Avant Window Navigator."
• ChaletOS: An English version that looks similar to Windows.

See Also

In Spanish: Xubuntu para niños

• List of Ubuntu-based distributions
• Comparison of Linux distributions
• Open-source software