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
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.