On the DVD

Ubuntu 21.04

64-bit

This month's DVD features the latest versions of two major distributions. First up is Hirsute Hippo, otherwise known as Ubuntu 21.04. The Ubuntu team chose a hybrid desktop environment of Gnome 3.38 and Gnome 40, so much of the interest in this release is in security enhancing features.

Ubuntu tried using Wayland as the default display server in the 17.10 release, only to encounter difficulties and return to the X Window System. Now, with Ubuntu 21.04, Wayland is once more the default. With better performance and high security, Wayland is a long-awaited change, although recording and screen capture apps may not work. Fortunately, switching to X Window is a minor task. Other security features include a power mode option for laptops and a recovery key option for encrypted disks. Probably the most noticeable change is the default permissions for home directories, from 755 (the user can read, write, and execute, while the group and others can read and execute, but not write) to 750 (the user can read, write, and execute; the group can read and execute, but not write; and others cannot read, write, or execute.). This change hides home directories from others; in case others manage to log in, it prevents them from running binary files.

Like all Ubuntu releases, Hirsute Hippo is a solid choice for new users, with plenty for them to discover as their expertise increases.

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