Lubuntu 24.04 LTS, the next long-term support release of the lightweight Linux distribution based on LXQt, will have an exciting new feature: an optional Wayland session. This was announced today by Lubuntu developer Simon Quigley, exclusively for 9to5Linux.com.
Wayland is a modern display server protocol that aims to replace the old Xorg system. Wayland offers better performance, security, and compatibility with newer hardware and software. 2024 is expected to be the year when Wayland becomes the default choice for most Linux desktops, and Lubuntu 24.04 LTS will be ready for it.
Users of Lubuntu 24.04 LTS will be able to choose between Wayland and Xorg when they log in to their LXQt desktop. Xorg will still be supported until 2026 for users with older graphics cards, but Wayland will become the default option in Lubuntu 24.10, which will be released later in 2024.
But that’s not all. Lubuntu 24.04 LTS will also bring many other improvements and enhancements to the LXQt desktop experience. For example, the installation process will be easier and more customizable, thanks to a new “Customize” page in the Calamares graphical installer. This page will let users select from three different installation modes: Minimal, Normal, and Full. The Minimal mode will install only the essential components of Lubuntu, without any Snaps. The Normal mode will install the standard Lubuntu system, with some useful applications. The Full mode will install the Normal mode plus some additional apps, such as Krita, Thunderbird, Element, and Virtual Machine Manager.
The “Customize” page will also allow users to install extra third-party software that they may need or want with their Lubuntu system. These software packages will include popular and powerful applications for digital painting, email, chat, and virtualization.
Another new feature in Lubuntu 24.04 LTS will be a “First Boot” screen that will appear when users boot the live ISO image. This screen will help users set up their Wi-Fi network and system language before they try or install Lubuntu. Simon Quigley, the Lubuntu developer, explained the motivation behind this feature: “A non-native English speaker should never have to read English to use Lubuntu, that’s our goal. It doesn’t add much disk space either (less than 20 MB per language).”
Lubuntu 24.04 LTS will also include a GTK-based graphical app for managing Bluetooth devices, an SDDM Configuration Editor tool for configuring the login screen, the Redshift tool for adjusting the screen brightness at night, and several new LXQt themes, including a modern dark theme and a Windows Eleven-inspired theme. Moreover, there will be some tweaks and updates to the Power Management, the battery icon, and the Lubuntu Manual.
Lubuntu 24.04 LTS is scheduled to be released in late April 2024, and it will be supported for five years. . Lubuntu 24.04 LTS promises to be an exciting and enjoyable release for LXQt fans and newcomers alike.