Ubuntu 20.04 is just around the corner, and you may have some questions and doubts about upgrades, installation, etc.
I spent several Q&A sessions on various social networks to answer the doubts of readers like you.
I am going to list these general questions about Ubuntu 20.04 with their answers. Hope this helps you get rid of the doubts you have. And if you still have questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
Ubuntu 20.04: answers to your questions
Just to clarify – some of my answers here may be affected by my personal opinion. If you’re an experienced Ubuntu user, some questions may seem silly to you, but not new to Ubuntu.
When will Ubuntu 20.04 come out?
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS will be released on April 23, 2020. All participating versions, such as Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Budgie, MATE, etc., will be released on the same day.
What are the system requirements for Ubuntu 20.04?
For the default GNOME version, you must have a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, a dual-core 2 GHz processor, and a minimum of 25 GB of disk space. Other versions of Ubuntu may have different system requirements.
Can I use Ubuntu 20.04 on 32-bit systems?
No and no. You cannot use Ubuntu 20.04 on 32-bit systems. Even if you are using the 32-bit version of Ubuntu 18.04, you will not be able to upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04. The latest version does not support 32 bit architecture.
Can I use Wine in Ubuntu 20.04?
Yes, you can still use Wine in Ubuntu 20.04, since support for 32-bit libraries is still available for the packages required for Wine and Steam Play. I even have instructions for installing Wine on Ubuntu 20.04.
Do I have to pay for Ubuntu 20.04 or buy a license?
No, Ubuntu is completely free to use. You do not need to buy a license key or activate Ubuntu, such as Windows. When you go to the official Ubuntu website, there is a donation button there, but you can ignore it and you decide whether you want to give some money to develop this wonderful operating system.
What version of GNOME is Ubuntu 20.04?
Ubuntu 20.04 ships with GNOME 3.36.
Does Ubuntu 20.04 have better performance than Ubuntu 18.04?
Yes, in several aspects. Ubuntu 20.04 installs faster and faster. Try and compare. Scrolling, animating windows, and other user interface elements are smoother and provide smoother interaction with GNOME 3.36.
How long will Ubuntu 20.04 be supported?
This is a long-term support (LTS) release and, like any LTS release, it will be supported for five years. This means that Ubuntu 20.04 will receive security and maintenance updates until April 2025.
Will I lose data when upgrading to Ubuntu 20.04?
You can upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04 with Ubuntu 19.10 or Ubuntu 18.04. You do not need to create live USB and install a new system from it. All you need is a good internet connection that can download about 1.5 GB of data.
Upgrading from an existing system does not harm your files. You should have all of your files as they are, and most of your existing software must have either the same version or an updated version.
If you used third-party tools or an additional PPA, the upgrade procedure will disable them. You can re-enable these additional repositories if they are available for Ubuntu 20.04.
The update takes about an hour, and after rebooting you will enter the new version of Ubuntu.
Although your data will not be affected, and you will not lose system files and configurations, it is always useful to back up important data from the outside.
When will I receive an upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04?
If you are using Ubuntu 19.10 and you have the correct update settings (as mentioned in previous sections), you should receive a notification about upgrading to Ubuntu 20.04 within a few days after the release of Ubuntu 20.04.
For Ubuntu 18.04 users, it may take several weeks before they are officially notified of the availability of Ubuntu 20.04. You may receive an invitation after the first release of Ubuntu 20.04.1.
If I upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04, can I upgrade to 19.10 or 18.04?
No, you can’t. Although upgrading to a newer version is very easy, you will not be able to downgrade. If you want to go back to the older Ubuntu 18.04, you will have to install it again from scratch – Ubuntu 18.04.
I am using Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. Should I upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04 LTS?
It depends on you. If you like the new features of Ubuntu 20.04 and want to use it, you should definitely upgrade.
If you need a more stable system, I advise you to wait for the first release of Ubuntu 20.04.1, in which errors will be fixed. 04/20/1 should appear about two months after the release of Ubuntu 20.04.
In any case, I recommend updating Ubuntu 20.04 early or by
Should I install Ubuntu 20.04 from scratch, or is it better to update it from 18.04 / 19.10?
If you have a choice, back up your data and perform a fresh install of Ubuntu 20.04.
Upgrading to 20.04 from an existing version is a convenient option. However, in my opinion, it leaves behind some traces / packages of the older version. Fresh installation is always better.
Have more questions about Ubuntu 20.04?
If you have any doubts about Ubuntu 20.04, please leave a comment below. If you think that any other information should be added to the list, please let me know.