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Amanda
Asked: 2012-08-31 22:50:08 +0800 CST

Are X.04 releases generally more stable than X.10 releases? [duplicate]

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Possible Duplicate:
What's the meaning of version numbering of ubuntu?

I just noticed there are always two versions of Ubuntu, X.04 and X.10. Which is the best? Is it really that X.04 are more stable BUT with less applications?

I have 12.04 and 11.10 but 12.04 keeps logging me off. Should I rather wait for the 12.10?

Please say the differences between a X.04 and a X.10 version.

version

4 Answers

  1. Ubuntu 12.04 codenamed Precise Pangolin is now the latest stable version of Ubuntu. Also note that Ubuntu releases its each version after considerable testing to make sure it is stable enough for normal use.

    So every version whether it is x.04 or x.10 can be considered stable enough for daily usage. Coming to your question, Ubuntu 12.04 is stable. You can use it without worry.

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  2. 12.04 LTS is the most recent version of the system in its long term support (LTS, X.04 numbers) version, which is intended to be more stable than the (pseudo) running releases (X.10 numbers, current one is 11.10?).

    The basic difference between the two families is that during their lifecycle, LTS versions only get security fixes, whereas x.10 versions get the upgrades including feature improvements. LTS versions can be viewed as "snaphots" of the features available and stable at the date of their release. Also, LTS versions are released only every 2 years, while .10 versions get a major release every 6 months: stability is the priority in the LTS versions, taking precedence over the ability to stay up-to-date with respect to new features.

    However, since the LTS and other major versions are defined by their release date and not by a feature stability evaluation (different policy than Debian, for instance), there is no actual guarantee than 12.04 is "more stable" than 10.04 or than a more recent 12.10. And actually, many people seem to have complained about stability issues or feature regressions since they upgraded to 12.04.

    My personal opinion, and it is only an opinion, is that 10.04 (the previous LTS) is very stable and reliable. It lacks the most recent versions of the programs, but I observe less problems in production than with 12.04 installations.

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  3. 12.04.1 LTS is the most stable and recent version. Since 12.10 is still in developement, it cannont be stable. Also, 12.04.1 LTS is a more refined form of 12.04, so it's more stable.

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  4. People are dithering around the issue but somebody needs to say this:

    • There is no* correlation of stability between and 04/10 releases.
    • LTS releases are always 04 but only every other year (8.04, 10.04, 12.04, 14.04, ..).
    • LTS doesn't mean* it'll work immediately - it's just supported for longer.

    *It is supposed to be more stable. It's based of a more "stable" Debian release and the targets for the release usually focus more on compatibility and stability than performance or features - but as the last LTS shows, good intentions don't always mean you get what you want.

    Edit: That last sentiment sounds bitter. 12.04 isn't terrible but as you can quickly see from the front page, it's still not without issues.

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