I realize I may not be the biggest fan of Ubuntu these days due to some personal disagreements with the distribution’s path over the last 5+ years.
But that doesn’t diminish the huge impact Mark Shuttleworthโs creation has had on the Linux world. Ubuntu’s contributions are undeniable and foundational, and there’s no better time to appreciate them than on its 20th anniversary!
Exactly 20 years ago today, on October 20, 2004, the 4.10 “Warty Warthog” release of the Linux distribution with the strange and unfamiliar name Ubuntu debuted under the company’s slogan “Linux for human beings.”
Yes, for better or worse, I have the privilege of remembering those times and my first contact with this new addition to the Linux landscape, which was then dominated by names like Red Hat, Debian, Mandrake (later Mandriva), and Slackware.
Today, 20 years later, Ubuntu’s star is one of the brightest shining in the Linux constellation, largely dominating both the desktop and server segments. Let’s recap the highlights of that journey.
Ubuntu Throughout the Years
Ubuntu launched its first version in 2004, accompanied by the inaugural Ubuntu Developer Summit in Matarรณ, Spain. It quickly gained popularity, receiving multiple awards as the favorite Linux distribution.
2005 saw the start of the Ubuntu ShipIt program, providing free Ubuntu CDs to anyone who requested them, broadening its reach and popularity. The first official flavor, Kubuntu 5.04, was released the same year.
In 2006, Ubuntu released version 6.06, “Dapper Drake,” marking its first Long Term Support (LTS) release, providing stability and consistent updates over an extended period. Additionally, Wubi, a tool allowing Windows users to safely dual-boot Ubuntu, was introduced, making it easier for new users to try Ubuntu without risk.
In 2011, Ubuntu ended the ShipIt program, transitioning from distributing physical CDs to focusing on online downloads.
In 2012, Ubuntu 12.04 “Precise Pangolin” was released as the first LTS to offer five years of desktop support. The following years saw continued growth, with 64-bit becoming the recommended download by 2013 and the release of Ubuntu MATE in 2015 as an official flavor.
In 2016, Ubuntu introduced Snap packages, a universal packaging format. That year, the first version of Ubuntu Core, designed as a dedicated deployment OS for IoT devices, was also released.
The distro arrived on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in 2017, cementing its position as a developers’ Linux distribution. This integration allowed developers to easily use Linux tools within Windows, enhancing cross-platform development capabilities.
Canonical unveiled a new Ubuntu logo in 2022. In 2023, Ubuntu Pro was launched, extending Canonicalโs commitment to maintaining the Universe repository and other open-source applications.
This was followed by the release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS “Noble Numbat” in 2024, extending LTS support to 12 years, ensuring ongoing stability for users who require long-term reliability.
Finally, 2024 marks Ubuntu’s 20th anniversary, coinciding with the release of the Oracular Oriole version.
Bottom Line
Ubuntu has transformed the dream of “Linux on the desktop” into a reality in two decades. In practice, the words Linux and Ubuntu have become synonymous for many users outside the open-source ecosystem. I don’t think there’s much to add to that.
Whether you’re one of the distribution’s die-hard fans or detractors, Ubuntu’s contributions to the Linux field and the open-source world are written in gold letters.
If Linux is so widespread today, it’s largely thanks to Mark Shuttleworth and his company. They were bold enough to challenge tech giants like Microsoft and Apple, believing that Linux isnโt just for tech experts but for everyone. And it can be said that he succeeded in this endeavor.
So, happy 20th anniversary, Ubuntu! We can’t wait to see how your Linux tale continues.
