Ubuntu for desktops This version of Ubuntu ? the 34th release since 2006, fact fans ? is a short-term release that comes with 9 months of security updates, critical fixes, and select software updates. Ubuntu 21.04 features the Linux 5.11 Kernal, the latest GNOME 3.38 point release, better integration with Microsoft?s Active Directory, and recovery key support for encrypted installs. This release comes with GNOME 3.38.5, and is powered by the Linux 5.11 kernel There?s also a roster of updated apps, tools, and libraries, an improved dark theme, and the Wayland display server is now the default session on all hardware that supports it. Wayland by default Pipewire Private home directory Recovery key for encrypted installs Ability to select a Power Mode in Settings Power Improved Active Directory integration Refreshed dark theme New desktop icons extension Linux 5.11 kernel Python 3.9 Speaking about the release, Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Canonical, says: ?Native Active Directory integration and certified Microsoft SQL Server on Ubuntu are top priorities for our enterprise customers. For developers and innovators, Ubuntu 21.04 delivers Wayland and Flutter for smoother graphics and clean, beautiful, design-led cross platform development.? Office software Create professional documents, spreadsheets and presentations on Ubuntu with LibreOffice, the open source office suite that?s compatible with Microsoft Office. That means you can open and edit files like Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations and share them with other users quickly and easily. You can also use Google docs directly from your desktop. Web browsing Renowned for speed and security, Ubuntu and Firefox make browsing the web a pleasure again. Ubuntu also includes Chrome, Opera and other browsers that can be installed from the Ubuntu Software Centre. Email Ubuntu comes with Thunderbird, Mozilla?s popular email application, so you?ll have fast desktop access to your email. No matter which email services you use; Microsoft Exchange, Gmail, Hotmail, POP or IMAP, email just works. Photos Ubuntu is full of free apps to help you enjoy, manage, edit and share your photos ? whatever you use to take them. With fantastic support for cameras and phones, you won?t need any extra drivers to get up and running. Photo by community member Life Nomadic A whole world of apps Ubuntu offers thousands of apps available for download. Most are available for free and can be installed with just a few clicks. Spotify Play and stream your favorite songs, playlists and albums for free with Spotify. Skype The free instant messaging, voice or video calling service. VLC player No other video player is compatible with as many different file formats. Firefox Firefox Quantum is now 2x faster and 30% lighter than Chrome. Slack Team communication and collaboration in one place so you can get more done. Atom A hackable text editor for the 21st Century. Chromium A fast, simple and secure web browser, built for the modern web. PyCharm PyCharm provides all the tools you need for productive Python coding. Telegram A fast and secure desktop messaging app, perfectly synced with your mobile phone.