Ubuntu 13.04, also known as Raring Ringtail, was released on April 25th, 2013. This latest Ubuntu version boasts several new features and updates, making it a worthy upgrade for existing Ubuntu users and a tempting option for those looking to make the switch to Linux.

Let’s take a detailed look at some of the new features and updates in Ubuntu 13.04.

Unity Interface

Unity, the graphical user interface used by Ubuntu, has been further refined in 13.04. Several bugs have been fixed, and the online search feature has been improved, providing better search results. Unity’s launcher, the bar on the left-hand side of the screen, has also received some updates, making it more responsive and easier to use.

Kernel and Drivers

Ubuntu 13.04 uses version 3.8 of the Linux kernel. This new kernel version brings improved support for new hardware, better power management, and enhanced network performance. Additionally, the proprietary graphics drivers for NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards have also been updated to the latest versions.

Performance Improvements

Ubuntu 13.04 brings several performance improvements. The boot time of Ubuntu has been reduced, thanks to the implementation of systemd, a faster and more efficient boot manager. In addition, the startup time of applications has been reduced, and Ubuntu now takes less time to shut down.

Updated Applications

Ubuntu 13.04 includes several updated applications. The default web browser, Firefox, has been updated to version 20, bringing better performance and improved support for HTML5 and CSS3. The LibreOffice office suite has been updated to version 4.0, which brings several new features and improvements. Rhythmbox, the default music player, has also been updated to bring better support for iPods and other portable media players.

Smart Scopes

Smart Scopes is a new feature introduced in Ubuntu 13.04. It provides a more intelligent and focused search experience by showing relevant results from a wide variety of sources, including Amazon, Wikipedia, and other online services. The Smart Scopes feature can be customized, enabling users to choose which sources they want to search.

Juju and MAAS

Juju and Metal as a Service (MAAS) are two new tools included in Ubuntu 13.04. Juju is a service orchestration tool that enables the deployment and management of services in a cloud environment. MAAS is a bare-metal provisioning and deployment tool, which simplifies the process of deploying Ubuntu on physical hardware.

Conclusion

Ubuntu 13.04 is an impressive release that brings several new features and updates to the table. The performance improvements, updated applications, and new tools like Juju and MAAS make it a compelling option for both new and existing Ubuntu users. If you’re considering switching to Linux, Ubuntu 13.04 is definitely worth checking out.