Hello I am using ubuntu mate 18.04 lts on my desktop. I want to install it on my dell latitude laptop. I read that this OS will be end of like next year in April. At that time will I be able to upgrade to a new LTS version of Ubuntu Mate? Or would I need to install another version? Thanks.
LTS versions come out every two years. There are two paths during the life of an LTS release. The standard path keeps the same kernel version. The HWE starting with the "point" 2 release tracks kernel releases in regular (non-LTS) Ubuntu releases.
Regular LTS is supported for five years. "Flavors" like Mate are three years--but most of the components are shared with the regular releases. As far as I understand, that means all but the desktop environment would be five years, giving you some time to update.
So, end of life is in April 2021, but you could keep it longer.
The automatic upgrade path is 18.04 LTS --> 20.04 LTS --> 22.04 LTS. IF the auto upgrade works correctly (which it usually does) you won't need to reinstall. But, a reinstall may lead to a more streamlined system, free of accumulated packages that you no longer use. I tend to use Ubuntu packages for most things, but occasionally have to use a PPA for things that I must have a more current version of. Those things often can be cleaned up with a fresh install.
Thank you for replying. So just to be clear... after April 2021, I can still apt update && apt upgrade this OS and it continue to get updates?
I can't give a definitive answer. My understanding is that all packages shared in common with vanilla Ubuntu will continue to receive updates.
Certainly, though, you can apt update && apt upgrade && do-release-upgrade and end up on 20.04 LTS, probably at point release 2 by then. A backup is always wise, but moving from one LTS to the next automatically is very well tested by the developers. I've never had an issue.
Canonical may also choose to extend the LTS support on some or all Ubuntu flavors to a full 5 years, like it is on vanilla Ubuntu by the time it is important to you. All LTS used to be only three years, but that was changed a few years ago.
Ok. Sounds good. Thank you, sir.
The Software Updater will also let you know when your system is ready for the next version (20.04 LTS). Normally this message starts to appear after 20.04.1, and I think it's rolled out in stages.
At any time, if you ever need to see the current support level of your system, run this command in the
Terminal :
ubuntu-support-status
Ok perfect. I will surely do this. Thanks all.