Why a new version every 6 months?

[TUOggy]

I will be honest, I'm not a certified computer tech. I'm not a programmer. In fact, my degree program was in Marketing. I am just a basic user trying to learn more.

Having said that I was wondering what the deal is with a new version of Ubuntu being released every 6 months. Sounds counterproductive to me from a marketing point of view.

As a basic user, operating systems like Windows and Mac OSX just seem like the more attractive option due to the fact that they remain mostly the same for long periods of time and humans are adverse to change. Let's face it, Microsoft puts out a new version of Windows like every 6 years, and Apple is about the same with their operating systems. The way they keep up is by using an advanced update system. I've been using Ubuntu for about 5 months now. When I started, I was using Feisty Fawn. I learned a bunch of different tricks within Feisty, but then Gusty was released, and some of the file structures were changed. It was frustrating to be stuck back at square one because of these changes.

What aggravates me the most is that Ubuntu has the advanced update system available. Why not release a new version once every... say... 2 years and support it through updates and patches for the next two years giving each version a lifespan of 4 years? Also, from what I can tell, the current changes from one version to another are negligible (keep in mind that I'm not a programmer, so I have only made this determination based on normal use). Most of the stuff seems to remain the same (except that stupid file structure change which drove me insane). If we're trying to make open source a more attractive alternative for the technological lay person, then something much change here. Not everyone cares enough or has the technical know how to keep up with new version after new version. Most people want something that they can keep for the next 4 years, or until they get a new computer. I believe that Ubuntu could be that, but not if people have to switch every 1.5 years.

I guess my question is... why every 6 months?

[Steveway]

There are many changes under the hood.
If your don't like this update-behaviour then use a LTS-release or another Distribution.

[p_quarles]

Ubuntu's development cycle is tied to the GNOME desktop's development cycle, which is also six months.

In any case, Ubuntu does do a good job of accomodating those who want a longer release cycle. The LTS (long-term support) editions are each supported for three years from the release date. The current LTS is 6.06, which will continue to be supported until June of next year. The upcoming LTS, 8.04, will be supported until 2011. This is a great option for those who don't want to upgrade often. Also, the normal releases continue to be supported for 18 months from the release date. Even though a new version will be released every six months, the upgrade is entirely optional.

[Sukarn]

LTS releases are made every 2 years. They release security update for the OS for 3 years for desktop releases and 5 years for server releases.
The last LTS release of ubuntu was 6.06 (Dapper Drake) and the next one will be 8.04 (Hardy Heron)

The point of frequent releases is to keep the users updated with the development going on as this is a community driven OS.

If you just want long release cycles (like 5 years) and still want a distribution that works in a way similar to Ubuntu, then try Debian as Ubuntu is based on Debian

[Cypher]

Debian does exactly what you want..in that they release a new version of every 3 or more years..the people who use Debian are those who want a stable OS with minimal to no changes unless they initiate it themselves (think web-hosters and other key service providers)

The issue with that is that if the Linux Kernel and brand new features are costantly evolving and with multi-year release cycles you end up being stuck on old (albiet stable) code until a new release comes out.

Ubuntu is geared more towards desktop users who'd rather have access to the latest and greatest goodies while sacrificing some of the stability..thus the 6 month release cycle..

[TUOggy]

Well, I guess I was just unaware of the LTS. That's great, and I can't wait to get the next LTS so that I can stick with it for a while.

Thanks again everyone.

[p_quarles]

Well, I guess I was just unaware of the LTS. That's great, and I can't wait to get the next LTS so that I can stick with it for a while.

Thanks again everyone.
Not much longer to wait: it's scheduled to be out at the end of April. I've test driven a couple of the development snapshots, and it looks very good so far.

[trash]

Though personally I too think every 6 months is too much, Apple does releases every year or two, not 6.... So not being forced to upgrade, using Ubuntu you only need upgrade as much as you would using Apple for the latest greatest software;)

[SteveHillier]

I was not aware that anyone was being forced to move to the later versions. If there is a release you are comfortable with then stick with it.
However it has been my experience that the move to a later version has not been a problem.
Please also do not ascribe to Microsoft long life versions. How long did ME last? It was only a go between because XP was late. I would not like to place bets on how long Vista will last at its present rate of performance. XP has been exceptional in the world of OS software in that its been around for 6-7 years now.
Last thing. In IT little and often is normally good. Incremental improvements avoid major headaches later. I have some customers who are using Win 98. For them to move forward to Vista required a much greater upgrade - all software will need to be upgraded, peripheral hardware won't work - the quantum leap is great.
New versions would be expected to provide a smooth (or as smooth as possible) upgrade path from the version they are expected to replace, but you cannot go back in perpetuity. Should Vista provide an upgrade path from Dos 2?
Lets keep going with little and often upgrades please

[-random]

Not much longer to wait: it's scheduled to be out at the end of April. I've test driven a couple of the development snapshots, and it looks very good so far.

I cant wait! <3 <3 x x:guitar:

[some_random_noob]

Not much longer to wait: it's scheduled to be out at the end of April. I've test driven a couple of the development snapshots, and it looks very good so far.
Sounds great. I'll move to Hardy sometime after its release (Once there's heaps of documentation and how-tos for it :) ). But I just installed Kubuntu recently, and to my surprise it actually suits my current needs perfectly (Despite hogging up all my RAM!). So I'll be sticking with that for a while.

[mdsmedia]

I can't understand this aversion to regular upgrades. You can upgrade or not as you please.

I'm still using Dapper (although I'm THIS close to upgrading...I just don't have time). I don't think I'm missing all that much, although some of the enhancements sound attractive.

I've been happy enough using Dapper since its inception. You don't HAVE to upgrade. But you can if you like. That's the beauty of Linux. FREEDOM of CHOICE.

You compare it with Windows, where you are forced to upgrade to Vista, just to get mediocre security.

[gsmanners]

I guess my question is... why every 6 months?

From a purely marketing standpoint, I think we can agree that a regular and relatively frequent upgrade schedule with firm due dates that can build anticipation does help keep the product awareness higher. Higher awareness is one of the goals of Ubuntu from what I recall.

[SteveHillier]

You don't HAVE to upgrade. But you can if you like. That's the beauty of Linux. FREEDOM of CHOICE.

You compare it with Windows, where you are forced to upgrade to Vista, just to get mediocre security.

Boy, isn't this ever right. I tend to upgrade when I can but because very few upgrades need a reboot this is fine. If there is a kernel upgrade I can make the choice.

mdsmedia makes the very valid point - many Windows upgrades happen whether you want them of not and all too frequently they force a reboot, so if you left a job running overnight you might find it interrupted because of a force reboot.

[igknighted]

Though personally I too think every 6 months is too much, Apple does releases every year or two, not 6.... So not being forced to upgrade, using Ubuntu you only need upgrade as much as you would using Apple for the latest greatest software;)

Those really are little more than service packs... OSX came out in March '01 hasn't changed much (fundamentally) since.

To the point of the thread, since applications aren't upgraded mid-release, you need to do something. I don't want to use OO.o 2.0.X like I would if I was still on Dapper. A proper backports repository (like Mandriva) could fix that though, or a repo for each application set you wished to upgrade (like OpenSuse).

Not to mention, with drivers built in to the kernel, Dapper can't support a lot of new hardware that comes out, so the new releases with newer kernels are necessary for new hardware.

[trash]

Those really are little more than service packs... OSX came out in March '01 hasn't changed much (fundamentally) since.


Though I agree, Apple would not agree. Having called them before about having to pay for an upgrade just 7 months after purchasing their OS, I was told by Apple that 150 new programs have been added and thats why they must charge for upgrades. So although these maybe largely 'under the hood' programs/visuals, they do see it as more than a service pack.

[Arkenzor]

But I just installed Kubuntu recently, and to my surprise it actually suits my current needs perfectly (Despite hogging up all my RAM!). So I'll be sticking with that for a while.

As an off-topic detail, KDE system monitors actually display not only the RAM actually used by programs, but all the cache/buffer memory as well. From that point of view, all memory that KSysGuard doesn't report to be occupied is basically wasted. If you want to see how much RAM your system really uses, look at the "localhost:mem/physical/application" part of the graph.

[Ripfox]

I like to fly by the seat of my pants and use the daily build. :twisted:

[23meg]

Release Early, Release Often (http://catb.org/~esr/writings/cathedral-bazaar/cathedral-bazaar/ar01s04.html)

[k2t0f12d]

Release Early, Release Often (http://catb.org/~esr/writings/cathedral-bazaar/cathedral-bazaar/ar01s04.html)

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