Will this make Xubuntu-desktop or Xfce be updated for 5 years?

[mikodo]

Hi,

I am at the stage of my life, where having a happily running older and stable desktop, is more important than reinstalling Xubuntu every 6 months for the newest packages and apps. (I am installing a Debian Testing Xfce, to have a semi-rolling release, to be done with installing again for Debian).

For my Xubuntu-desktop or Ubuntu Xfce desktop install, I would like it to run for 5 years with updates, not the typical 3 years Xubuntu provides, so ...

Would a Ubuntu Minimal (mini.iso) (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/MinimalCD) install, or a Ubuntu Server install (http://www.ubuntu.com/download/server) of Ubuntu 14.04 when it is released and installing either below, provide 5 years of updates to the repository packages?


sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop

or

sudo apt-get install xfce4

Thanks.

[vasa1]

I got the impression that the 5-yr support applies only to certain software, mostly in the "main" repo. Bookmarking this thread to learn what actually happens.

[Bashing-om]

mikodo; Hi !

Short answer; yes .
I too go with the stability of LTS and simplicity and control.
My intent is to install 14.04 minimal and I sure do like xfce4 for the desk top, - 5 years support.
Come April, will be all set to go.



that is just my thought

[mikodo]

mikodo; Hi !

Short answer; yes .
I too go with the stability of LTS and simplicity and control.
My intent is to install 14.04 minimal and I sure do like xfce4 for the desk top, - 5 years support.
Come April, will be all set to go.


that is just my thought



Thanks, for the response.

So, Xfce4 will be given 5 years of updates then? Not Xbuntu-desktop? (Which is fine, by the way).

[Bashing-om]

mikodo;

It is the kernel and those core packages related to that kernel that has the Long Term Support. xfce4, as a package installed has both the support of the ubuntu repository as well as the continuous efforts of those developing and maintaining xfce4:
http://www.xfce.org/

The same can be said of any major package that is "maintained" in the repository. Keep in mind, when a package is incorporated into the repository and the edition version is released, those versions of any package are frozen at that version. The only changes are due to security issues and major major bug fixes. This does result in Long term stability, and nothing breaks that stable system. Later versions of developed packages will be available in the next version edition release OR if one want's to risk it (testing) .. through the developers' Personal Package Archives.

Bottom line: Version 14.04 of ubuntu will be the next Long Term Support and any package installed onto 14.04 through the ubuntu repository will have that same LTS.

For such a complex system overall



it works so well

[nerdtron]

I think most updates/support comes from updates on packages and bug fixes. For example, if you use XFCE version 4.8 on ubuntu 12.04 LTS, I don't think you'll be able to upgrad on major components so you'll stay on 4.8 even though the latest version is now 4.10. It is basically much of a "major version freeze". (unless of course you add a ppa to install the latest version).

But the good thing is you'll still receive security updates and bug fixes, and the repository is open for 5 years. Also some programs, like Firefox, chrome have latest updates. My 12.04 Xubuntu now has firefox 26 and I haven't added any ppa.
I am also waiting for 14.04 as well. I like to install it not worry for the next few years.

[mikodo]

Bashing-om,

Thank you, for the short first and second explanatory, responses. I would have done like you with the new 14.04 mini.iso from your short (first) response. Your second response, gives me more understanding and increased confidence in doing this.

Thank you again.

My best.

[mikodo]

Thank you Nerdtron, for the further insight.

I probably won't use the PPA's, though I have read one can add them to a Xfce desktop. (I have them both (4.10 and 4.12) now on Xubuntu 12.04, with one, minor problem).

My best.

[mikodo]

I wonder how long xfce.org (http://www.xfce.org/) provides bug fixes and security updates for it's older versions. 4.10 is new now, but won't be in 5 years. I am going ask at Xfce forums. (http://forum.xfce.org/)

Asked here. (http://forum.xfce.org/viewtopic.php?pid=31496#p31496)

Thanks.