The next version of Ubuntu LTS, Ubuntu 18.04 Bionic Beaver, will be released later this month. A new version that will not only have Long Support but will also be the first LTS version that has Gnome 3 as the default desktop (previous versions had Gnome 2 and Unity).
Ubuntu 18.04 is a version that still holds surprises, even after reviewing the beta versions. One of these surprises is the inclusion of the LivePatch feature in the Desktop version. This feature offers the security previously only available in the server version and will now be available in all versions of Ubuntu.
Livepatch is a feature that allows you to update the Ubuntu kernel without having to restart your computer . This feature was previously available for the server version, as keeping servers running is something many system administrators using Ubuntu require.
LivePatch will now be available in Ubuntu Desktop through the Software & Updates application . The LivePatch option will appear in one of the tabs, but to use it, you'll need an Ubuntu One account. And this is where Canonical continues to profit from this feature, as it only allows up to three computers registered with the same Ubuntu One account. In other words, each Ubuntu One account will enable the LivePatch feature on three Ubuntu-based computers. If you want to use it on more computers, you have to pay for the Advantage feature of the Canonical One Program , which is where the real money is made.
Livepatch was introduced a few months ago, and aside from its business implications, it's certainly an interesting feature because it allows us to update the operating system without interrupting important tasks, such as downloading a large file or performing maintenance. Of course, it's not recommended to leave your computer on 24/365. Livepatch is a great feature and a welcome addition for Ubuntu Desktop users, but something tells me it won't be the only new feature, don't you think?