The latest LTS version of Ubuntu, the best-known version of Linux, has been released. Officially known as version 16.04, its codename (always an adjective and an alliterative animal) is Xenial Xerus. Which is apparently a type of squirrel.

LTS means Long Term Support, so this version will receive updates and security fixes for at least 5 years, making it something that you can confidently install on either your main computer or a spare one.

The safest way to try Ubuntu, or indeed any new operating system, is to create a virtual machine so that you can run what's effectively a completely separate computer in a window. Check out VirtualBox if you want to do such a thing. You'll find it at https://www.virtualbox.org/ and it's a free download.

Ubuntu 16.04 is available at http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop though be aware that the download is around 1,400 MB. If you're installing it onto a PC to replace the existing operating system, burn it to a bootable DVD disc. Or if you're going to try it in a virtual machne, simply point VirtualBox at the .iso file you downloaded.  Read More