Last checked and updated on 05 Jun 2026
What Is New in Ubuntu 11.04
Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal introduces a major desktop environment shift and several core technology updates. The most significant change is the new Unity interface, which replaces the classic GNOME desktop for a more modern user experience. Under the hood, it ships with a newer Linux kernel, Xorg, and GCC to support the latest hardware and software development.
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| New Features | Unity shell, Banshee media player replaces Rhythmbox, LibreOffice replaces OpenOffice.org |
| Improvements | Faster boot times, improved application indicators, updated software center |
| Technology Updates | Linux kernel 2.6.38, Xorg 1.10, GCC 4.5.2, Python 2.7 |
| Deprecated/Removed | Classic GNOME desktop (available via fallback session), GIMP removed from default install |
How does the new Unity interface change the desktop?
The Unity shell is the new default desktop environment, offering a radically different workflow centered around a launcher and a global menu bar. This design maximizes vertical screen space for applications, which is particularly useful on widescreen monitors and netbooks. The classic GNOME 2 desktop is still available as a fallback session for those who prefer the traditional layout.
In practice, the global menu moves the application menus to the top panel, which can take some getting used to for long-time GNOME users. The Launcher on the left provides quick access to favorites and running applications, integrating tightly with the new application indicators in the top-right panel.
What are the underlying technical upgrades?
Ubuntu 11.04 ships with Linux kernel 2.6.38, which includes better support for newer hardware and performance improvements. The graphics stack is updated to Xorg 1.10, offering enhanced support for input devices and multi-pointer capabilities. For developers, the toolchain is updated to GCC 4.5.2 and the default Python version is now 2.7.
These updates matter because they provide the foundation for better hardware compatibility, especially for newer graphics cards and peripherals. The newer GCC compiler brings optimizations and support for more recent language standards, which is crucial for building modern software packages.
Which default applications were replaced?
Several key default applications were swapped out in this release. Banshee is now the default music player, replacing Rhythmbox. More significantly, LibreOffice has fully replaced OpenOffice.org for office productivity tasks, reflecting the shift in the open-source office suite landscape.
GIMP was removed from the default installation to reduce the size of the CD image, though it remains easily installable from the repositories. This change was made to prioritize core desktop functionality and keep the initial install lean, allowing users to add specialized software as needed.
How does the boot process improve?
Boot times are noticeably faster in 11.04 due to optimizations in the startup sequence and services. The system uses Upstart for managing daemons and services more efficiently, parallelizing where possible to reduce overall boot time. This results in a quicker path to a usable desktop after powering on the machine.
For developers and sysadmins, this means less waiting when rebooting after updates or configuration changes. The faster boot is achieved without sacrificing functionality - all essential services still start correctly, just in a more optimized order.
FAQ
Can I still get the classic GNOME desktop in 11.04?
Yes, you can select "Ubuntu Classic" from the login screen session menu. This provides the traditional GNOME 2 desktop experience for users who prefer it over Unity.
Why was LibreOffice chosen over OpenOffice.org?
The shift to LibreOffice reflects the broader community movement toward this more actively developed fork. It offers better compatibility with Microsoft Office formats and more frequent updates.
Is my older hardware supported with the new kernel?
Kernel 2.6.38 maintains support for a wide range of hardware while adding support for newer devices. Most hardware that worked in previous versions should continue to work, though some very old hardware may require manual driver configuration.
How do I customize the Unity launcher?
You can add applications to the launcher by dragging them from the Dash or right-clicking icons for options. The launcher's behavior and appearance can be adjusted through the CompizConfig Settings Manager.
What happened to the bottom window controls?
Unity moves the window controls (minimize, maximize, close) to the top left of windows, integrated with the global menu. This is part of the design to conserve vertical screen space and create a more unified look.