Last checked and updated on 10 Jun 2026
What Is New in Ubuntu 12.04
Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise Pangolin) is a long-term support release packed with refinements across the desktop, server, and underlying platform. This release focuses on polish and stability, setting a solid foundation for the next five years.
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| New Features | HUD (Heads-Up Display), Video Lens, Rhythmbox replaces Banshee, LibreOffice 3.5 |
| Desktop & UI | Updated Ambiance and Radiance themes, multi-monitor improvements |
| Performance | Faster boot times, reduced memory footprint |
| Software & Packages | Python 3.2, GCC 4.6.3, Linux kernel 3.2, Upstart 1.5 |
| Cloud & Server | OpenStack Essex, Juju, MAAS, Eucalyptus 2.0 |
| Deprecated | Classic GNOME desktop (GNOME Fallback), Banshee, PiTiVi |
How does the new HUD change application interaction?
The HUD (Heads-Up Display) is a new way to access application menus without the mouse. Instead of hunting through dropdown menus, you press the Alt key and start typing the command you want.
In practice, this is a huge timesaver for power users. If you want to save a document in LibreOffice, just press Alt and type "save". It learns from your usage, so it gets faster the more you use it.
What are the major desktop and visual updates?
The desktop received a visual refresh with updated Ambiance and Radiance themes. The most noticeable change is a more streamlined look with lighter scrollbars and a cleaner overall appearance.
Multi-monitor support got a significant upgrade. You can now adjust display arrangements directly from the display settings without needing to log out and back in. This matters because it removes a major pain point for developers and designers working with multiple screens.
What's new for developers and the underlying platform?
This release ships with Python 3.2 as the default Python 3 version, alongside Python 2.7. GCC 4.6.3 is the system compiler, and the toolchain is based on the Linux kernel 3.2 series.
Upstart 1.5 improves system boot performance and service management. For web developers, the switch to Rhythmbox means we get better media library management and a more integrated experience with the Ubuntu One music store.
How is the cloud and server experience improved?
Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is the foundation for OpenStack Essex, making it a top choice for deploying private and public clouds. Juju (formerly Ensemble) allows for service orchestration, while MAAS (Metal-as-a-Service) provides bare-metal provisioning.
Eucalyptus 2.0 is also included for building AWS-compatible private clouds. This solidifies Ubuntu's position as a leading platform for cloud deployments, giving sysadmins multiple powerful tools for infrastructure management.
What software was replaced or deprecated?
Several applications were swapped out. Rhythmbox makes a comeback as the default music player, replacing Banshee. LibreOffice 3.5.2 is the default office suite with improved performance and compatibility.
The classic GNOME desktop (GNOME Fallback) is now deprecated, pushing users toward the modern Unity interface. The PiTiVi video editor was also removed from the default installation due to stability concerns.
FAQ
Is the classic GNOME desktop still available in 12.04?
Yes, but it's deprecated and not installed by default. You can still install the gnome-session-fallback package to get it, but Canonical is focusing development solely on Unity from this release forward.
Why did Ubuntu switch back to Rhythmbox from Banshee?
The switch was made for better integration with the Ubuntu desktop and Ubuntu One services. Rhythmbox offered a more stable codebase and better aligned with the long-term support goals of 12.04.
What's the Python 2 vs. Python 3 story in 12.04?
Python 2.7 remains the default python interpreter for system compatibility. Python 3.2 is installed as python3. This setup ensures existing scripts won't break while providing the latest Python 3 for new development.
How do I access the new HUD feature?
Press the Alt key in any application that has a menu bar. A search interface will appear-start typing the name of any menu item to find and execute it instantly.
Is Ubuntu 12.04 good for a production server?
Absolutely. As an LTS release, it receives security updates and maintenance for five years on the server. The inclusion of OpenStack Essex, Juju, and MAAS makes it particularly strong for cloud and scalable infrastructure deployments.