Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 13.04
Ubuntu 13.04 (Raring Ringtail) is a short-term support release focused on polish and integration rather than sweeping changes. The development cycle was shorter, resulting in targeted improvements to the core experience.
| Category | Key Updates |
|---|---|
| New Features | Preview of Ubuntu for Phones, Updated Linux kernel 3.8, Python 3 default |
| Improvements | Faster boot times, Smoother Unity experience, Enhanced multi-monitor support |
| Updated Packages | LibreOffice 4.0, Upstart 1.8, CUPS 1.6 |
| Cloud & Server | OpenStack Grizzly preview, Juju GUI improvements |
| Deprecated | Widespread migration to Python 3, Removal of classic desktop session |
How does the Linux 3.8 kernel improve performance?
The Linux kernel 3.8.0-19 brings tangible benefits for both desktop and server workloads. It includes better power management with more aggressive processor idle states, which translates to longer battery life on laptops.
For server admins, the kernel includes the much-requested SMB2 protocol support, offering improved compatibility with modern Windows networks. Solid-state drive users also get a performance boost from the inclusion of the F2FS flash file system.
What's the state of Python 3 migration?
Ubuntu 13.04 marks a major turning point by making Python 3 the default python interpreter. This is a clear signal to developers that the ecosystem is fully committing to Python 3.
In practice, this means new scripts will default to Python 3. While Python 2.7 remains fully installed and supported for legacy applications, all efforts are now focused on the newer runtime. This matters because it pushes the entire community forward.
Is the Unity desktop environment faster?
Yes, the Unity interface received significant optimizations for responsiveness. The overall shell experience feels snappier, with reduced input lag and smoother animations.
Multi-monitor support saw major fixes, particularly for setups with different DPIs or resolutions. The launcher and dash behavior across screens is now more predictable and less buggy.
What cloud technologies are included?
This release ships with a preview of OpenStack Grizzly, the latest version of the cloud computing platform. It's not the default install but is available for early testing and development.
Juju, the service orchestration tool, gets a fully integrated web GUI. This makes deploying complex services like Hadoop or MySQL much more visual and accessible for newcomers.
FAQ
Is Ubuntu 13.04 a Long Term Support (LTS) release?
No, 13.04 is a standard release with 9 months of support. It is intended for users who want the latest software and are comfortable upgrading every six months.
Can I still use the classic GNOME desktop?
The option to log into a classic GNOME desktop (gnome-session-fallback) has been removed. The only supported desktop session is Unity.
How do I handle the Python 2 to Python 3 default change?
For scripts that require Python 2, explicitly call python2 or python2.7 in the shebang line. The python command now points to Python 3.
What happened to the Ubuntu One client in the installer?
The Ubuntu One client is no longer part of the default installation. It can still be installed manually from the Ubuntu Software Center if needed.
Are there any known issues with the NVIDIA proprietary drivers?
Some users reported issues with the 313-updates driver series. If you encounter problems, switching to the current stable release (310) or the latest experimental driver often resolves them.