Is Upgrading to Ubuntu 19.04 Worth It from 18.04 LTS?

When it comes to evaluating whether an upgrade from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS to Ubuntu 19.04 is worthwhile, users often wonder about the actual benefits and drawbacks. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the considerations involved, focusing on performance, stability, and new features.

Performance Comparison

From my limited trial period on Ubuntu 19.04, I cannot discern any noticeable performance differences for the average user. The system appears just as speedy as 18.04 LTS. Pairing this with the fact that new features do not significantly alter the user experience suggests that the upgrade can be quite appeasing for most users.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Hardware Upgrades

If you have upgraded your hardware since 18.04, especially if you are dealing with specific graphic card issues, updating to Ubuntu 19.04 can bring new driver support that may solve these problems. This is a strong reason for newer users looking to optimize their systems after hardware refreshes.

Stability Concerns

For those prioritizing stability, LTS (Long Term Support) releases are crucial. Canonical will introduce ZFS with 19.10, which might be intriguing, but for now, if stability is a top priority, waiting for 20.04 LTS would be wiser. Intermediate versions, while stable, are less reliable than LTS releases.

User Experience Updates

While Ubuntu 19.04 does come with several new features, the reality is that these do not substantially impact the user experience for most folks. The transition from 18.04 LTS to 19.04 amounts to a minor update that doesn't offer significant enhancement or guarantee a dramatically different user interaction.

Alternatives and Precautions

Given the minor performance differences, one might wonder if 19.04 is worth the risk. In my experience, while 19.04 might suit someone eager to explore the latest updates, it's not essential for everyone. If you're more concerned about system stability, consider waiting for 20.04 LTS. In fact, some users have even reported switching back to 18.04 due to dissatisfaction with 19.04's features.

To mitigate the risks associated with upgrading, it is always recommended to take a backup of your data before proceeding. This step becomes all the more critical if you're currently running an LTS version, as you won't be able to directly upgrade to 19.04. Instead, following the proper upgrade procedures can help ensure a smoother transition.

Conclusion

The decision to upgrade from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS to 19.04 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. For those who enjoy staying ahead of the curve and exploring the latest features, 19.04 is a viable option. However, for the majority of users, the upgrade might not offer the significant improvements they are looking for. Always remember, a stable system is crucial for many tasks, and waiting for a full LTS release might be the safer and more prudent choice.