Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ("Noble Numbat") represents the latest Long Term Support milestone, offering five years of assured updates, security patches, and enterprise-grade maintenance.

Purpose-built for both server and desktop environments, this release provides a robust foundation for mission-critical workloads, cloud deployments, and scalable enterprise systems.

Key Features

• GNOME 46 Desktop Environment – Enhanced performance, refined workflows, and improved file management capabilities.
• AppArmor 4 – Strengthened access controls with improved security primitives and expanded network policy management.
• Modern Development Toolchains – Comprehensive support for Python, Rust, Ruby, Go, PHP, Perl, and the latest data science frameworks.
• Linux Kernel 6.8 – A stable and high-performance kernel offering broad hardware enablement and enterprise reliability.
• Refined User Experience – A modernized App Center and a next-generation Flutter-based installer for streamlined deployment.

GNOME Desktop Experience on Azure

The GNOME desktop environment provides an elegant, intuitive, and productivity-oriented interface—making Ubuntu 24.04 LTS an excellent choice for remote desktop workflows on Azure Virtual Machines.

Remote Desktop Access (GNOME Desktop)

To remotely access the GNOME desktop, ensure that TCP port 3389 is permitted through your Azure Network Security Group (NSG).

1. Open the Azure Portal
2. Navigate to your Virtual Machine
3. Select: Networking > Network Security Group (NSG)
4. Review Inbound Port Rules for TCP 3389
5. If absent, create a new rule:

Once configured, you may connect to the GNOME desktop using any Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client by providing your Azure VM credentials.

Disclaimer: This virtual machine image contains free and open-source software. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are referenced solely for identification purposes.

Ubuntu and Canonical are registered trademarks of Canonical Ltd.