# Ubuntu

ZCP offers maintained Ubuntu Server LTS images across every region. Each image ships with the paravirtual drivers and guest agent for fast I/O and clean management, and sets a unique hostname and administrator credential on first boot. Ubuntu is free and open-source, with no license or activation required.

For how all ZCP images behave on first boot, see [Operating System Images](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/operating-systems/).

## Available versions

ZCP tracks the Ubuntu Long-Term Support (LTS) releases. Pick the newest version unless an application pins you to an older one. Each LTS gets 5 years of standard security maintenance from Canonical, extendable to 10 years with Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM) under Ubuntu Pro.

| Version | Codename | Status | End of standard support |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ubuntu 26.04 LTS | Resolute Raccoon | ✅ Available | April 2031 (ESM to 2036) |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | Noble Numbat | ✅ Available | April 2029 (ESM to 2034) |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Jammy Jellyfish | ✅ Available | April 2027 (ESM to 2032) |
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | Focal Fossa | ✅ Available | Ended April 2025 (ESM to 2030) |

Ubuntu 20.04 LTS reached end of standard support in April 2025. It now receives security updates only through Ubuntu Pro ESM. Deploy 22.04 or newer for new workloads. End-of-life dates are set by Canonical. Confirm on the [Ubuntu release cycle](https://ubuntu.com/about/release-cycle) page.

## Use cases

Ubuntu Server is the most widely deployed Linux in the cloud and the default choice for new Linux workloads on ZCP:

- Web and application hosting: Nginx, Apache, Node.js, Python/Django, PHP/Laravel, Ruby on Rails, and Java/Spring application servers.
- Containers and Kubernetes: Docker and containerd hosts, and Kubernetes control-plane or worker nodes. This is the standard base for cloud-native CI/CD runners.
- Databases and data: PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, MongoDB, Redis/Valkey, and analytics or data-pipeline workloads.
- DevOps and automation: Jenkins, GitLab runners, Ansible/Terraform control nodes, and build and packaging servers.
- AI/ML and GPU workloads: TensorFlow, PyTorch, and CUDA toolchains run on Ubuntu’s well-supported driver stack.
- Edge, IoT, and development: reproducible dev environments, microservices, and lightweight edge gateways.
- One-click apps: Ubuntu is the base for most [Marketplace](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/marketplace/) images, so anything deployed there runs on the same OS you get here.

## Default login

The default user is `ubuntu`, with `sudo` for administration. Sign in over [SSH](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/compute/connect-ssh/) with the key you attached at create time, or with the portal-generated password.

```bash
ssh ubuntu@<your-instance-ip>
```

## Deploy an Ubuntu instance

1. Go to Compute → Create Instance (see [Create Instance](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/compute/create-instance/)).
2. Choose an Ubuntu image and the version you want.
3. Pick a region and a [plan](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/compute/instance-types/), and attach an SSH key.
4. Attach to a network and create the instance.

## Recommended first steps

- Update packages: `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y`.
- Confirm SSH key access works, then disable password login if you only use keys.
- Lock down access with a [firewall rule](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/compute/settings/firewall/).

## Ubuntu documentation

For administration, packages, and release details, see the official Canonical documentation:

- [Ubuntu Server documentation](https://documentation.ubuntu.com/server/)
- [Ubuntu releases and lifecycle](https://ubuntu.com/about/release-cycle)

## Good to know

- Snapshots and backups work with the guest agent installed. See [VM Snapshots](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/backups-snapshots/vm-snapshots/) and [Backups](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/backups-snapshots/backups/).
- Need a different Linux family? See [Rocky Linux](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/operating-systems/rocky-linux/), [AlmaLinux](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/operating-systems/alma-linux/), or [Oracle Linux](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/operating-systems/oracle-linux/).