The first LTS releases were supported for three years on the desktop and five years on the server; since Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, desktop support for LTS releases was increased to five years as well. Cross-distribution snap packages and Flatpaks are also available, that both allow installing software, such as some of Microsoft’s software, in most of the major Linux operating systems (such as any currently supported Ubuntu version and in Fedora). As of version 24.10, a default installation of Ubuntu contains a minimal selection of software, namely a web browser (Firefox), and basic GNOME utilities (including the desktop). In June 2023, Canonical announced Ubuntu Core Desktop, an immutable desktop OS, completely made of snap packages like Ubuntu Core and slated for release along Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. After nearly 6.5 years, the default desktop was changed back to GNOME 3 in 2017, upon the release of version 17.10.
