Ubuntu distributions 9.10, 9.04, 8.10 -- The Ubuntu version numbering scheme is based on the date of the release of the distribution, October 2009, April 2009, and October 2008. 8.04 LTS -- The LTS means long-term support (5 years for server and 3 years for desktop). The next LTS version will be 10.04. Release -- Server and Desktop editions. They have similar packages, but different kernels. The server may have no X-desktop environment installed. Supported architectures -- x86 (32 bit) and amd64 (64 bit).