The Dark Side of Ubuntu 20.04: Annoyances, Bugs, and Why They Need Fixing

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world, and for good reason. It’s user-friendly, reliable, and widely supported, making it a go-to choice for developers, system administrators, and even casual users who want to explore the world of Linux. However, no operating system is perfect, and Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa) is no exception. While it has many strengths, there are several pain points that users, including myself, have encountered. These issues range from minor annoyances to significant problems that can disrupt productivity and user experience. In this blog post, I’ll dive deep into the things I don’t like about Ubuntu 20.04, explain why these disadvantages are reasonable to criticize, and discuss how Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, should address them.

Why Ubuntu’s Popularity Doesn’t Make It Perfect

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to address why Ubuntu is so popular in the first place. Ubuntu’s success lies in its accessibility. Unlike other Linux distributions like Arch Linux or OpenSUSE, which often require command-line expertise for installation and setup, Ubuntu offers a graphical installer that’s intuitive and beginner-friendly. This makes it an excellent entry point for those new to Linux. Additionally, Ubuntu’s extensive documentation, active community, and robust software repository make it a versatile choice for a wide range of users.

However, popularity doesn’t equate to perfection. Ubuntu has its fair share of flaws, and while some of these issues are minor, others can be deal-breakers for certain users. The fact that Ubuntu is widely used doesn’t mean it’s the best Linux distribution for everyone. Its strengths are often overshadowed by its weaknesses, especially for users who rely on it for professional or development work.

The Problems with Ubuntu 20.04: A Deep Dive

Let’s break down the specific issues I’ve encountered with Ubuntu 20.04, why they matter, and how they impact the overall user experience.

1. Meaningless Huge Title Bar (Fixable)

One of the most glaring issues with Ubuntu 20.04 is the oversized title bar on applications. This problem is particularly noticeable on laptops, where screen real estate is limited. The title bar takes up an unnecessary amount of space, making the interface feel cluttered and inefficient.

Why It’s a Problem: For laptop users, screen space is precious. A bulky title bar not only looks outdated but also reduces the usable area for actual content. This is especially frustrating when working with multiple windows or applications side by side.
Comparison with Other Distros: If you compare Ubuntu 20.04 with distributions like Kali Linux or Backbox, the difference is stark. These distros have slim, well-designed title bars that maximize screen space and provide a cleaner aesthetic.
The Fix: While there are workarounds to reduce the size of the title bar, the fact that users need to resort to manual fixes is disappointing. Canonical should address this issue by default, ensuring a consistent and optimized user experience across all devices.

2. App Drawer Freezing (Fixable)

Another frustrating issue is the app drawer freezing bug. This occurs when you click outside an application folder in the app drawer, causing the entire interface to freeze temporarily.

Why It’s a Problem: This bug disrupts workflow and creates a poor user experience. It’s particularly annoying for users who rely on the app drawer to access their applications quickly.
Community Response: The bug was reported by Alan Pope, a former Ubuntu engineer, and while it was supposedly fixed, many users, including myself, still encounter it. This highlights a gap between bug reporting and actual resolution.
The Fix: Temporary solutions exist, but Canonical needs to prioritize fixing this bug permanently to ensure a smoother experience for all users.

3. Sudden Freezing (Critical Issue)

Perhaps the most infuriating issue is the sudden freezing of the entire system. This can happen at any time, even when running resource-intensive applications like IDEs or browsers with multiple tabs open.

Why It’s a Problem: Sudden freezes can lead to data loss, especially if you haven’t saved your work. For developers, this is a nightmare scenario, as it can result in hours of lost progress.
Unpredictability: The randomness of this issue makes it even more frustrating. Sometimes it occurs with lightweight applications, while other times it doesn’t happen even under heavy load. This inconsistency makes it difficult to diagnose and resolve.
The Fix: Canonical needs to investigate the root cause of this issue and provide a stable solution. System stability is non-negotiable for an operating system, especially one aimed at professionals.

4. Poor Battery Backup

Battery life is a common pain point for Ubuntu users, especially on laptops. Compared to Windows or macOS, Ubuntu often struggles to provide comparable battery performance.

Why It’s a Problem: Laptop users rely on battery life for productivity, especially when working on the go. Poor battery performance can limit usability and force users to carry chargers or seek power outlets frequently.
The Reason: One of the main reasons for this discrepancy is the lack of hardware-specific optimizations. Windows and macOS come with vendor-specific tweaks that maximize battery efficiency, whereas Linux distributions like Ubuntu often lack these optimizations.
The Fix: While there are temporary solutions to improve battery life, Canonical should work with hardware manufacturers to develop better power management tools for Ubuntu.

5. Unreasonable CPU Fan Speed and Overheating

Another significant issue is the CPU fan speeding up unnecessarily, leading to overheating. This can be uncomfortable for users who place their laptops on their laps and even pose a risk of skin burns.

Why It’s a Problem: Overheating can damage hardware over time and create an unpleasant user experience. The fan noise can also be distracting, especially in quiet environments.
The Fix: Canonical should optimize Ubuntu’s thermal management to prevent unnecessary fan activity and overheating. This would improve both performance and user comfort.

6. Inability to Play 4K Videos Smoothly

While not a deal-breaker for everyone, the inability to play 4K videos smoothly is a notable drawback.

Why It’s a Problem: High-resolution video playback is becoming increasingly important as 4K content becomes more common. Users with capable hardware should be able to enjoy seamless playback without additional tweaks.
The Fix: Canonical should ensure that the necessary media packages are included by default or easily accessible through the software center.

7. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Interference

On some laptops, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth operate on the same frequency, causing interference and connectivity issues.

Why It’s a Problem: This can disrupt workflows, especially for users who rely on Bluetooth peripherals like headphones or mice.
The Fix: Canonical should work on better frequency management to prevent such conflicts.

8. Software Availability and Proprietary Software (Not Fixable)

One of the most significant limitations of Ubuntu (and Linux in general) is the lack of support for certain proprietary software.

Why It’s a Problem: Many users, including developers, rely on specific applications that are only available on Windows or macOS. While tools like Wine can help, they are not always reliable.
The Fix: Canonical should collaborate with software vendors to bring more applications to Linux. This would make Ubuntu a more viable option for a broader audience.

9. Fractional Scaling Issues (Fixable)

Fractional scaling is a useful feature for high-resolution displays, but it doesn’t work seamlessly on Ubuntu 20.04.

Why It’s a Problem: Users with high-DPI screens need fractional scaling to achieve the right balance between screen real estate and readability.
The Fix: Canonical should ensure that fractional scaling works out of the box without requiring manual configuration.

Conclusion: Ubuntu 20.04 Has Room for Improvement

Ubuntu 20.04 is a powerful and versatile operating system, but it’s not without its flaws. The issues I’ve outlined above range from minor annoyances to significant problems that can impact productivity and user satisfaction. While some of these issues have workarounds, others require deeper fixes that only Canonical can provide.

As a Linux enthusiast, I appreciate the flexibility and control that Ubuntu offers, but I also recognize the importance of addressing these shortcomings. Canonical has a responsibility to its users to deliver a stable, efficient, and user-friendly operating system. By focusing on these pain points, Ubuntu can continue to grow and remain a top choice for Linux users worldwide.

In the end, no operating system is perfect, but with continuous improvement and community feedback, Ubuntu can come closer to achieving that ideal. Let’s hope that future releases address these issues and make Ubuntu an even better platform for everyone.

Peace.