Ubuntu 12.04 LTS “Precise” now available 29 Apr 13
Available from today, you can now choose Ubuntu 12.04 LTS “Precise” as the base OS when building new Brightboxes, both 32-bit and 64-bit variants are available.
Ubuntu Precise is the current Long Term Support (LTS) version of Ubuntu with bug and security fixes provided until April 2017. Highlights include the Linux 3.2 kernel, Apache 2.2.22, Nginx 1.1.19, Upstart 1.5, OpenJDK 7, upgrades for Puppet and Chef and many more bug and security fixes.
We’ve included the usual Brightbox Ruby deployment stack and our “next generation” Ruby 1.8.7 and 1.9.3 packages, as well as the latest Phusion passenger. A significant change from Lucid-based Brightboxes is that Ruby 1.9.3 is now the default, as Ruby 1.8.7 is end-of-life from June 2013. If you still require 1.8.7, the included ruby-switch tool makes it simple to switch between Ruby versions as required. For more information please see the documentation.
When buying a new Brightbox, you’ll see a combo box that you can use to select Precise (Lucid is still currently the default). In-place upgrades from Hardy or Lucid to Precise aren’t possible due to significant changes to the GRUB bootloader, so you’ll either need to request a re-image (which involves wiping your box, so make backups!) or buy a new box and move your apps to it.
We’ve now discontinued Ubuntu 8.04 LTS “Hardy” based Brightboxes, as it reaches the end of support in May 2013. Existing Hardy users should consider an upgrade to Lucid or Precise as soon as possible, as important bug and security fixes will no longer be provided.