A Spare PC for Testing, A Focus on Stability
I keep a spare PC available on my network primarily for testing and benchmarking Linux distributions. This setup lets me explore how different distros perform on real hardware without disrupting my main workstations. Recently, I installed Ubuntu 25.10 Snapshot 3 on a DELL Precision 3440 to see how it stacks up against previous releases—especially in terms of stability and day-to-day usability.
Ubuntu 25.10 Snapshot 3: An Impressive Step Forward
Ubuntu 25.10 snapshot 3 is shaping up to be a rock-solid release that builds confidently on the foundation laid by Ubuntu 25.04. It delivers all the expected features and stability users appreciate, with key underlying updates including newer versions of core components and modern programming languages like Rust integrated more deeply into the system. These bring improved security, performance, and support for emerging software ecosystems, making 25.10 feel fresh yet reliable.
One of my critical tests—system suspend and wake-up after extended idle periods—passed flawlessly. The system consistently resumes instantly and accurately restores the session, a task that has historically been a pain point in many Linux releases.
Why GNOME Is My Desktop Environment of Choice
GNOME isn’t just a desktop environment—it’s a carefully designed, productivity-focused workspace made for creative professionals and developers alike. Many users default to KDE without realizing how much GNOME offers out of the box, especially for demanding workflows involving batch image processing, file management, and network control. Here’s what sets GNOME apart for me:
- Batch Rename Made Simple: Need to quickly rename dozens or even hundreds of images? GNOME Files (Nautilus) offers intuitive batch renaming features that save hours of manual work—no extra tools needed.
- Fast, Efficient File Review & Cleanup: Reviewing and deleting large numbers of images or files is effortless with Nautilus’s efficient selection and quick-delete workflows designed for speed.
- Built-in SFTP and Network File Transfers: GNOME supports seamless SFTP connections and local network transfers right inside the file manager, making it easy to upload your latest work to web servers or share files without opening a separate app.
- Fine-Grained Network Control: Unlike many DEs, GNOME lets you disable internet access but keep local networking alive with just a few clicks—perfect when you want to limit exposure but maintain LAN file sharing or local server connectivity.
- ISO Flashing Out of the Box: GNOME Disks lets you flash ISO images directly to USB drives without installing additional utilities—saving time and avoiding the headache of hunting down reliable USB imaging tools.
- Focused, User-Friendly Tools with No Extra Clutter: GNOME’s core apps—including the image viewer, Gnome Text and file manager—are crafted for speed, simplicity, and practical workflows, making creative tasks smoother and more enjoyable.
For anyone serious about web design, programming, or creative workflows, GNOME packs essential, productivity-boosting features often overlooked in other environments, making it my unequivocal choice.
From Linux on Hardware to Lightning-Fast Ubuntu ARM64 VMs on macOS
While my primary daily work has moved to macOS—thanks to the powerful Apple Studio with the M4 Max chip—I continue to run Ubuntu ARM64 in virtual machines. These VMs operate flawlessly and with impressive speed thanks to Apple Silicon’s architecture and virtualization tech. This setup offers the best of both worlds: macOS’s refined ecosystem and native app support alongside the flexibility and power of Linux for development and testing.
Ubuntu 25.10 Snapshot 3 feels like a mature, polished release that Linux users should eagerly anticipate. With solid performance, modern updates, and GNOME’s unmatched usability baked in, this upcoming version could very well be the best Ubuntu yet.
Continuing Testing and Updates
I plan to continue thoroughly testing Ubuntu 25.10 Snapshot 3 by installing and using key applications like Thunderbird, Gimp, VSCodium, Brave browser, as well as common development tools such as PHP and Python virtual environments. This will help ensure that all critical software components integrate smoothly and perform reliably in real-world scenarios.
Should I encounter any anomalies or noteworthy issues during this extended testing phase, I will provide timely updates to keep readers informed of any changes or fixes. For now, the snapshot’s stability and performance remain impressive, making Ubuntu 25.10 a release to watch closely.