Question 1

Will this work with Ubuntu 18.04 (kernel 4.18.0)?

Accepted Answer

I successfully use four PLATE9M16 adapters on four different desktop and server computers running Ubuntu 16.04 (for serial console and kernel message logging), so I don't see why this wouldn't work with 18.04.

But as others have said, any OS compatibility issue isn't with this cable, but with the serial chip and the only serial chips I've seen integrated on a motherboard and necessitating an IDC 10 connector are 16550A-compatible which is fully supported by Linux.  (USB serial chips are usually PL2303-compatible, but not always.)

Question 2

Is there a 9 Pin Motherboard header slot for this or can I use the 10 pin on my 9 Pin Serial Port Header slot? I am using a Z390 Gigabyte motherboard which has a 9 pin serial port header slot on motherboard.

Accepted Answer

I am not familiar with the Motherboard. The pinout on the header varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. I know this works on ASUS motherboards and you must have a 10-pin COM port header with compatible pinout on the motherboard. Refer to the user manual for the Gigabyte Z390 to see if such a connector exists on your board.

Question 3

Is this Intel/DTK or AT/Everex pin layout?  Specs on this product says "*Conforms to Apex10-Everex-Intel Specification" - What does that mean?  I'm looking for an Intel/DTK layout.

Accepted Answer

DB9-M TO IDC-10 SERIAL PORT (AT-EVEREX) This version known as the AT or EVEREX or EVEREST. Version uses the following wiring.
IDC Connectors are Numbered: 1,3,5,7,9 Top Row 
2,4,6,8,10 Bottom Row
DB-9 IDC-10
Pin 1 Pin 1
Pin 2 Pin 2
Pin 3 Pin 3
Pin 4 Pin 4
Pin 5 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 6
Pin 7 Pin 7
Pin 8 Pin 8
Pin 9 Pin 9
The Easiest Way to tell which of these you need it to pull off the Housing

The Intel/DTK
DB9 TO IDC-10 Intel/DTK
DB-9  IDC-10
Pin 1  Pin 1
Pin 2  Pin 3
Pin 3  Pin 5
Pin 4  Pin 7
Pin 5  Pin 9
Pin 6  Pin 2
Pin 7  Pin 4
Pin 8  Pin 6
Pin 9  Pin 8

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