Most people know that linux distributions are available for free download. Most people also think that linux is for the geeks and not for the common man. While this might have been true a few years back, linux is slowly ramping up its adoption with a better user interface that makes it user friendly for average users who don't want to deal with the complications of remembering commands for the shell. Of the existing linux distributions out there, Ubuntu is the most popular one amongst those looking for an easy-to-use version of linux. Ubuntu is now being commonly distributed with the Asus Eee PC and is an option for some of the Dell Desktops. There is also an unofficial version of Ubuntu that works with Playstation 3.
Ubuntu is an African word meaning 'Humanity to others', or 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. The Ubuntu distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world. Ubuntu is a community developed operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. Whether you use it at home, at school or at work Ubuntu contains all the applications you'll ever need, from word processing and email applications, to web server software and programming tools.
Ubuntu is available for free download and is sponsored by Canonical Limited, a company owned by Mark shuttleworth - the second space tourist ever and the first South African. Canonical makes its money from the paid support service it provides for ubuntu. There are various flavors of Ubuntu that you can choose based on your requirements though there is a priamry version which is simply called Ubuntu. The other distributions are:
Edubuntu, a distribution designed for classrooms using GNOME
Gobuntu, a free software distribution
Kubuntu, a desktop distribution using KDE rather than GNOME
Xubuntu, a "lightweight" distribution based on the Xfce desktop environment instead of GNOME
Ubuntu Studio, a multimedia-creation form of Ubuntu
Ubuntu JeOS (pronounced as "juice"), is described as "an efficient variant ... configured specifically for virtual appliances".
Ubuntu Mobile, an Ubuntu edition that targets mobile Internet devices.
Ubuntu Netbook Remix, designed for ultra-portables such as the ASUS Eee PC.
The latest version of Ubuntu is version 8.10 and is codenamed Intrepid Ibex - Ubuntu has had a history of interesting codenames pairing adjectives with wild animals like Warty Warthog, Hoary Hedgehog, Breezy Badger, Dapper Drake, Edgy Eft, Hardy Heron, Gutsy Gibbon etc.
You can get your free CD copy of Ubuntu or download it from their website.
Posts
0 comments
Post a Comment