What is Ubuntu?

Screenshot of Ubuntu Desktop 15.04 Vivid Vervet

Ubuntu is an open source operating system which runs everywhere from PC to tablet, the smartphone to server and to cloud.

        Ubuntu (pronounced oo-BOON-too) is an open source Debian-based operating system and is sponsored by Canonical limited. Later versions are using unity as their desktop environment in PCs and smartphones. Lets take a close look on its history, installation, features and more.

History 

• Ubuntu was built on Debian's architecture and infrastructure, to build Linux server, desktop, phone, tablet and TV operating systems.Ubuntu releases updated versions predictably every six months, and each release receives free support for nine months (eighteen months prior to 13.04) with security fixes, high-impact bug fixes and conservative, substantially beneficial low-risk bug fixes. The first release was in October 2004.
  It was decided that every fourth release, issued on a two-year basis, would receive long-term support (LTS) Long-term support includes updates for new hardware, security patches and updates to the 'Ubuntu stack' (cloud computing infrastructure). The first LTS releases were supported for three years on the desktop and five years on the server; since Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, desktop support for LTS releases was increased to five years as well. LTS releases get regular point releases with support for new hardware and integration of all the updates published in that series to date. The latest release is Ubutu 15.10 (Wily werewolf) released on 22 Oct. 2015 and last LTS release was Ubuntu 14.04 LTS (Trusty Tahr) released on 17 Apr. 2014.

Features

• A default installation of Ubuntu contains a wide range of softwares that includes LibreOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird, Transmission, and several lightweight games such as Sudoku and chess. Additional software packages such as Evolution, GIMP, Pidgin, and Synaptic, are accessible from the built in Ubuntu Software Center as well as any other APT based package management tool. Execution of Microsoft Office and other Microsoft Windows applications can be facilitated via the Wine compatibility package or through the use of a virtual machine such as VirtualBox or VMware Workstation.

Why should we install Ubuntu?

  

  Most of us are using Windows or Mac OS on our computer and we are good at it. Now the question arises Why should we install window? Well, its completely your choice which operation system you prefer. I am not saying that Windows and Mac OS are not good, I am just saying that we are being forced to use them. How?

       Okay what happens when we go to buy a new computer or laptop? Most of them come with windows, we are bound to use them and get used to them. I am not suggesting you to uninstall windows and install Ubuntu or any other Linux distro. If you want to feel the real power of freedom then you must give a try to Linux. You can install it side by side with Windows and it will be your choice which OS you choose to start at boot. In this post I will give you the reasons to install Linux (Ubuntu) with or without Windows.

Reasons to install Ubuntu: 

• Ubuntu is completely free unlike Windows.

• You can dual boot Ubuntu with Windows i.e, you can choose Windows or Ubuntu at boot to start.

• You don’t have to buy Office (Word, Power-point, Excel etc.) separately. It comes with LibreOffice preinstalled.

• Ubuntu is more stable.

• You are free from Viruses so you don’t have to buy another upgrade of Norton or any other Antivirus software.

• Your PC won’t get slower day by day. It happens in Windows only.

• All future upgrades of Ubuntu are provided free of cost. Upgrades are released every 6 months.

• With Ubuntu, you are always free. Free as in Freedom and in Free Beer. Ubuntu is free and will always remain free.

• You can update everything on your system with just one update manager. No need to run separate Update manger for all the softwares you installed.

• Don’t get tired restarting your computer all the time. You do it almost never with Ubuntu.