Thursday, 25 August 2011

Ubuntu




Ubuntu is a free Linux based Operating System (OS) distributed under the open source license [1].  It is based on the Debian GNU (Linux) distribution and is developed by thousands of people around the world whose aim is to produce the best OS free of charge. It is used both as a desktop OS as well as a server OS.

The main features of Ubuntu are:
    • Builds over onto the Linux kernel - this does not allow for viruses to infect the OS, and once set up there is less space for security holes, providing a secure and robust OS
    • Supports x86 (32 bit) and 64 bit architectures
    • Makes use of Cloud Computing
    • Incorporates a lot of the features present in Mac OS and Windows providing robust functionality and stylish user interface
    • Can be booted from a “live” CD or a USB drive which makes it invaluable if the current OS is malfunctioning or the PC is infected and there is data to be saved
    • Thousands of free apps available
    • Comes with Libre Office (an excellent free open source alternative of MS Office)
    • Good database of drivers and it recognizes most, sometimes all, of the devices automatically
    • Support section on the website with a forum to ask for help and advice on solving problems
    • Canonical sponsors the development and provides training for the business [2]
    • In comparison to older versions it benefits from Menu Panels and not just the Terminal for user interface
    • The Terminal is the more powerful option, sometimes the only one, for solving problems and setting up the system however, it requires a certain level of knowledge
    • The support forum [3] provides a lot of information that helps with difficult situations
    • You can use the power of the Terminal to create unique settings that are not possible to be done in a non Linux OS and to modify the OS as if it is Open Source
    • Once set up Ubuntu’s use as day to day work does not require technical knowledge and it is easy to get used to it.
    • Training is offered by Canonical and there are many online resources. The Ubuntu community is quite strong and willing to offer help.

        An online preview of the Ubuntu features can be found on the Ubuntu website http://www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/whats-new. Download the latest version of Ubuntu for trial or installation here:  http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download.


        Reference:

        No comments:

        Post a Comment