Ubuntu is a "live" distribution of "Linux". This means that it can be installed right on your computer or can be run by booting your computer from the Ubuntu CD/DVD and deciding if you like the operating system before you install it to your hard-drive. It is an extremely good plug and play operating system for most desktop computers.
Ubuntu Philosophy
Ubuntu is an African concept of “humanity towards others”. It’s “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity”. This idea attracted many people to Ubuntu, myself included, even though, I started looking at Linux when Red Hat distribution came out. This philosophy makes Ubuntu much more user friendly and attractive to first time Linux users.
These same ideals are central to the way the Ubuntu community collaborates. This code of conduct set by this philosophy paves the way for the “ground rules” that insure that the members of the Ubuntu community work together effectively.
Desmond Tutu described Ubuntu (the philosophy not the operating system) in the following way:
- “A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole.”
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in No Future Without Forgiveness
I believe that the name Ubuntu is appropriate for this distribution because it captures perfectly the spirit of sharing and cooperation that is at the heart of the open source movement. In the Free Software world, people collaborate freely on a volunteer basis to build software for everyone’s benefit. Ubuntu allows individuals to share applications, to improve on their work and the work of others, and then share those improvements on the same basis.
Our Philosophy
"Our work is driven by a philosophy on software freedom that aims to spread and bring the benefits of software to all parts of the world. At the core of the Ubuntu Philosophy are these core philosophical ideals:
- Every computer user should have the freedom to download, run, copy, distribute, study, share, change and improve their software for any purpose, without paying licensing fees.
- Every computer user should be able to use their software in the language of their choice.
- Every computer user should be given every opportunity to use software, even if they work under a disability.
Our philosophy is reflected in the software we produce and included in our distribution. As a result, the licensing terms of the software we distribute are measured against our philosophy."
Ubuntu is a Scalable operating system it runs on desktop as well notebook computers, there is a server addition to run local area networks as well as Internet servers.
Ubuntu also has special editions like "Edubuntu" that has a lot of educational software that is bundled with the distribution. This edition is used in schools and has a server version for educational institutions to run software and control "thin clients" which is a smaller less powerful computer than the standard PC .
There is Kubuntu that is centered around "KDE" other wise known as "KDesk. KDE is another "GUI" (Graphical User Interface") that is different than the "GUI" that comes bundled with the standard edition. The standard edition comes with a GUI known as Gnome. The edition 'Xubuntu specializes in running older and less powerful PC's.
Ubuntu Studio is a multimedia creation flavor of Ubuntu. Ubuntu Studio is aimed at the GNU/Linux audio, video and graphic enthusiast as well as professional.
Gobuntu is a GNU/Linux operating system, derived from Ubuntu, that endeavors to adhere to the Free Software Foundation's four freedoms and intends to provide a base for other free software platforms to build upon with minimal modification required. It does this by only including open-source non-restricted software.
There is an unofficial Christian editions "Ubuntu Christian Edition" includes Christian software. The latest release contains GnomeSword, BibleMemorizer, the e-Sword Installer with Module Manager, The Word Installer, Firefox Web Browser with Bible Fox Theme and the WhatWouldJesusDownload Toolbar, and much more.
There is a development project now to create an edition for mobile devices like "PDA" and "palm top PC's'
I personally have been running a web server out of my basement using Ubuntu and provided several charitable organization with computers that run Ubuntu and I have not had any trouble. Ubuntu has a full range of productivity software as well as multi media and internet software . There is over 17,000 software packages that are compatible with Ubuntu.
I have very few criticisms of Ubuntu. But one that stands out most in my mind is that configuring WiFi card (wireless networking card) on a notebook computers isn't as easy as it could be and a first time installer may get frustrated; however it can be done. This is a link to help people get their Wifi cards configured on their Ubuntu computer "WifiDocs/WiFiHowTo".
Another problem that people might have is the initial learning curve of learning a new operating system and software packages that they're not familiar with. Remember though there is a lot of free software out there available to the end user. Most software that is available for Ubuntu outperforms software run on Microsoft Operating Systems. The more technically inclined user can run software that was made for Microsoft operating systems using "Wine", a Windows implementation program. But again, I must stress that there isn't any real need to run Windows applications.
Downloading CD image and Creating a Ubuntu CD
1. You can download the Ubuntu CD "ISO'' From Ubuntu at: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu
2.Download and install "Imgburn " to your computer. You can download "Imgburn" at: "http://www.imgburn.com/
3. Burn the CD "ISO" Image to a CD. The following is an instructional video :
4. Reboot your computer and you should be running the Ubuntu operating system from the Ubuntu CD that you have just created.
If you decide to install Ubuntu to your hard drive you can do that from the initial boot screen. There is also the option to have dual boot system that gives you ability to choose the operating system you want to run at boot up; Ubuntu or your original operating system.
A few post from now I be writing about "One Laptop Per Child" project which is a wonderful way of getting computers in the hands of children in developing countries. Until then happy gardening and happy computing.
