A popular Linux distribution that is noted for its ease of installation and use. Based on the Debian version of Linux and introduced in 2004, Ubuntu is sponsored by Canonical Ltd., London and Montreal (www.canonical.com). Packaged with a variety of open source applications, including Firefox and OpenOffice.org, Ubuntu also comes pre-installed on laptops, desktops and servers. For example, System76 (www.system76.com) has been selling Ubuntu machines since 2005, and Dell introduced Ubuntu laptops in 2007.
Ubuntu can also be run from a CD, which enables the OS and applications to be tested in a particular computer before being installed (see LiveCD).
Kubuntu, Edubuntu and Xubuntu Variations
Ubuntu comes with the GNOME desktop, but "Kubuntu" is Ubuntu with the KDE desktop. "Edubuntu" includes extra applications for setting up a classroom, and "Xubuntu" is a more efficient version for low-powered machines. Xubuntu uses the Xfce desktop rather than GNOME or KDE.
From the Zulu and Xhosa Philosophy
The name Ubuntu comes from the African Zulu and Xhosa cultures, which espouse the concept that we derive our individuality from all people: "We are what we are because of everyone else." Nelson Mandela's father was a Xhosa chief. For more information, visit www.ubuntu.com. See Linux, Debian and Linspire.
A Ubuntu Laptop
In 2005, System76 was the first hardware vendor to offer packaged Ubuntu laptops, desktops and servers. This laptop comes with a variety of applications that people use all the time. (Image courtesy of System76, www.system76.com)
Ubuntu can also be run from a CD, which enables the OS and applications to be tested in a particular computer before being installed (see LiveCD).
Kubuntu, Edubuntu and Xubuntu Variations
Ubuntu comes with the GNOME desktop, but "Kubuntu" is Ubuntu with the KDE desktop. "Edubuntu" includes extra applications for setting up a classroom, and "Xubuntu" is a more efficient version for low-powered machines. Xubuntu uses the Xfce desktop rather than GNOME or KDE.
From the Zulu and Xhosa Philosophy
The name Ubuntu comes from the African Zulu and Xhosa cultures, which espouse the concept that we derive our individuality from all people: "We are what we are because of everyone else." Nelson Mandela's father was a Xhosa chief. For more information, visit www.ubuntu.com. See Linux, Debian and Linspire.
A Ubuntu Laptop
In 2005, System76 was the first hardware vendor to offer packaged Ubuntu laptops, desktops and servers. This laptop comes with a variety of applications that people use all the time. (Image courtesy of System76, www.system76.com)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Mozilla: Still too dependent on Google for revenue; Can it diversify?
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-20
- Google Chrome OS has arrived as free VMWare download
- Somebody will make it available in a more public area, I'm sure.Being that it's open source, somebody's going to make it available in a more public area, I'm sure. I'll wait until then.RE: Google Chrome OS has arrived as free VMWare downloadthat's not the real release... that's a linux based...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-20
- Chrome OS will give Microsoft a run for their money
- SilverLight draws circles around Google's gimmickCompare SL's demo w/ that of ChromeOS and see it for yourself the truth: The former completely owns the latter.RE: Chrome OS will give Microsoft a run for their moneyWhat kool aid are you drinking? NOTHING is secure, and Google wants to take over everything....
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
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- Easy to see why Google wants thisAll roads lead to Google and advertizing.RE: Pinned tabs? (Gallery: Chrome OS revealed)Aouch!! what is this crap os is??? Bad Bad Bad idea!!!RE: Pinned tabs? (Gallery: Chrome OS revealed)NO thanks. I am not in Kindergarten.RE: Pinned tabs? (Gallery: Chrome OS revealed)I think it...
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Google makes Chrome OS open source today
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- Blog posts 2009-11-19
- Chrome OS: Some Early Preview Videos
- google should move away from linuxI suppose they could easily take away all those messes of the current os by doing that. Haha! Crummy-um "Chromium OS and Open Source" video-- the guy is calling it Crummy-um! Sounds about right.RE: Chrome OS: Some Early Preview VideosAnd ZDNet falls hook, line,...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Live from Googleplex: Chrome OS details revealed
- Ubuntu 9.10 has more immediate potentialMight I suggest trying Ubuntu 9.10? A phenominal OS with much more to offer then even Windows 7.Open source, free and ready to try today...http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1122http://www.tuxradar.com/content/vista-windows-7-ubuntu-904-and-910-boot-speed-comparisonhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYgWE6Svpaghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16-nad9N3pgNot that I have readI'd stick with 904immediate potential to sink in obscurityGoogle was Linux's last fleeting chance to turn...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Google Chrome OS announcement
- Just as I thought"All data on Chrome OS is in the cloud""All data stored in the cloud in Google Docs":(YeahThat unfortunately is a deal breaker for me.I'll be sticking to my dual boot Windows 7/Fedora Core setup on my netbook.bad and bad no chrome os for me ......RE: Google Chrome...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- GIMP dropped from default Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx installation
- I use the GIMPThe user interface stinks, but the GIMP is a powerful application. I use it regularly for editing pictures. F-spot on the other hand, I don't like much. I use gThumb for organizing my photos (gThumb was F-spot's predecessor in early Ubuntu versions). gThumb also allows some simple...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- GIMP dropped from default Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx installation
- Image editing tool GIMP is to be dropped from the default installation of Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx. by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
- Blog posts 2009-11-19
- Do we need a 'beautiful mess' in operating systems? Yup
- To make a good soup, you've got to stir the pot...Ok, sure - it turns cloudy, short-term. Just be sure to filter it or let it settle, before serving.Whereas the classic 'design-by-committee' model so often fails, its always useful to have multiple, talented teams working on similar projects, independently. With...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Mozilla locks out rogue Firefox add-ons
- Firefox has conquered IEIt is evident that Firefox free has conquered IE, plus the fact the majority of sites work regardless of browser.The days of this old bait & switch from MS are over.But I thought the whole point behind "open source"......was to allow ANYONE to put code in their...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- Microsoft Office 2010, SharePoint 2010 public betas now available for download
- Microsoft still firmly planted in the LAST century.NTLinux Kernel speaks?Hmmm, I'd fear for the future of Linux if this is what comes out of it. You'd think the "many eyes" would have caught such silly logic in the kernel years ago...and looking ready to dominate this oneas well.Google is...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- Google-Microsoft rivalry on with ChromeOS launch
- This will usher in an era of intense competition and innovation, as well aslower prices.This will be good for all concerned. Windows users will get lower prices and faster innovation. The Windows users should be Google's biggest fans here.Chorme OS could get 10% or more of the netbook market. That...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- Google to demo Chrome OS; Detail launch plans
- the windoze killer has arrivedChrome OS will put the final nail in M$ coffin!You really can't be seriousyou have to be a fake or something.Your posts are allways way off the mark.By like a continent or two.Windoze? Grow up, manI hope Chrome is good - because it will make...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
- OpenSUSE Education announces Li-f-e 11.2
- Its still linux and still has the same issues and the same lacking software you would want in an education environment. But you don't care about that because your agenda is to push linux, not educate.Bow before the manLoverock Davidson is a skilled worker, he holds several M$ certifications...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
- AMD turbo boosts Flash Player 10.1 with ATI Stream technology
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
- Psystar massacred in court
- I wouldn't.....buy even with a 100% discount, Psystar is toast and part of Apple's claim would invoke a recall of all machines and buyer's info. Apart from the 'no support' from Apple, there will be no support from a defunct company too.Yep, there is pent-up demand for an expandable cheap...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-16
- Dell's answer to Apple's Mac mini - The Inspiron Zino HD
- People Actually Buy These Things?Almost a $1000.00 for a cutsey, low powered designer computer? Do people actually buy these things? Maybe they should check out your Very Best Kit list.adrian please 959$ you dont put 959 for a low-end entry level machine you can have...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-16
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