What is Ubuntu linux?

Ubuntu Linux is an operating system, like Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX, but with the huge difference of being totally free and Open Source. It can be installed on basically any PC, Mac, or notebook. It is owned by no company, as it is being developed by community of people all around the world.

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 and always will be free of charge. You do not pay any licensing fees. You can download, use and share Ubuntu with your friends, family, school or business for absolutely nothing.

The latest Ubuntu release brings the best of open source together on a platform that is here to stay with 3 years of free updates. With hundreds of improvements and the addition of the latest version of Firefox amongst other outstanding applications, more and more users are assessing why Ubuntu wins more and more converts with every release.

Productivity tools: Ubuntu supports all of your favourite web-based mail programs like Yahoo(TM) or Gmail (TM). But for the office, Evolution provides all the calendering, contacts and full function office email you need. Pidgin IM also puts you in instant touch with colleagues and integrates with your personal IM services simply and easily.

Browsing: Including Mozilla Firefox (Beta 5) - tested and stabilised for a platform. Faster, safer and themed for Ubuntu.

Photos: Upload from your camera or phone to F-Spot and manage, tag, share and sort your photos and upload easily to you favourite social networking sites.

Music and video: Plug in your PSP, iPod, MP3 player; share playlists with your friends; buy in the creative commons online music stores, stream more live radio and plug in more devices with UPnP.

Office applications: Word processing, spreadsheets and presentations can all be delivered through Open Office. And, they completely integrate with the proprietary office applications out there. The big difference is that they are free.

Accessibility: At the core of the Ubuntu philosophy is the belief that computing is for everyone and access should be free and complete whatever your economic or physical circumstances. Ubuntu is one of the most accessible desktop operating systems around.

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Who is using Ubuntu?

Check out who and why is using Ubuntu Linux. Read the stories below.

Nick Johnson, Student

I first had a run in with linux a few years ago, when I tried to install Debian on an old mac mini. I saw how amazing it was as a free OS, but I moved back to OS X because it didn't have the things I needed for everyday use.

A few months ago, I needed a new computer. I found that it was cheap and easy to build a desktop from parts off the internet, but I was troubled because it would not run OS X like my old computers. So I decided to dual boot Windows and Ubuntu. I thought that having linux would only be as an experiment, and for if Windows got a virus or crashed, but I was wrong. Ubuntu was both fast and useful, despite s couple problems with the video card. I used to go back to Windows just to play videogames, but now I haven't used it in months. Ubuntu remains fast and stable even after I install tons of programs.

Lenin, Web Application Developer, PHP (ZCE)

Well, I had been using linux for long. But didn't think of using solely linux as my PC's OS until I used Ubuntu. I have been using Ubuntu at work and at all of my PC and laptops. I work on LAMP(Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Perl/Python) technology and for that Linux is ideal platform of choice.

You can follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/nine_L

Jess, Nursing Student

This past spring, my 4 year old dell laptop was taking a turn for the worst...slowing down, freezing up, you name it and it was happening. With no money or desire to purchase a new laptop, my boyfriend (an Ubuntu lover himself) suggested I try Ubuntu on a dual-boot with my current windows version. After a day of the trial, I was pleased to say goodbye to windows! My laptop has a new spring in its step and is running better than ever. I don't think I could ever go back to windows.

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