Freedom
You can use Ubuntu Linux for both home and commercial use completely free of charge.
But there is even more to freedom than not paying for your software. Ubuntu Linux comes with complete source code. If you are unfamiliar with advanced computing, you should think of source code as a recipe.
Most probably right now you are using operating system that gives you no access to its source code. You have no way of knowing how exactly your system works, actually no one except producer knows how and what exactly your system does.
Open access to source code gives you possibility to know exactly how your software works, it gives you also possibility to modify any part of the system. Even if you are not a programmer, you should know that there are many of them that would improve your operating system for no additional cost if they only had that option - Open Source makes it possible. This is the main reason for such rapid development of Ubuntu Linux system and it's increasing popularity.
Who is using Ubuntu?
Check out who and why is using Ubuntu Linux. Read the stories below.
Robert Okadar, Aranea mreže, CEO (Croatia)
As I'm running a business, there are several things to consider when choosing an OS for business, things like maintenance cost, stability, security, portability, software availability, application prices, future upgrades cost and so on. My first choice was Vista, simply because it came with laptops I bought for my company (sounds familiar?). Nice GUI, that was my first impression of it. And that was it – nice GUI. Using Vista for a few days, I was frustrated with the fact that history repeats: every time new Microsoft OS (Operating System) comes out, we must learn how to use it. I was really mad and thinking: 15 years of that was simply enough!
At the same time, by pure coincident, I saw a video "Vista aero vs. Ubuntu compiz". The Ubuntu had me, it was love on the first sight :-) ... I tried live Ubuntu Linux Ultimate Edition CD for amd64 architecture, and it was amazing to see it in action! I was so impressed by the OS, that after using it only for a week, I decided that my future OS of choice is Ubuntu Linux! Since then, I boot Vista only when I must because of my clients – I run all my business on Ubuntu.
Of course, my previous knowledge I got from 15 years administering different Windows OS was helpful, but not to much. You must be strongly aware that Linux is NOT free Windows! Linux is something different, and (by my personal opinion at least) something superior to Windows. While being different, you will need more time to spend learning, but on the long run you will be greatly rewarded, so don't give up!
After using Ubuntu Linux for some time now, I would like to underline some major advantages for those people interested in using Ubuntu Linux for business:
- You learn things once ... no need to learn things over again when new Ubuntu version comes out
- No need to purchase new hardware when new Ubuntu version comes out
- Business owners should always use LTS Ubuntu versions only (Long Term Supported)
- No fee for Ubuntu license or any software that comes with Ubuntu
- It has ability to run Windows software via Wine or vmware (or similar software)
- Excellent network support and amazing server stability
- Very secure OS (firewall, SSH, PGP, VPN)
- Improved and advanced window management with multiple desktops
- Open Office 2.4.1 is compatible with MS Office, and Open Office 3.0 (expected to be released in September 2008) will be compatible with MS Office 2007 format
Good to be aware:
- Multimedia is well supported, but professionals may luck some features/application choice
- Not really a choice for hardcore gamers
- Not suitable if you run your business on specific Windows applications, like Microsoft SQL Server
I would suggest transition to Linux to most self-employed people (this will save you a lot of money!) like lawyers, IT consultants, journalists... You have a secretary/assistant and all she/he must do is typing letters, sending faxes and do internet research for you? Then Ubuntu Linux is an excellent choice!
Of course, all dis/advantages apply for ordinary home user to.
These are my experiences and I don't even think to switch back to Windows. I recommend Ubuntu Linux to almost all my customers and they love it once they learn how to properly use it.
p.s. - In Croatia, we have an old saying: Would you like to ride a donkey again once you tried to ride a horse? :-)
Best regards,
Robert Okadar
CEO
Karel, Student
I've been using Ubuntu since about a year and i think its great, much better then windows! But the only thing I "dislike" about ubuntu (linux in general more) is that's for some programs it is impossible or very difficult to use on Ubuntu. But you have always an alternative, and that's nice. Keep up the good work!!!
Adam, ex-I.T.
I was as Systems Administrator from Win NT4 on up to Server 2003, and nothing was worse than coming home from a 12+ hour day just to do tech support for my family's computers. I couldn't catch a break!
I installed Ubuntu 5.10 on a spare laptop (this was years ago, when it was first released) and was very impressed by it. I played around with it long enough to realize that my wife and kids would have very little trouble moving from Windows XP over to Ubuntu.
I installed it on 5 out of 6 computers in my house--I still had to keep an XP box for work purposes, unfortunately. Soon my wife and children were learning the ropes of this new OS, and my home tech support time dropped down to nearly zero.
That was about three years ago. Today, Ubuntu is the primary OS in the house, my kids can switch between Windows, Linux and even Mac OS's with little or no problems, and my home network is secure and virus/malware free. It's like a breath of fresh air.
I finally left the IT industry and (unlike my SysAdmin job) am surrounded now by computers that just work and are secure, as well as users who truly understand what is going on with their personal machines. It's like heaven.
Now all I gotta do is get my parents interested. :)
Share Your story
Please tell us why are You using Ubuntu. Share Your story!
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