Ubuntu

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is open-source software that was developed by Canonical in October 2004. It is a very reliable operating system. Its latest release is Ubuntu 21.10. Basically, it comes with three official editions: Ubuntu Desktop – for the personal computer, Ubuntu Server – for making the servers and Ubuntu Core for the IoT and Robots. 

Differences between Ubuntu and Windows

Basis Comparison	Ubuntu	Windows 10
Developer	Canonical	Microsoft
OS family	Linux	Windows NT
Source Model	Open Source	Licensed
Release	20 October 2004	15 July 2015
Kernel type	Monolithic	Hybrid
Userland	GNU	Windows NT, .NET
Default User Interface	GNOME, Ubuntu Unity	Windows Shell
Cost	Free, Open Source	Paid, Licensed version
Viruses	Viruses can’t survive in this.	Virus attack is common.
Updates	Updates are very easy	Every time you need to update Java.
Programming	The programming part is very easy.	Comfortable but not much compatible.
Entertainment	It is not built for that.	Movies, song, and Photos are can be easily handled
MS Office Work	Comfortable with MS office	Works excellent in Windows
Gaming	You can’t play games on this.	All games will be supported by this.
Adobe and Photoshop support	Not much support.	Works very well.
Performance(RAM and Core)	Better than windows	It  is okay
Security	No need for Antivirus and Firewall.	Always needed one.
Learning	It is not easy to learn	It is very easy to learn.

Ubuntu Today

The first official Ubuntu release — Version 4.10, codenamed the ‘Warty Warthog’ — was launched in October 2004, and sparked dramatic global interest as thousands of free software enthusiasts and experts joined the Ubuntu community.

Ubuntu today has many flavours and dozens of specialised derivatives. There are also special editions for servers, OpenStack clouds, and connected devices. All editions share common infrastructure and software, making Ubuntu a unique single platform that scales from consumer electronics to the desktop and up into the cloud for enterprise computing.

The Ubuntu desktop is by far the world’s most widely used Linux workstation platform, powering the work of engineers across the globe. Ubuntu Core sets the standard for tiny, transactional operating systems for highly secure connected devices. Ubuntu Server is the reference operating system for the OpenStack project, and a hugely popular guest OS on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Ubuntu is pre-installed on computers from Dell, HP, Asus, Lenovo and other global vendors.

Why should we use Ubuntu Linux?

1. Ubuntu is user-friendly

Many computer users consider Linux-based systems hard to use and made for developers. It’s a huge misconception and Ubuntu Linux acts as a perfect myth-buster. Just like Windows, installing Ubuntu Linux is very easy and any person with basic knowledge of computers can setup his/her system. Over the years, Canonical has improved the overall desktop experience and polished the user interface. Surprisingly, many people even call Ubuntu easier to use as compared to Windows.

2. Ubuntu is free

Without a doubt it’s is a big reason to use Ubuntu Linux. Downloading, installing, and using Ubuntu Linux doesn’t cost a penny. Simply download it from Canonical’s website or visit your favorite torrent website, create a bootable ISO or burn it on a USB drive. It’s also being adopted at various educational and government organizations across the world to reduce costs. Moreover, most of the software is also free.

Later, the next LTS release, i.e., Ubuntu 18.04 Bionic Beaver will be released. So, you can also take a look at major features/changes coming to Ubuntu in case you’re willing to make a shift.

3. It’s secure. Say no to anti-virus.

It’ll be wrong to say that Ubuntu is 100% immune to viruses. However, in comparison to Windows, which needs use of antivirus, the malware risks associated with Ubuntu Linux are negligible. It also saves you the antivirus cost because you don’t need any. Its built-in Firewall and virus protection method makes sure that you’re protected.

4. High customization

The freedom to customize your system is one of the major advantages come with a Linux-based operating system. If you don’t like any particular desktop environment, replace it with a new one. Just in case you’re finding the desktop environment unpleasant, feel free to experiment with something new. These characteristics are naturally inherited by Ubuntu Linux, making it a great choice for daily use. You can try out tools like Compiz and make your Ubuntu experience more appealing.

5. Tons of Ubuntu flavors

The new users might not be knowing that apart from the basic GNOME-based Ubuntu, there are lots of other flavors. There are various variants of Ubuntu that fulfill specific needs of the users. If you wish to try out modern and sleek looking KDE desktop environment, there’s Kubuntu. For systems with low configuration, Lubuntu and Xubuntu are available. Ubuntu GNOME and Ubuntu MATE are two other popular flavors. Edubuntu is focussed on schools and educational institutions. Tons of choices, right?

6. Supportive Ubuntu community

Just like other Linux-based projects, Ubuntu has a strong community support and it’s one of the biggest advantages of Ubuntu over other distros. You can also go online, visit Linux forums, and get the answer to all kinds of Linux queries.

7. Low system requirements

While two specific flavors–Lubuntu and Xubuntu–are developed to cater the needs of lower-end systems, the default Ubuntu Unity doesn’t need high-end system requirements. The recommended hardware requirements are 700 MHz processor, 512MB RAM, and 5GB hard disk.

8. Tons of free software in Software Center

Finding a software of your interest is much easier in Ubuntu Linux. You simply need to open the Ubuntu Software Center and find all the useful software. Simply click on the install button and the package is installed. Alternatively, you can install many software with few simple lines of command. For basic usage, Ubuntu comes pre-installed with lots of software like Gimp, Chromium, VLC, and Firefox.

9. Improved compatibility, included drivers

The new versions of Ubuntu ship with the latest Linux kernel. This allows it to run on more number of older hardware as well as the new systems with latest chips. Ubuntu also comes with many pre-installed drivers that save time and frustration.

10. It’s open source

Last but not the least, Ubuntu is open source. We’ve discussed the benefits of using open source software time and again.

Disadvantages of Ubuntu

Below are some disadvantages of Ubuntu:

• Issues with Commercialization vs. open-source software
• Compatibility issues with software and hardware.
• There are other Linux operating systems that are better.
• Has a small number of uninteresting game titles.
• Limited Functionality as a result of a small number of applications

• Ubuntu flavours

  Ubuntu flavours offer a unique way to experience Ubuntu, each with their own choice of default applications and settings. Ubuntu flavours are backed by the full Ubuntu archive for packages and updates.

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  Kubuntu

  Kubuntu offers the KDE Plasma Workspace experience, a good-looking system for home and office use.

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  Lubuntu

  Lubuntu is a light, fast, and modern Ubuntu flavor using LXQt as its default desktop environment. Lubuntu used to use LXDE as its default desktop environment.

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  Ubuntu Budgie

  Ubuntu Budgie provides the Budgie desktop environment which focuses on simplicity and elegance. It provides a traditional desktop metaphor based interface utilising a customisable panel based menu driven system.

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  Ubuntu Kylin

  The Ubuntu Kylin project is tuned to the needs of Chinese users, providing a thoughtful and elegant Chinese experience out-of-the-box.

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  Ubuntu MATE

  Ubuntu MATE expresses the simplicity of a classic desktop environment. Ubuntu MATE is the continuation of the GNOME 2 desktop which was Ubuntu’s default desktop until October 2010.

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  Ubuntu Studio

  Ubuntu Studio is a multimedia content creation flavor of Ubuntu, aimed at the audio, video and graphic enthusiast or professional.

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  Xubuntu

  Xubuntu is an elegant and easy to use operating system. Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light and configurable desktop environment.