Ubuntu

[The Cowboy]

Has anyone heard off or use an operating system called Ubuntu? The only thing I know about it is that it is Linux based.

Cowboy.

[vehelpfulguy]

The internet has a wonderful facility called Google.

You put in any word you want and it gives you all sorts of hits.

I just typed in Ubuntu and got loads of hits.

Even a web site called www.ubuntu.com

Its not difficult.

[The Cowboy]

I know there is a wonderful thing called Google. That's how I found out that it was Linux based. I also asked if anyone was using it, hoping that they would give me their input/advice.

I have read your posts in the past and found them very helpful. I never expected to receive a sarcastic post from you.

Cowboy

[fo3nix]

Ubuntu is just another distribution of GNU/Linux. It's known as being very easy to use (I'd agree there), but still suffers from the compatability things that GNU/Linux distributions suffer from.

It's majorly based on the Debian distro, and is fact Ubuntu is known in some circles as meaning "can't install Debian," simply because a Debian installation can be a lot more complicated.

If you want to embrace free software (as in speech, here), and give the GNU/Linux system a go, then Ubuntu is a great starting distro.

[The Cowboy]

Thank you fo3nix. That's the type of answer I was hoping for.

Cowboy

[OBonio]

Just to add my tuppence worth... if you're not familiar with Linux then Ubuntu is a very good starting point. It's installation process is very good and picks up hardware very well. I installed it at home as a test just to see what the fuss was about and haven't uninstalled it yet.

Installation of new software is made easier through the use of apt (which basically makes sure when you install something, you have everything installed that the new software needs... this has caused huge problems with Linux in the past).

The only negative about it that I can think of is it seems a bit slow. Not as responsive as it should be. I may need to tweak the settings of X a bit, but if I wanted to do that I would install Slackware (my personal preference of distribution).

Anyway, I hope you decide to give Ubuntu a go. It's an eye opener just to see open source in action.

[kepla]

Ubuntu is a distribution of Linux which has been specifically targetted at new(ish) users instead of 'geeks', so it is relatively easy to install and set-up (somewhat quicker and easier than Windows). If you find the 'Ubuntu' web site (just google for it) you will find that they will send you a set of CDs for free - which is far better than having to download and burn your own if you are new to it all. Even better, you get two CDs. The first one is what's known as a 'live' version. You don't actually install it, as it just runs from your CD drive. It gives you a chance to have a look-see without making any permanent changes to your PC. It can run a little slow, though, due to lack of a swap file. The other CD in the free pack is the one you use to install Ubuntu on your PC properly. It comes with a really good selection of usefull programs, and can do all the usual PC stuff (office apps, e-mail, web browsing, art & photos) right 'out of the box'. Who said you don't get good value for money any more ? The best things in life are free !

[fo3nix]

The best thing about the GNU/Linux system (note the GNU/ part there), is that it's free software, meaning that you are free to do what you want with it. You can share it with friends, edit it to suit you better, anything.