Nov 02, 2007 02:40 PM
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African word "Ubuntu" is currently the craze in the linux world & on the search engines.Many windows users are migrating progressively to this operating system.So whats up with the ubuntu? Ubuntu is the free linux operating system with debian kernel underneath.Many debian derivatives are using "Ubuntu" kernel due to its stability & package management.It is more successful Desktop linux than fedora, mandriva, knoppix, mepis and even than its parent OS "Debian".
I'm using ubuntu since its version 4 and currently testing the released version "edge".I've heard the waves about the linux as it is not ready for the desktop yet but if you take a look at "Ubutnu" then you'll realise that ubuntu is already spreading its tentacles arround the world.Comparing ubuntu with other distribution will backfire the concept of linux.So i'm avoiding the comparison here.Every linux distro has its own good and bad sides, but all are contributing to same purpose" freedom".So let's explore the world of ubuntu.
Choosing version
In addition to Ubuntu, you can get the other 3 flavours to install.Xubuntu with xfce, Kubutnu with KDE, edubuntu for kids and also newly released gubuntu.Choosing out of them can't be easy as every window manager has its own benefits.Ubutnuforums suggests newbies to install ubutnu first then later add more window managers from repositories, if required.
Getting ubuntu
Ubuntu is 100% free of cost operating system.You can request free cds from shipit Or even downaload the DVD image for yourself.If you request Free CD from shipit then you'll able to run the OS from and within the disk and also use the same disk for the OS installation.
Installtion
Ubuntu is improved on it's installation part as previous installers (5.04-6.04) were command-line(Codenamed "Woody" for debian).New version has guided interface, that'll ease few things out.If you're unsure about paritioning then you should take a look at resources mentioned at end of this article.Also be patient while ubuntu installs.
Bundled Application
Ubuntu is packed up with almost every alternative windows application that you get by default on windows.Ubuntu includes the Evolution email client and Firefox Web browser, the OpenOffice.org office productivity suite, various multimedia applications, and a full suite of accessories, small games, and system configuration utilities.Ubuntu has reputation for better driver support than other debian derivatives.With "Synaptic" you can install more softwares from cds or even repositories on the internet. Repositories are like online update you find in windows but with more options and multiple resources.Like windows you can get add/remove program that will install add/remove software for you.Sometimes in new releases you may find some previously installed software missing, it might be due to restrictive licensing policies.
i18n
Ubuntu supports wide range of languages.We have a lot of languge translators at launchpad, working hard to translate every application that comes with ubuntu.To select your languge click System > Administration > Language Selector.You'll able to use ubuntu in your own language.
Getting Help
To get help for system related components, hit lifesaver icon on the system tray.It'll open up the ubuntu help system, from there you can get your answers for most frequent problems.At ubuntuforums.org Alternative ways to get help is to check the various blogs maintained by ubuntuforums users.If you want to get in touch with the develoeprs or want to know the happpenings of ubuntu world the you must consult the list https://lists.ubuntu.com/ .For official documentation check out the wiki pages https://wiki.ubuntu.com .
Why ubuntu?
When you consider that many computer users really just need an email client, Web browser, and maybe a word processor or even media player, you can see where a no-cost solution like ubuntu starts to make sense.So if we consider these type of desktop users then ubuntu is much better option over windows.For intermediate users or even developers, they get more appreciation and recognition, rewards for their work under linux than in windows.At last, If you badly need your windows application in linux then you can try win4lin or winehq can be useful to use windows application inside linux.Almost every Vista GUI effects and features are released for linux window managers 2-year earlier than vista released, so you loose nothing if you switch to linux.In short don't listen to rumours of windows fans and ignore linux, give it a try.Trust me you won't be dissapointed.To know how much you can trust windows in futur.
