If you’ve been around computers and the internet for any amount time recently you’ve undoubtly heard of Linux in one form or another. Linux is an open-source operating system that has been ever evolving since 1991 and is now available in numerous forms. Now I’d like to tell you about a true, Linux-based alternative operating system that actually has the power to fill the needs of most mainstream computer users, businesses and more: Ubuntu Linux.
I was introduced to the Ubuntu operating system over a year or so ago in an office setting by a friend of mine. Since then I have been using it myself by dual-booting to it on my main Windows computer (Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit). I have been thorougly impressed by it in many ways. Ubuntu offers everything the average computer user needs (and then some) in one easy-to-use, all-in-one free package. Internet, e-mail, office software, powerful image editing, instant messaging, programming… you got it! What more could one ask for? A simple installating process reveals an attractive, fully-customizable interface that will seem roughly familiar to many. Want to move your quicklaunch icons to the top left of the screen and your ”start” button and up-to-date weather info on the bottom right? No problem.
A host of programs can be quickly installed and uninstalled at the click of the mouse via a user friendly program browser menu. Even some Windows programs can be installed within Ubuntu using a free program standard called Wine. The included features of Ubuntu are absolutely incredible to say the least, especially for a free open source program.
There are two main versions of Ubuntu available: the desktop version (perfect for home or personal computers or laptops) and the server edition (ideal for large businesses or those who manage a lot of commercial/sensitive data). An Ubuntu ISO disc image file can be downloaded from www.ubuntu.com, and then the image file is burned to a CD which can then be used to install Ubuntu on your existing or empty hard drive(s), or to try it out without installing anything by simply running it off the disc. For those brave hacker types who think a GUI is for wimps, your needs are also catered to via a powerful terminal interace familiar to most if not all forms of Linux.
In any case I’ve found Ubuntu Linux to be an extremely promising alternative operating system for whatever need or want you may have, be it to surf the web once a week or to write the next genius computer program. Take a look and give it a try… you might just throw Windows and Macintosh away!
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