Published May 11th, 2007 by admin
Ubuntu Linux Explained
So What is this Ubuntu and why is it so Popular?
For all the newcomers to Linux, Ubuntu is a friendly version of Linux that allows users of Windows to test the Linux waters easily and without too many hardships. Most configurations can be performed through he GUI (graphical user interface) just like Windows and best of all Ubuntu is free.
What’s so great about this “Linux” you speak of?
Linux takes its heritage from UNIX, a multi-user computing environment. Linux holds on to the multi-user heritage, but replaces the user friendliness of UNIX, or lack thereof, with something more closely aligned to Windows. Linux is free, in most cases, and very robust. It does not suffer from malware and viruses like Windows, and it has thousands of free applications to use with it.
So why isn’t everyone using it?
Well, that is what we hope will happen someday. At its core, Ubuntu is better designed to handle the multi-user computer family of today and allows for options that Windows doesn’t without heavy licensing fees attached such as having a robust database, web, and file server.
So how do I get it?
Distrowatch is a great place to start. They offer charts and lists of most all the major distributions (distros) of Linux. If Ubuntu is your Linux flavor of choice, as it is mine, you can head over to Ubuntu.com and download the latest version (Feisty Fawn at time of writing) and be on your merry way.
OK I downloaded Ubuntu, how do I install it?
The big file you downloaded is called an iso image file. Most CD burning softwares (such as Nero) will allow you to burn this “image” to CD. This will create a bootable CD that you can start your computer with. The Ubuntu CD is a live CD, meaning your computer will actually boot of the CD and go to the Ubuntu desktop so you can “try before you buy” (oops I guess it’s free so it’s more like “try before you use”!).
Once you have decided to take the plunge, you just double click on the install icon on the desktop to place it on your system for good. (Installation How-to coming in a future article)
There you have it, the who, where, and why of Linux and Ubuntu. Please subscribe to our feed for upcoming tips and tricks!