Tux Penguin by Jan Vansteenkiste. Rest of image by Thomas Abernathy (tjustleft).

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UBUNTU

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu (Ü-bün-tü) is an African word translated loosely as Humanity to others. It is also the name given to a family of Computer Operating Systems. Ubuntu is comprised of free and Open Source software. Based on Debian Gnu/Linux Ubuntu is considered the most popular Linux distribution for desktops.

Ubuntu is community developed and commercially supported. Not only is it free but so are updates and upgrades. Ubuntu is sponsored by UK based company Canonical Ltd. Canonical is owned by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. How does Canonical make money with a free product? They offer paid support services for Ubuntu. That isn't a catch. You are not obligated to used their support services. Like most software there are many forums where questions can be asked. The open source community is large and supportive. You can try Ubuntu on your Windows computer without making changes to Windows.

What can you do with Ubuntu?

What do you do with your computer now? You can still do it with Ubuntu. Internet and e-mail. Music and video. Word processing and office applications. Use It for education, bussiness, and entertainment.

Ubuntu comes loaded with software. If you want more just search the web. There are numerous free and open source programs devleoped by individuals and community.

Accessibility

Ubuntu is aimed to be usable by as many people as possible. It's assistive tools include:

• High contrast themes, complete with custom icons and mouse cursors
• Magnification and Speech synthesis
• Keyboard modifiers
• On-screen Keyboard

Also available is Gnome On-screen Keyboard (GOK), which in addition to basic text entry, also provides facilities for controlling the entire desktop behaviour through the on-screen keyboard.

Is Ubuntu Secure?

Strong security is it's standard. Viruses, spyware and adware are practically unheard of in Ubuntu, and security issues are fixed very quickly. Linux distributions such as Ubuntu are widely used as web servers because of their heavy-duty security. Important parts of the system are protected from security breaches by limiting how they can be accessed without an administrator password. Security issues are normally fixed quickly and efficiently, often only a few days after they are reported. An easy to use security update system, will alert you when new security fixes are available.

Is it Stable?

Debian GNU/Linux is so stable that it powers some of the most critical computer systems in the world. Built upon the legendary stability of the Debian GNU/Linux operating system Ubuntu is reported to a reliable system not prone to crashes and freezing. This is due to community devlopement. Ubuntu applications have been tested by thousands of people world-wide to verify their stability. The computer user can also report and track software problems.

How to get Ubuntu

If you have a fast internet connection Ubuntu is available as a free download. You can buy Ubuntu on CD or DVD. Also you can request a free CD that is shipped free of charge. Just go to http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu and pick download, buy, or request free CD. Another way to get it is ask a friend. Sharing is encouraged. Make copies and pass them on.

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Definitions

Debian Gnu/Linux

Debian is a computer operating system composed entirely of free and open source software. The primary form, Debian GNU/Linux, is a popular and influential Linux distribution. Debian is a multipurpose OS, which can be used as a desktop or server operating system.

Linux

A Unix-like computer operating system family which uses the Linux kernel. Predominantly known for its use in servers, Linux is installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, such as embedded devices, mobile phones, and supercomputers. It is one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development; typically all the underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone.

Open Source

A set of principles and practices on how to write software. Most importantly the source code must be openly available with the right to use it.

Operating System

Basically an operating system, OS for short, is the program that runs your computer. If you are a Windows user then Windows is the operating system. The OS is the most important program on the computer. It manages the hardware and other programs.

Without the OS you would have an expensive fancy looking box on your desk. :)

Unix

A computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna. Today's Unix systems are split into various branches, developed over time by AT&T as well as various commercial vendors and non-profit organizations. Open group, an industry standards consortium, has held the trademark since 2007.