Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux operating systems. Among other things, it is characterized by a high level of user-friendliness, so that even beginners can quickly get used to the system. Ubuntu is also considered to be very stable and is well suited for displaying multimedia content. Like most Linux distributions, Ubuntu is based on Debian.
- Ubuntu is a free operating system on Linux.
- Above all, Ubuntu is characterized by its flexible application options.
- Canonical releases a new version of Ubuntu every six months. Long-term support versions are updated every two years.
- Ubuntu is available in different versions (derivatives). But it is always the same Linux distribution, only the appearance varies.
What is ubuntu
Ubuntu is a free Linux operating system. It is based on the Linux distribution Debian, which is also available free of charge. In October 2004, the Canonical Foundation released the first Ubuntu version. The founder of the software manufacturer Canonical is the South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. Members of the Ubuntu community were also involved in the development of Ubuntu.
The name Ubuntu comes from the Zulu and means “humanity”. This word aptly describes the philosophy on which Ubuntu is based: The developers of the open source Ubuntu wanted to provide an operating system with which everyone on earth can operate a computer. For this reason, the operating system is also made available free of charge.
The Canonical Foundation had also set itself the goal of developing an easy-to-use operating system, the software packages of which are automatically pre-installed. In general, Linux operating systems are better known for their server-oriented application, which many home users find quite complicated.
Flexible software solutions
Most Linux distributions such as Ubuntu provide not only the operating system but also important software for free. These should be used instead of proprietary applications. Canonical relies above all on flexibility. In principle, every Ubuntu user should be able to adapt the software to their needs by changing the source code. In addition, it is expressly permitted to pass the software on to friends and acquaintances.
The Ubuntu programs that users use most often are usually preinstalled. These include, for example, text editing software, a web browser and an audio player. However, there is also the option of installing or editing programs at a later date.
Ubuntu versions
The first Ubuntu version appeared in October 2004. Since then Canonical has been able to continuously increase the awareness of Ubuntu and bring a new version onto the market every six months. The individual versions are always marked with the year and month of their publication. The version from October 2020 is called 20.10 (Groovy Gorilla). Which changes the updates contain can be read in the extensive change logs of the developers.
In addition to the semi-annual Ubuntu releases, there are also LTS (Long Term Support) versions. The LTS program has existed since 2006. Canonical makes these versions available specifically to companies and server environments and updates them every two years. The companies benefit from better support, which includes updates for five years. Incidentally, private individuals can also install the LTS versions; there are no restrictions for them in this regard.
Different Ubuntu versions
Since version 17.10. GNOME is the standard interface for Ubuntu. Older LTS versions use Unity. Another popular variant is Ubuntu Studio, which is designed for professional audio and video production. Edubuntu is an official derivative that, thanks to special adaptations, is suitable for teaching and is therefore often used in schools and other educational institutions. In 2013 the mobile version for smartphones from Ubuntu appeared with Ubuntu Touch. In 2016, the first smartphones came on the market on which Ubuntu Touch was already preinstalled. However, the derivative did not last long: Due to insufficient market acceptance, Canonical stopped developing Ubuntu Touch in 2017.
