What is Ubuntu?

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Ubuntu is a computer operating system that is based on the Debian Linux distribution.

Linus Toralds , while attending University in Helsinki Finland in the 1990s, wanted to create a UNIX-like operating system for his 386 computer. He created the Linux operating system, but what was interesting was that he made this OS open source. By making this operating system "open", people could work together (collaborate) to make a better, current operating system. Because the Linux kernel is "open", various versions of Linux have been created such as Red Hat, Fedora, Open SuSE, Mandriva, etc..

The term Ubuntu is an old African philosophy explaining people's allegiances and relations with each other. This name suits the free Linux distribution since it is heavily involved as a programming and supportive community of users. Ubuntu has gained recognition as a easy-to-use Linux operating system.

There have been many versions of Ubuntu for specialized reasons including:

  • Edubuntu (Education version - including LTSP for Computer Lab setup)
  • Kubuntu (KDE desktop environment default instead of Gnome - very "Windows-like")
  • Xubuntu (Xfce4 desktop environment default instead of Gnome - low overhead)
  • Ubuntu MID (Internet Devices Edition)
  • Ubuntu Netbook Remix (Used for netbook computers)
  • Ubuntu JeOS (Just Enough Operating System to run virtual appliances)

Edubuntu.jpg