What is Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an operating system for your computer based on the Debian Linux distribution.

Linux is renowned for being very stable and uses totally open source software, meaning that there are no licenses or fees to be paid.

Ubuntu has two versions; a desktop version and a server version. The desktop version has a stable graphical user interface (GUI) and comes bundled with all the software most people will ever need. The server version is a little more lightweight and stable, and comes with software that a server would more likely need (a web server, database server, etc). All of the software that comes with Ubuntu is free and does not require any license or fee of any kind to be used.

New Ubuntu versions are released every six months, and security fixes and patches are released for each version for 18 months. Long term support (LTS) versions are released every 2 years and are supported for 3 years on the desktop edition, and 5 years for the server edition.

Ubuntu is known for its focus on usability. It is extremely easy to install and configure and is aimed at the average user. Ubuntu is very scalable and suitable for new users and advanced users alike.

The name Ubuntu comes from the South African ethical ideolofy "Ubuntu", which means "humanity towards others".