Ubuntu - Great Features Come Free
Ubuntu is an open source operating system based on Debian GNU/Linux. The OS gets its name from the South African philosophy, Ubuntu, meaning 'humanity towards others'. In addition to desktops, Ubuntu can be used on servers and netbooks as well. For the most part, Ubuntu comprises of several software packages and is sponsored by UK-based company, Canonical Ltd. The company makes its revenue from selling technical support services to Ubuntu. New versions of the OS are released every six months with long term support versions released every two years. The latest version, Ubuntu 10.10 was released on October 10, 2010.
Ubuntu is easy to install and use. The OS is bundled with many free applications to work on your PC, printers, cameras, and MP3 players. Besides, it is fast and looks great too, but most importantly, it is free to use. With 13 versions released so far, Ubuntu has an increasing number of users who enjoy virus-free access. Similar to the iPhone, Ubuntu has an application for almost anything.
With Ubuntu you can browse the web safely with Mozilla Firefox. You can also access Google Chrome from the Ubuntu Software Center. The OS enables you to use OpenOffice to create professional documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, which is an easy to use application packed with features and once again, completely free.
The Ubuntu Software Center allows instant access to a number of free applications including games, education, graphics, programming and more. All these applications are easy to install.
In addition to free applications, there are a variety of paid versions as well. Users have a choice when it comes to email and chatting as well. Empathy IM and Evolution Mail are included in the package. Empathy IM allows you to integrate your Yahoo, MSN, Gmail, and AOL chat accounts, among others while Evolution Mail provides easy, intuitive email. It also includes software support for Skype and Thunderbird.
Ubuntu isn't far behind with it comes to social networking. From the Me Menu, users have direct access to Facebook and Twitter accounts from their desktop. Music lovers will enjoy Ubuntu's new music player which includes an integrated store to purchase their favorite music and the Rhythmbox music player to listen to their favorite tunes. Music streaming for the iPhone or Android is also possible through the Ubuntu One file sync.
To upload, manage, and share photos, Ubuntu offers many applications that support cameras and phones without the need for drivers. Included is Shotwell, a free application to manage and share pictures on social network sites. Included in the OS is Ubuntu One, a personal cloud service to manage digital tasks. You can buy music and have it delivered to computers of your choice. You can also consolidate your computer and mobile phone contacts and safely share documents and photos with them through Ubuntu One. The OS includes Pitivi, a video editor and a Movie Player to play your own videos. Alternatively, you can watch content from iPlayer, YouTube, and MSN Player. And, of course, the Ubuntu Software Center has many free games including puzzles and adventures to keep you entertained all day long.
