Ubuntu - Much More Than Just An OS
Ubuntu is an operating system that has taken the world by storm not because it is something new, but because of its user-friendliness. You don't have to be a geek to get the better of the operating system and make optimum use of it. Housewives and kids find it easy to use too. The Ubuntu Software Center is one of the most important applications in the operating system. Many changes have been brought about with version 10.10. Newcomers to Ubuntu have the 'where is it' feature to guide them after installation in finding their favorite applications easily.
The Ubuntu Software Center has a new blue background and also features add-ons support. Like Firefox, there are many add-ons for applications such as Banshee and Rhythmbox. In addition, Ubuntu 10.10 features a dedicated menu for 'Paid' software that is to be available soon. A large number of commercial Linux applications are available LinApp.
Since there are only a handful that sell pre-installed Ubuntu hardware the OS now has the 'Maverick Meerkat' Installer which has been revamped to enable easy installation. The installation is effortless, with a reassuring message for new users. There are options with a simple checkbox to install 'paid' codecs and other essentials. The Ubuntu 10.10 partitioning menu has undergone a change, which is much better to handle now.
Many users may be wondering if Ubuntu Linux is good for business applications. Considering the costs involved in purchasing software for Windows, which could be phenomenal for a business, Ubuntu offers the very same applications for free. Most computer owners use their PCs for browsing, creating documents in a word processor, using spreadsheets for calculations and sending and receiving emails. In most cases, the cost of software can exceed that of hardware, which is not the case with Ubuntu since it is open source. What can be achieved with MSOffice can be done with OpenOffice, another free office suite included with Linux. Anyone used to MSOffice will not find it difficult to handle OpenOffice. Another advantage is that businesses don't need to resort to piracy either, which is never a good choice.
Windows requires the use of an anti-virus program and anti-spyware software, which once again increases costs. On the hand, Ubuntu is free and anti-virus or spyware applications are not required on Linux, which includes a personal firewall. Ubuntu also has thousands of free applications on the installation CD and the Ubuntu Software Center, which means there are plenty of applications to suit a business. The software is opensource so you will never need to pay for it. Ubuntu, through its partner, Canonical Ltd., provide support for those who wish to purchase support for Ubuntu. The support is subscription-based and Canonical offers training courses for its corporate clients.
There are Ubuntu versions for desktops, netbooks, servers, and cloud computing as well. Each year, two versions of Ubuntu are released in April and October while LTS or Long Term Support versions is released every two years. So keep watching out for more from Ubuntu. With almost no costs, Ubuntu makes sense for any business.
