Ubuntu is a free/libre, open-source computer operating system with 20 million users worldwide. But it’s also so much more than that: it is an ethos, a collaborative project and, first and foremost, Ubuntu is a community of people.
The Ubuntu Philosophy
Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’.
It is this South African philosophy that sets Ubuntu apart from other operating systems because it brings the spirit of humanity and community to the world of computers. Ubuntu users share a deeply held belief that software should be freely accessible to everyone regardless of language, disability, or income.
Proprietary Software vs Free/Libre Open-Source Software
Proprietary software is designed, developed and marketed by a company as their own system. It is sold for profit and functions on only one type of computer. Examples of proprietary operating systems include Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. The source code of these systems is not freely available and if you tried to modify or distribute it would constitute a felony.
Ubuntu, on the other hand, is NOT proprietary software because it is actively maintained by the FLOSS community.
FLOSS is not the thin, waxy filament that you run through teeth. FLOSS is the acronym for Free/Libre Open-Source Software. FLOSS software is different from proprietary or commercial software because it is:
• FREE to use
• FREE to share, and
• FREE to develop
This means you can download and use Ubuntu without paying money. You can then make copies of the software and distribute it to as many people as you want. Finally, the source code of Ubuntu’s operating system is freely available, so you can inspect the program and make changes to suit your own needs.
How Can Ubuntu Be Free?
1. It’s Maintained By The FLOSS Community.
Ubuntu is both a global community and collaborative software project. People around the world freely share their time and skills to:
• test software bugs
• write user documentation
• design artwork
• provide user feedback, or simply
• spread the good word of Ubuntu.
2. It’s Managed & Funded By Canonical
Although Ubuntu is maintained by the FLOSS community, it is managed and funded by a privately held company called Canonical Ltd. Canonical was founded (and funded) in 2004 by South African entrepreneur, Mark Shuttleworth, the visionary behind Ubuntu.
Why Use Ubuntu?
There are many reasons to use Ubuntu, but here are some of the most important ones:
• It’s free and open source: shared code, shared efforts, shared principles, no cost.
• It’s easy to use, trial and install: you don’t have to be an expert.
• It’s beautiful, sleek, and stylish.
• It’s stable and fast: usually loads in less than a minute on modern computers.
• It has no major viruses! Ubuntu is immune to computer-crashing Windows viruses. Say goodbye to Blue Screens of Death!
• It’s up-to-date: Canonical releases new versions of Ubuntu every six months and also brings you regular updates for free.
• It is supported: you can get all the support and advice you need from the global FLOSS community and Canonical.
Installing Ubuntu
This option will replace your current operating system with Ubuntu. A complete installation will run the fastest and smoothest on your computer, but requires a full commitment to leave behind your old operating system.
Visit http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download for a step-by-step instructions on how to do this.
Support & Community
Looking for help but are not sure where to go? The Ubuntu community is here to support you in multiple ways to suit your individual needs. You can:
• seek support in-person by contacting your Ubuntu Local Community,
• access free documentation online, or
• use Launchpad to answer your most technical questions.
Whether your preference is in-person or online, there is a passionate Ubuntu community willing to share their expertise and knowledge with you.
If you have questions about using or installing Ubuntu, feel free to ask in the comment section.
[image copyright:http://design.ubuntu.com/downloads?metadata=element-logo+brand-ubuntu, reference: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ubuntu-an-absolute-beginners-guide/#chapter-1, posted last 2012]
Aside from UBUNTU can you give us some open-source computer operating system that we can use.
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen :)
DeleteThere are many open-source os that you can use aside from Ubuntu. We have Chrome OS, steam OS and syllable. All of the said operating systems were built in Linux kernel.
Ma'am Dhes, can you give us some good point why we should use ubuntu instead of windows?
ReplyDeleteHere are some good points why you should use Ubuntu, Alyssa:
Delete(1)Virus free. You don't have to buy another upgrade from any Antivirus software you are using.
(2)Useful applications are available to the user after installing Ubuntu. Unlike windows, you don't have to buy Microsoft Office to start doing your paper works. Ubuntu comes with LibreOffice, shotwell photo manager, mozilla firefox, etc.
(3)You can install any application you want via Ubuntu Software Center or Terminal. Ubuntu allows you to install applications by just typing several commands in terminal. This method is more convenient than you do with Windows.
(4)You can update your system with just one update manager.
(5)And lastly, Ubuntu is free.
I hope i answered your question correctly.
Hi ma'am dhes, do you find ubuntu applicable for education purposes? Like using this in every computer laboratory instead of using windows?
ReplyDeletePersonally, yes. I prefer using Ubuntu for education purposes than Windows. Many students are using the computer laboratory. It also means that many external devices are connected to a computer everyday, making the transmission and spread of computer viruses faster. Since Ubuntu is free from these viruses, computers are not hard to maintain. School administrators don't have to spend money in buying educational programs because it is free to download.
DeleteHi Mam Dhes! As what I have read, Ubuntu is FREE to use, FREE to share, and FREE to develop, why do you think Microsoft Windows is the Operating Software used in the Philippines instead of this?
ReplyDeleteThat is a good question Mercedes. As what i see, the main reason why most Filipinos are still using Windows is because they DO NOT know the existence of such FREE operating system like Ubuntu. If you go to computer shops, most computers are using illegal Windows OS (not licensed). They do not want to spend thousands of pesos for license, so they use pirated OS instead. If these people are aware of Ubuntu, piracy will be terminated and we will save bunches of money. So, share the beauty of this FREE OS to your friends and colleagues :)
DeleteHi Ma'am Dhes! why do you think most users will find linux more difficult and less appealing to work with?
ReplyDeleteDo you know Neophobia, Christine? Neophobia is an irrational fear of anything new: innovations, places, situations, or things. If someone has been using Windows all his life, and were forced to try Ubuntu, of course, he will find it very difficult to work with. But if you asked someone who has been using Ubuntu all his life, the answer will be completely opposite. To answer your question, the reason why users find linux(like Ubuntu) difficult and less appealing is because they are not accustomed to it's launcher, panel, dash and desktop.
DeleteAgain, is ubuntu a user-friendly too? :D If yes, How?
ReplyDeleteYes, Ubuntu is user-friendly Lulu. If someone is not tech savvy,he'll have no problem using Ubuntu.
DeleteWith the Ubuntu application center, he can easily install and uninstall programs.Some or many of the applications that you are accustomed using in Windows may not be available of Ubuntu but there are always Linux alternatives.
Why is Ubuntu the most popular operating system for cloud?
ReplyDeleteHi Aldrin :)
DeleteUbuntu is the leading cloud guest OS, running most workloads in public clouds today, because of its security, versatility and policy of regular updates. With certified images available on clouds from partners like AWS, Microsoft Azure, HP Cloud, Joyent and IBM Smart Cloud, it is the only free cloud operating system with the option of enterprise-grade commercial support.
What is the unique different of Ubuntu and Windows ?
ReplyDeleteis Ubuntu was use more in this generation or not?
Is there any error we can see in Ubuntu that Windows can fix .. ?
Thanks for the Answer in advance :)
One of the unique difference of Ubuntu from Windows is it's file type. Ubuntu's file type is ext4.
DeleteUbuntu on its way to take the lead. Most supercomputers use Linux as their operating system
Regarding the error, i dont think Windows can do that.
DeleteExcept if you switch to Windows.
Ubuntu and Windows were created by different group of people using different codes. Programmers of Windows aren't fully aware how to debug Ubuntu, and vice versa.
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ReplyDeleteWhat’s the largest desktop migration to Ubuntu so far?
ReplyDeleteThe largest desktop migration happened in La Gendarmerie Nationale. French police decided to upgrade 85,000 desktop PCs to Ubuntu, removing its reliance on the Microsoft operating system almost completely.
DeleteHi Ma'am Dhes! What are the advantages of ubuntu over windows? :)
ReplyDeleteUbuntu perfoms better Ram and Core utilization than Windows.
DeleteUbuntu is mostly used in Programming and Sotware/Web Developing because of its security features and bettet applications.
Hi Ma'am Dhes how ubuntu differs from windows?
ReplyDeleteListed below are some aspects that differs Ubuntu from Windows.
DeleteOther answers related to your question are posted in this comment section.
1. How it looks. Ubuntu has different homescreen design.
2. Built in software. Ubunty comes with some useful applications after installation.
3. Drivers. Ubuntu has buil-in driver set.
4. Third party softwares. Installing third-party softwares are easier in Ubuntu.
Hello Ma'am Dhes I was wondering of why Windows is so common to people even if in Ubuntu that has more advantage of using compare of using windows? SORRY MAAM I'VE COMMENT A WHILE AGO AND ITS UNKNOWN THATS WHY I COMMENT AGAIN
ReplyDeleteHi Christian :)
DeleteThe principal reason for the sustained popularity of Windows on the desktop is that Microsoft at a very early stage in the mass adoption of desktop PCs was able to secure wide deployment of its operating systems by forming strong alliances with hardware makers like Intel and the builders of IBM clone PCs.
So when you buy PC, Windows is already installed, and you have no other way but to use it (because you Paid.For.It) :(
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deletema'am , hindi po bng kayang i-hack ung symtem ng ubuntu ?
ReplyDeleteActually, anyone can manipulate the codes written for Ubuntu because it is an open-source OS.
DeleteI mean , hindi po ba siya madaling mgkavirus tulad ng windows ? ma'am Dhes ?
ReplyDeleteHi Adrian :)
DeleteAlmost all viruses and malware are coded to take advantage of weaknesses in Windows, so they won't simply run in Ubuntu.
Also, Linux user typically given lower-level accounts. That means even if a Linux system is compromised, the virus won't have the root access it would need to do damage systemwide.
In the Linux world, countless users can see the code at any time, making it more likely that someone will find a flaw sooner rather than later. Not only that, but users can even fix problems themselves.
If you want more detailed explanation about Ubuntu's security, please visit:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/202452/why_linux_is_more_secure_than_windows.html
What is the best word you can said about Ubuntu? And why?
ReplyDelete