Ubuntu

Ubuntu calls itself “Linux for human beings.” Linux-based operating systems have existed since the very early 1990’s, but not many people use Linux because it was too technically demanding. Linux has come a long way since then, and the folks behind Ubuntu have done their best to live up to their mantra. Ubuntu is easy to try, easy to install, and easy to use. And like all other products from the open-source community, and everything else I profile in this column, Ubuntu is absolutely free.

The name “ubuntu” (oo-BOON-too) comes from the Bantu language in Sub-Saharan Africa. The word represents a concept of personal identity created through community. Ubuntu Linux espouses this ideal by making all programs free and making them as easy to use as possible. Ubuntu is available for free download or by ordering a free CD. You start by ordering the CD or downloading a CD image and burning it on your own blank CD. The next part is pure genius — you put the CD in your CD-ROM drive and start up your computer. If your settings are right (this is easy to change), Ubuntu will load straight from the CD without loading onto your computer. This lets you try out Ubuntu without actually installing it.

When you start up Ubuntu, you discover that it isn’t very different from Windows or MacOS. I was grateful to discover that I didn’t need to know any code or programing language in order to use the Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu has a bar across the bottom to show the programs you are using and a bar across the top with menus and customizable quick-launch icons. The default color scheme has an African earth-tone look, but this, like almost everything else in Ubuntu, can be customized to fit your preferences. I chose a silver color scheme in the screenshot above.

Ubuntu comes ready with several great programs, including Firefox Web browser and OpenOffice 2.0 (a free office suite with alternatives to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Paint). It also comes with video and audio players, a ton of games, an e-mail client, and a free image manipulating program called GIMP that can do the same things as Adobe Illustrator. You can also download more free programs with a click of a button. Many of the names of the programs are different from the ones most Windows users are used to, but they can do the same things.

If you decide to make the jump and install Ubuntu, you will find that installation is even easier than installing Windows. Just start Ubuntu from the CD and click on the “Install” icon, and it will guide you through the process. Ubuntu has a lot of features that you might never use, but should nonetheless appreciate, including translations for dozens of languages and accessibility options for users with disabilities. But one feature you might use is the free support — Ubuntu comes with 5 years of free support including Web sites, forums, mailing lists, IRC channels, and free support from commercial tech service companies. I had a lot of questions at first, but the Web resources were very helpful and they walked me through all the steps.

Ubuntu is also secure and stays current. A new version of Ubuntu is released about every six months, and upgrading as easy as clicking a button. Additionally, all programs that you install can be updated automatically when new versions come out.

There are actually a few versions of Ubuntu for people with specific interests. Edubuntu is developed specifically for use in education; Kubuntu uses some different programs; and Xubuntu is designed to run well on older, slower machines.

Most computers nowadays come with an operating system pre-installed. But if you have a computer without an operating system, Ubuntu Linux will get you running for free. While other versions of Linux may have different strong points, Ubuntu works great because it’s easy to use. It’s amazing that such high-quality products are available free of charge. That’s why I think Ubuntu deserves recognition as the Best of the Web.