Introduction

Purpose of this website

Having recently migrated from MS Windows to Linux in the form of Ubuntu, one of many distributions of Linux, I came to the conclusion that new users could do with more simplified information. Although the information is out there it is not easy to find in many cases and sometimes rather complicated or assumes prior knowledge. A general place of reference has become an additional purpose of this site.

Ubuntu is a version of the Linux operating system for PCs and an alternative to Microsoft Windows. Ubuntu has been developed with usability a primary consideration, particularly for people migrating from Windows. The Desktop has many similarities to Windows and I believe few users will have any difficulties from that score. Most software applications have their equivalents for Linux/Ubuntu - indeed there are many that have versions for both platforms. eg. Firefox web browser, the Open Office suite (a competitor for Microsoft Office) and many others. These work identically on Windows and Linux.

Ubuntu may be installed within a Windows system in the same way as standard Windows programs by just running a downloaded file, answering a couple of simple questions, then letting it download the complete system and extra software from the web and install. It may be totally removed (if required) using the standard Add/Remove programs feature of Windows. This method of installation works with all versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 98 to Vista with the exception of Windows ME.

Advantages of Ubuntu/Linux

It's free
The majority of software for it is free
There are no licensing issues either with it or software applications
Can be tried out without needing to install on HD
Used from CD it can be used to repair many disk problems (even on Windows systems)
It is inherently highly resistant to attack by viruses and trojans
It has a Graphical User Interface resembling Windows or Mac OS - very configurable
Multiple desktops (workspaces) allow much easier working and less clutter when doing several things at a time
More stable than most other operating systems
Needs fewer resources than Windows XP so suitable for older computers
Runs much faster than Windows
Thousands of software applications available in a database giving easy point and click installation
Drivers for most hardware are provided within the operating system
The current version of Ubuntu will import Documents and settings from Microsoft Windows if present
Installation automatically provides dual-booting with any other operating system detected, giving the choice of either at bootup.
A special installer, Wubi, will install Ubuntu within a Windows system just like any Windows application - no external partitions required. Provides dual-boot at startup (just choose Windows or Ubuntu).

Ubuntu versions

Various versions of Ubuntu are available in several categories :-

Main purpose

Desktop
Server

Type of computer

Standard personal computer (x86 architecture, Pentium, Celeron, Athlon, Sempron)
64bit AMD and Intel computers
Sun UltraSPARC based (No longer supported by Ubuntu)

Graphical interface

Ubuntu - using Gnome
Kubuntu - using KDE (more comprehensive with more applications)
Xubuntu - using Xfce (for lower powered systems)

Earlier releases now superseded

6.06.1 LTS - named Dapper Drake (with Long Term Support)
6.10 - named Edgy Eft
7.04 - named Feisty Fawn
7.10 - named Gutsy Gibbon

Current versions

8.04.1 LTS - named Hardy Heron (with Long Term Support)
8.10 - named Intrepid Ibex

In addition, for each of the above there are two forms of CD image

Live CD - Can be run from the CD without installing
Alternate - Installation only version for old lower spec computers with little memory

If all that is confusing, I suggest the Ubuntu version 8.10 Live CD for desktop - this will suit most needs. Or if you're using Windows you can install Ubuntu within Windows using Wubi (Windows Ubuntu Installer). Download and run Wubi, answer a couple of simple questions (user name, password etc.) and Wubi does the rest - downloading all installation files and installing Ubuntu - the only user action required is to agree to a restart and choose Ubuntu on startup to complete the installation. See Wubi Guide and the Installation page here for info.

And Finally...

Ubuntu as supplied is not just an operating system, in addition to web browser and email client, it includes a full office suite to rival Microsoft Office - all included in the download file and installed at the same time. For more information see the official website at ubuntu.com and particularly the Ubuntu Desktop Edition page - the version most people migrating from MS Windows etc. are likely to try.

Updated 1 November 2008