Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a widely-used Linux distribution based on Debian. It is composed primarily of free and open-source software and developed by the British company Canonical Ltd. The name "Ubuntu" originates from the Zulu and Xhosa philosophy of Ubuntu, which means "humanity" or "I am because we are," reflecting the community ethos that underpins this operating system.
History and Development
Ubuntu's first release was in October 2004, and since then, it has followed a consistent release schedule, with new versions coming out semiannually. Each release is numbered based on the year and month it is released, such as Ubuntu 20.04, which was released in April 2020. Ubuntu offers Long-Term Support (LTS) versions that receive updates for five years, providing stability and security for enterprise environments.
Ubuntu Flavors
Ubuntu has several official flavors, each with different desktop environments:
- Ubuntu Desktop: The standard version that includes the GNOME desktop environment.
- Ubuntu Server: Designed for servers, it includes essential software packages for server use.
- Ubuntu Budgie: Combines the Ubuntu system with the Budgie desktop environment.
- Ubuntu MATE: Utilizes the MATE desktop environment, known for its stability and ease of use.
- Kubuntu: Features the KDE Plasma desktop environment.
- Xubuntu: Uses the Xfce desktop environment, known for being lightweight.
- Lubuntu: Employs the LXQt desktop environment, another lightweight option.
- Ubuntu Kylin: Tailored for Chinese users.
Ubuntu Touch
Ubuntu Touch is a mobile version of Ubuntu developed by the UBports community. It uses a Qt-based interface and is designed to offer a convergent experience, working across both mobile and traditional computing devices.
Ubuntu in Enterprises
Ubuntu is highly favored in enterprise settings because of its reliability and strong support network offered by Canonical Ltd. It is trusted by a significant portion of developers and businesses to support their software infrastructure. Security and managed services are key features that make Ubuntu a preferred choice for organizations aiming to secure their systems.
Philosophy: The Essence of Ubuntu
The Ubuntu philosophy emphasizes community, sharing, and interconnectedness. This African concept has been vital in shaping the Ubuntu operating system's development, encouraging contributions from developers worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration.