Ubuntu is a great Linux system that comes from Debian GNU/Linux. Its name comes from a South African idea that means “kindness to others.” This idea shows Ubuntu’s focus on sharing and helping others. One of the best things about it is how easy it is to use, so everyone can try it!
However, Ubuntu is also pretty easy to install. The system is made for regular users. It tries to give a stable and new experience. Also, this setup is perfect for new people. Like other systems, it comes with a free license. It also has many free apps inside. These apps provide practical tools for different kinds of users.
What is the History of Ubuntu?
On July 8, 2004, Mark Shuttleworth announced the release of a new distribution. Canonical Ltd. took over this project. Their slogan was “Linux for the people”. The initial funding was $10 million. This project started with developers who were impressed by Debian.
However, some were disappointed by the way Debian worked. Therefore, a different system was imagined. Additionally, the team aimed to bring this idea to life. As a first step, a team with people from various fields was formed. This team set out with a serious vision. Moreover, they sought a suitable name for financial support. This is where Mark Shuttleworth stepped in.
He had founded the Thawte company and then sold it to VeriSign. He earned $575 million from this sale. Moreover, he had experience in the technology world. He approached the project with sympathy. He also wanted to use his entrepreneurial knowledge. Therefore, he decided to support the system.
Shuttleworth aimed to make the initiative sustainable. In the meantime, he ran a small marketing campaign. His goal was to generate interest in the unnamed distribution. The process progressed as programmers created the system. Several months of testing were conducted. As a result, the first version of Ubuntu was released. The name of the version was “Warty Warthog.” The release date was October 20, 2004.
About the Name
Ubuntu originates from an ethical ideology in South Africa. This concept centers on individuals and their relationships. Moreover, it is based on social solidarity. They derived the word from the Zulu and Xhosa languages. This makes a lot of sense to me because it preserves a traditional African concept.
It is also among the fundamental principles of the new Republic of South Africa. Moreover, it is closely tied to the concept of the African Renaissance. We can translate this ideology as “humanity towards others”. However, there is another interpretation. It is as follows: “the belief in the universal bond of unity that unites all humanity”.
Characteristics
Unlike other proprietary operating systems, Ubuntu, like all GNU/Linux-based distributions, can update all applications installed on the machine simultaneously through its repositories. The distribution utilizes the best translation and accessibility infrastructure provided by the free software community.
Like all GNU/Linux-based distributions, Ubuntu is different from other proprietary operating systems. Ubuntu updates all applications installed on machines through the Repositories. Additionally, the distribution utilizes the best translation infrastructure available in the free software community. In short, I can say that it has a strong infrastructure in terms of accessibility.
Ubuntu is released on a regular and predictable basis. A new version is released for LTS releases every year in April and October. You can use the current stable version or contribute to the development version. Each release is supported for a minimum of 9 months. LTS releases receive the most extended support for ten years.
LTS releases get support for the Internet of Things (IoT), servers, and cloud services. Desktop Extended Support (LTS) releases get 5 years of support. This support started with version 18.04.
From version 12.04 to 16.04, support for Long-Term Support (LTS) releases lasted 5 years. Before version 12.04, extended support was provided for desktops for 3 years and servers for 5 years.
Community
Users familiar with English and with an internet connection can share their ideas about the future of Ubuntu. They can present their ideas on the official wiki page of the project community.
In February 2008, users could submit their ideas and vote for others. The “Brainstorming” page was also opened for this purpose. It also reports which of the proposed ideas are being developed or are in the planning stage.
Setup
All versions are provided free of charge. The distribution CDs are shipped free of charge via the ShipIt service. However, after version 11.04, Canonical discontinued this service.
You can download ISO images from disks or via P2P networks. This method preserves the traditional download method over HTTPS and avoids server overload.
Types of Installation:
Desktop installation CD or live CD
A Desktop CD, also known as a Live CD, allows you to test Ubuntu. This CD enables you to run Ubuntu without requiring any modifications to your computer. It also provides an option for permanent installation in the future. This type of CD is the most necessary for users. At least 1 GB of RAM is required to complete the installation.
Alternative installation CD
It allows you to run some unique setups. This CD is provided for the following situations:
- Creation of pre-configured OEM systems.
- Automatic distribution configuration.
- Upgrade from previous installations without network access.
- LVM and/or RAID partitioning.
- The text-mode installer allows it to run on systems with 512 MB of RAM. This is a reduction compared to the requirements for live CDs.
Network installation CD
The minimal CD consists of an ISO image that requires approximately 10 MB of space. This image contains the packages needed to download the base system. You can download the packages from the Canonical repositories.
Then, you will see a screen where you can pick the graphical user interface. I can say that this installation method is identical to the alternative CD installation method. However, you must download the packages from the repositories.
Server installation CD
It allows you to install it permanently on a computer used as a server. Although it can be installed later, it does not load the graphical user interface.
Special Live CD/DVD
Tools like Remastersys, Customization Kit, and Reconstructor enable anyone to create a custom Live CD or DVD. These tools will allow you to utilize an existing Ubuntu installation efficiently.
Live USB
Since version 8.10, a tool has been included on the CD. With this tool, you can create a live USB for the distribution. Thus, you can boot the system from a USB stick. There is no need to save data on it. Also, you can boot only on a PC whose motherboard supports booting from USB media.
Wubi
Wubi is a free installer licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) for Windows operating systems. The program is available on the latest LiveCDs. You can also download it from the official page.
Wubi allows Windows users who are not familiar with GNU/Linux to install Ubuntu. There is no risk of losing information during the formatting or partitioning process. Users can easily install and uninstall Ubuntu.
Package Organization
Applications have four components to show license differences and user-reported issues. These components are the main, restricted, universe, and multiverse.
By default, it installs a package that meets the basic needs of most users. Ubuntu’s universe component packages are usually in the unstable branch (Sid) and the Debian experimental repository.
1. Main
This component includes only packages that meet the license requirements. The packages provide everything needed for most general-purpose Linux systems. The packages in this component provide technical support and ensure timely security updates.
2. Restricted
This component includes programs supported by developers. However, it is not generally available under any free license. There are also packages, such as proprietary drivers for ATI and NVIDIA graphics cards. Developers may not have access to the source code. The level of support is more limited than the main component.
3. Universe
This component contains programs with or without restricted licenses. However, these programs are supported by the community rather than the Ubuntu team. This allows users to add any program to the system. Except for supported packages, programs are outside the central and restricted areas.
4. Multiverse
It contains packages that are not supported because they do not meet the requirements of open-source applications.
Ubuntu Variants
Several variants are released simultaneously with Ubuntu. The most important ones are:
- Kubuntu uses the KDE graphical environment.
- Ubuntu Server is designed for server environments. It does not include a graphical environment.
- Edubuntu is a type designed for school environments. However, it has not been supported for a long time.
- Xubuntu uses the Xfce desktop environment.
- Lubuntu uses the LXDE desktop environment.
- Ubuntu Studio is designed for multimedia work. It is an official part of Ubuntu since version 16.04.
- TifloBuntu is a version intended for people who are blind or have low vision. However, it has no official support. The project has been abandoned. Ubuntu now includes accessibility tools.
- Kubuntu Netbook Edition is a KDE interface for netbooks and laptops.
- Ubuntu Mobile is an integrated version of Ubuntu Touch. It was abandoned by Canonical in 2016. Community support is still available.
- Ubuntu Budgie uses the Budgie graphical environment. It is an official version of Ubuntu since version 18.04.
Developer Summit
The Ubuntu Developer Summit brings together the world’s top developers and engineers. They organize the event to determine the development of Ubuntu. The participants are community members who have made the most significant contributions to the development of the operating system. After the Summit, it will be held in a location that they have determined in advance.
The Summit is an exciting five-day event that they organize at the beginning of each new version cycle. It’s wonderful to see them hosting this gathering in so many diverse locations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, France, Canada, Australia, and Hungary.
In the event, they hold sessions related to the operating system and projects. Participants share their ideas, engage in discussions, and outline plans during these sessions. As a result, they encourage collaboration.
At the first Summit, it was not referred to as the Ubuntu Developer Summit. In 2004, only the Canonical team was involved in organizing it. However, they held the event in London, UK. In June 2006, it was held in Paris, France, under the name Ubuntu Developer Summit. The last Summit was held in Oakland, California, in May 2012.
Name
In the operating system, they use an animal name and an adjective in each version. They proceed with these names in alphabetical order, starting with version 6.06. For example, they used names like Dapper Drake, Edgy Eft, Feisty Fawn, and Quantal Quetzal.
Use in Business
Google uses several GNU/Linux distributions on the desktop. One of these is a variant of Ubuntu called Goobuntu. In October 2008, Wikipedia moved its servers to Ubuntu Server. WorksWithU is a directory of companies and universities that use Ubuntu.
Open Source
There is non-free software in the Ubuntu repositories. At the same time, the Linux Kernel also contains non-free firmware. GNewSense is one of the strictly free derivatives of non-free applications.
In contrast, on July 10, 2007, they announced Gobuntu. Gobuntu was described as having an “ultra-orthodox licensing vision.” This derivative includes the complete source and all rights to mod, remix, and redistribute.
However, after the Hardy Heron release, they stopped developing Gobuntu. Gobuntu is no longer a standalone distribution but a “free software only” installation option for Ubuntu.
Versions
| Version | Code Name | Release Date | End of Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.10 | Warty Warthog | October 26, 2004 | April 30, 2006 |
| 5.04 | Hoary Hedgehog | April 8, 2005 | October 31, 2006 |
| 5.10 | Breezy Badger | October 12, 2005 | April 13, 2007 |
| 6.06 LTS | Dapper Drake | June 1, 2006 | June 1, 2011 |
| 6.10 | Edgy Eft | October 26, 2006 | April 26, 2008 |
| 7.04 | Feisty Fawn | April 19, 2007 | October 19, 2008 |
| 7.10 | Gutsy Gibbon | October 18, 2007 | April 18, 2009 |
| 8.04 LTS | Hardy Heron | April 24, 2008 | May 9, 2013 |
| 8.10 | Intrepid Ibex | October 30, 2008 | October 30, 2010 |
| 9.04 | Jaunty Jackalope | April 23, 2009 | October 23, 2010 |
| 9.10 | Karmic Koala | October 29, 2009 | April 30, 2011 |
| 10.04 LTS | Lucid Lynx | April 29, 2010 | May 9, 2013 (Desktop) April 30, 2015 (Server) |
| 10.10 | Maverick Meerkat | October 10, 2010 | April 10, 2012 |
| 11.04 | Natty Narwhal | April 28, 2011 | October 28, 2012 |
| 11.10 | Oneiric Ocelot | October 13, 2011 | May 9, 2013 |
| 12.04 LTS | Precise Pangolin | April 26, 2012 | April 28, 2017 |
| 12.10 | Quantal Quetzal | October 18, 2012 | May 16, 2014 |
| 13.04 | Raring Ringtail | April 25, 2013 | January 27, 2014 |
| 13.10 | Saucy Salamander | October 17, 2013 | July 17, 2014 |
| 14.04 LTS | Trusty Tahr | April 17, 2014 | April 2022 |
| 14.10 | Utopic Unicorn | October 23, 2014 | July 23, 2015 |
| 15.04 | Vivid Vervet | April 23, 2015 | February 4, 2016 |
| 15.10 | Wily Werewolf | October 22, 2015 | July 28, 2016 |
| 16.04 LTS | Xenial Xerus | April 21, 2016 | April 2024 |
| 16.10 | Yakkety Yak | October 13, 2016 | July 20, 2017 |
| 17.04 | Zesty Zapus | April 13, 2017 | January 13, 2018 |
| 17.10 | Artful Aardvark | October 19, 2017 | July 19, 2018 |
| 18.04 LTS | Bionic Beaver | April 26, 2018 | April 2028 |
| 18.10 | Cosmic Cuttlefish | October 18, 2018 | July 18, 2019 |
| 19.04 | Disco Dingo | April 18, 2019 | January 23, 2020 |
| 19.10 | Eoan Ermine | October 17, 2019 | July 2020 |
| 20.04 LTS | Focal Fossa | April 23, 2020 | 2030 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ubuntu
- What does Ubuntu mean?
- Which is better, Ubuntu or Windows?
Whether Ubuntu is better than Windows depends on your needs and preferences.
- Performance: Ubuntu generally runs faster than Windows. This is especially true on older machines. In fact, it is a good option for those who want to revive old computers.
- Price: Although Ubuntu is free and open-source, a license fee is required for Windows. In this case, budget-conscious users will find this an essential factor.
- Customization: Ubuntu allows users to change the interface and functions. This, of course, gives us more freedom.
- Software Compatibility: Windows offers a broader range of software and games. Obviously, gamers and specific applications may prefer it more.
- What is the difference between Ubuntu and Linux?
The terms “Ubuntu” and “Linux” are often confused, but they represent distinct concepts.
- Linux: Linus Torvalds created the core of the operating system’s kernel. Many distributions (or distros) that use the Linux kernel are based on this kernel.
- Ubuntu: A specific distribution built on the Linux kernel. It includes various applications, libraries, and tools to provide a user-friendly experience.
- Why do they use Ubuntu OS?
- User-Friendly Interface: Ubuntu is great for beginners. It is also perfect for users migrating from Windows or macOS.
- Regular Updates and Support: It has a regular release schedule. It gives safety and stability by offering Long-Term Support (LTS) versions and normal updates.
- Strong Community: It has a lot of people who help. That is, we see the forums, tutorials, and resources to give help.
- Security: It comes with great safety features. Since it’s open-source, any problems can be found and fixed quickly. So, it’s an excellent choice for people who care about their security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ubuntu OS is a system known for being easy to use and focused on the user. Its background, built on the ideas of kindness and support, shows Mark Shuttleworth’s dream.
Shuttleworth wants a system that helps users and is easy to use. Ubuntu gives regular updates and support for both desktop and server. In fact, it makes sure users have a stable and reliable experience.
The community helps Ubuntu grow by working together. It also keeps getting better with strong support and constant updates.
It is an excellent choice for people looking for a strong, open-source operating system. In short, it shows how teamwork and new technology can make things better.
TolgaBagci
Hi, I'm Tolga, a computer expert with 20 years of experience. I help fix computer issues with things like hardware, systems, networks, virtualization, servers, and operating systems. Check out my website for helpful info, and feel free to ask me anything. Keep yourself in the loop about the newest technologies!
