Research paper

By

David Mandengenda

INTRODUCTION

Ubuntu is a widely used popular open-source Linux distribution

It was developed for the main purpose of creating a user friendly client operating system
for Linux as opposed to other Linux distributions such Debian hence the name Ubuntu
human-ness.
Development of Ubuntu is led by UK-based Canonical Ltd, a company owned by South
African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. Canonical generates revenue through the sale of
technical support and other services related to Ubuntu but most of their offerings are free
especially the OS itself.
FEATURES & COMPONENTS

GUI (Graphical User Interface)-Just like Windows Ubuntu has a graphical desktop
user interface that allows for easy user interaction as compared to other Linux versions.
Terminal For the tech savvy users such as developers and administrators Ubuntu also
has a command line based terminal that allows users to execute classic Linux
commands.
Bundled Software-Ubuntu comes bundled with some basic software for productivity
namely Libre-Office a popular version of Open Office, Mozilla Firefox browser,
Mozilla Thunderbird an email client a media player and other lightweight games.
Ubuntu One-Similar to Windows One Drive Ubuntu has its own cloud storage
platform known as Ubuntu One where users can backup and access their files from
Windows, Ubuntu and mobile devices.
Ubuntu Software Centre-Beyond Ubuntus bundled programs Ubuntu has Software
Centre an application store that allows users to download additional paid and free
software.
Free and Open Source-Due to its open source nature Ubuntu users benefits from a
large pool of contributors in terms of applications, packages and content. Canonical
also offers long-term support releases that come with five years of security patches and
updates.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

UBUNTU DESKTOP EDITION

700 MHz processor (about Intel Celeron or better)

512 MiB RAM (system memory)
5 GB of hard-drive space (or USB stick, memory card or external drive but see
LiveCD for an alternative approach)
VGA capable of 1024x768 screen resolution
Either a CD/DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media
Internet access is helpful.
UBUNTU SERVER EDITION COMMAND LINE

300 MHz x86 processor

192 MiB of system memory (RAM)
1 GB of disk space
Graphics card and monitor capable of 640x480
CD drive

ADVANTAGES

Free and open source free from licensing restrictions

Virus free and highly secure.
Long-term support releases comes with five years of security patches and updates
Ubuntu Linux clients can join to an Active Directory Domain using third-party
software such as Likewise Open or Centrify.
Low cost-Ubuntu Linux is free.
Best OS for coders and developers. Small, elegant, snappy,secure and light. Also
really easy to use.
Runs well on both new and old hardware because of minimal system requirements.
DISADVANTAGES

Does not support many specialist software for designers, producers and artists such as
Photoshop and Corel Draw, Autodesk.
Hardware and Driver support for new and specialist hardware is not as good as for
Windows.

 It is heavily dependent on the internet if it is in an environent that requires constant

updating and installation of new software.

RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSIONS

As evidenced by the features as well as the pros and cons of the Ubuntu operating system
highlighted in this paper. It is a good alternative to Windows and Mac operating systems
because it has almost the same features especially where cost of licensing and security is
concerned.
This makes it a suitable operating system for education, government and developer
environments.
However where there is need for specialist applications and where costs of software is not
an issue Windows stands to be a preffered option because most users are more familiar
with it hence it is more suitable for the enterprise environment.
USEFUL LINKS
1. http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop
2. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-ways-make-ubuntu-16-04-feel-like-home/