What is Ubuntu, and how does it differ from Linux?

There's an ongoing battle, and we're all caught in the middle. On one side, we have the giants Microsoft and Apple. On the other, a smaller yet passionate group of rebels who choose Linux. The two tech superpowers dominate the OS market with heavy advertising, making it seem like these are the only two viable options. But those who back Linux follow a different philosophy, one that stands in stark contrast to the approach of the tech giants.

Linux is an open-source operating system. To grasp its full meaning, let's break it down. An operating system (OS) is the core software on a computer that serves as a foundation for other programs. The OS manages computer resources and assigns them to the programs that need them. When a program is run, the OS supervises and ensures that it has the required processing power, memory, and other necessary resources. Without an OS, software developers would need to create programs that work directly with the hardware.

We've discussed operating systems, but what does open source mean? Operating systems like Windows and Mac OS X are compiled, which makes them easy for computers to interpret. However, compiled code is difficult for humans to read due to its complexity. This makes it hard for the average user to understand how companies like Microsoft or Apple design their operating systems.

In contrast, an open-source operating system provides the source code for the OS. Developers write software in source code, and while there are various coding languages, they all have one thing in common: it's relatively easy for humans to understand (provided they know the language). Since machines cannot read source code, it must be processed through a compiler.

With Linux, you have access to the operating system’s source code, meaning you can see how it works just by downloading it. While you need programming knowledge, there’s no secrecy about how Linux functions. A key benefit is that many Linux users are also developers. If they find a bug or security vulnerability, they can write the necessary code to fix it and contribute the solution to the next version. If a user comes up with a new feature idea, they can incorporate it into the source code.

You can even create your own operating system by using the Linux kernel as the core component. This brings us to Ubuntu. Let’s explore what Ubuntu is and how it connects to Linux.

Ubuntu Basics

Ubuntu is a version, or 'distro,' of Linux. In the world of Linux, a distribution refers to a version of the operating system that is built on the Linux kernel. There are countless Linux distros available, with many being free and supported by communities that offer guidance. However, installing a free Linux distro with minimal support can be overwhelming for an average user. This is where Ubuntu stands out.

Ubuntu is distributed by Canonical, a company founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth. Canonical's goal is to offer a free software platform for users and developers. Instead of charging for the operating system, Canonical generates revenue by offering commercial support services for its products. They also assist businesses and organizations in designing efficient, cost-effective computer systems.

For you, this means that Ubuntu is a free operating system you can easily install on your computer. It's simple to obtain: just visit the Ubuntu website and download the OS. You'll need a CD or a USB drive to store the OS. Once it's on the drive or CD, you can boot your computer using Ubuntu.

One great feature of Ubuntu is that Canonical doesn’t require you to commit right away. You can boot from the USB drive or CD to try out Ubuntu without replacing your current operating system. So, whether you're a Windows fan or a Mac OS X enthusiast, you can explore Ubuntu without jeopardizing your current OS relationship.

If you decide Ubuntu is the right fit for you, you can install it on your computer to either run alongside your existing operating system, or you can completely switch and use Ubuntu as your sole OS. There's also an option to run Ubuntu within Windows, as if it were just another piece of software.

Now, let’s explore what makes Ubuntu different from a standard Linux OS.

Ubuntu vs. Linux

The core of Ubuntu is built on the Linux kernel. It uses the Linux architecture to interact with a computer's hardware, ensuring software operates as intended. Ubuntu shares many of the same commands and structures found in other Linux distributions, but it also brings its own unique flair and set of features.

Ubuntu features a graphical user interface (GUI), making it similar to other widely used operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, and even mobile platforms like Android. The OS displays applications as icons or menu items that can be selected using a mouse or keyboard, so there's no need to memorize complex commands. If you're familiar with GUIs from other systems, Ubuntu’s interface will feel familiar.

Ubuntu supports a broad range of software. You can find many productivity tools, media programs, and communication apps that run on Linux, and by extension, Ubuntu. Some of these programs are even compatible with software from other operating systems, such as Microsoft Office.

Essentially, Ubuntu is an interpretation of the Linux operating system, designed to be easy to use and intuitive for regular users. While its structure is built on Linux, it’s the user-friendly exterior that sets Ubuntu apart from other Linux distributions.

If you’re curious about Ubuntu, you can easily download and try it out for free, with no obligation to replace your current operating system. Who knows, you might end up preferring Ubuntu and consider making your next computer a Linux-based system.