Flexibility
Linux works on a large number of different kinds of devices. It can be found installed on desktop PCs, notebooks, mobile phones, routers, fridges, cars, planes, etc.
Linux gives you a level of flexibility that none other operating system will ever be able to offer. There are always millions of different solutions for the same tasks, and loads of free software for you to choose from. While other popular operating systems offers you only one graphical interface, in Linux you can choose between many fast and highly usable desktop environments, and yet customize each of them too.
With Linux, installation of software had never been easier. You will install 99% of all the software that you need from one system-integrated installer. Once you select from list specific software that you need it will download, install and set it up for you.
Who is using Ubuntu?
Check out who and why is using Ubuntu Linux. Read the stories below.
John, Automotive Engineering & Business Consultant
After a week of one-too-many BSODs in mid 2005, I happened across a reference to the download link of the Slax "kill bill edition". Liking the humor in it, slightly on a whim, and slightly out of frustration, I downloaded and burned the LiveCD.
When it booted I was amazed at the quality of the user experience. I found Firefox and Thunderbird and installed them on my Windows machine, finding them fresh and capable. I started downloading a few other liveCDs and put a hard drive in an old Pentium 2 - 233Mhz pc that was too slow for Windows and started doing installs. I was looking for a distro sophisticated enough to have Open Office and yet run on that ancient pc. I ended up with Kubuntu (later I would test X/K/Ubuntu on that machine since it would be sensitive to reveal the true speed differences).
I used that P2-233 running Kubuntu 5.10 to author my consulting company's web site, from Gimp through Nvu, with only one (user induced, doh!) system crash. Next I unhooked the hard drive from my primary pc (a 1998 vintage Pentium II-450Mhz) and put an old replacement drive in it and installed Kubuntu 5.10. Used it for a while. Then installed 5.10 with LTSP in that primary pc - and had a 2.5yr old office assistant playing games on a client while I was doing work on the 'server' - fearless and without crashes. I think Microsoft announced they were discontinuing security updates for Win98/ME/2000 at about that time.
When Kubuntu 6.10 arrived I had a newer P4-2Ghz machine I'd repaired that I'm still using, but it has seen Xubuntu 7.04 and now 7.10 - to be 8.04 when work slows down and I can migrate again (and then probably leave this machine alone for a while).
I have another P4-3Ghz desktop machine specifically setup with PCLinuxOS to run the CAELinux Finite Element package, and I have a P3-500Mhz laptop that I use for presentations running 8.04 (previously 6.06) with Open Office Impress.
I did the set up for a small startup manufacturing business bootstrapping itself with in auctioned computer equipment. That system used Kubuntu with LTSP to handle client needs from the front office receptionist to the shipping department. With Freesco routers and print servers on a few machines too old to be clients as well as FreeNAS for network storage the business was all set. These packages can really keep costs low to allow more small businesses to get started - creating jobs for the local economy that might otherwise not ever exist.
When I come across someone receptive to switching to Linux, I tell them to download Firefox and Open Office on their Windows machine and try them out for a while. If they like what they see then look at installing on an older pc they might have around or do a dual-boot setup. With Wubi that advice will be changing (but I haven't had a good chance to test it out since I'm all Linux!:)
Nick, Broke student
I first tried Ubuntu 5.10, but wasn't convinced at all: I was unable to get Wifi working with my USB stick, slowdowns everywhere. I kept XP on a dual-boot.
6.06 was great and worked very well, as 6.10. 7.04 was great and 7.10 really the best release in my opinion.
I dumped XP since 6.06, and never looked back. Except when I bought my new laptop, with Vista Basic (don't kill me please). I found this OS to be quite good, and 7.10 wouldn't recognise my sound card or my Broadcom wifi PCI card. So I kept Vista (and 7.10) on a dual boot.
I finally figured out how to get everything working, and dumped Vista too.
Now, I'm running Hardy Heron (8.04) and I really think it's the best OS I've ever used. Simple, fast and beautiful with the Human Murrine theme, I will probably never be able to use Windows on my notebook. I installed it on my girlfriend's laptop (which is not my girlfriend anymore, sadly :-( , but not because of Ubuntu, because I'm a f***ing cheater) and on my parents computer too. They all enjoy it so much that they spit on Windows like I never did...
Well, with the features included in the last version (Windows installer and Live CD), I guess everyone should give it a try. And for the gamers and pros, there is totally Wine which allows Win32 programs to run on Ubuntu. It runs quite well and almost every songle soft I tried, so no reason to pass, is it?
Anyway, this is a really great website, nice, well animated, you should totally market it towards Ubuntu Forums and maybe Ubuntu website. It gives a really nice overview of the OS.
PS: sorry for my awful english, I'm french...
Toby Adams, Vendoe ICT Teacher
My subject at the Leigh Technology Academy, London, UK is heavily focused on pioneering ICT systems and technologies. I believe that Ubuntu Linux is a pioneer of innovation in today's rapidly diversifying landscape of technology. Implemented on a few systems in my department, soon to be expanded department wide.
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