What is Ubuntu Linux?
Ubuntu is a community developed operating system based on the Linux operating system that is perfect for Laptops, desk-tops and servers. Whether you use it at home, at school or at work Ubuntu contains all the applications you'll ever need, from word processing and email applications, to web server software and programming tools.Ubuntu is and always will be free of charge. You do not pay any licensing fees. You can download, use and share Ubuntu with your friends, family, school or business for absolutely nothing.
Gone are the days when Linux was hard work. Today it has come of age and users appreciate its look and feel and the instinctive user interface. You may wonder - "If it is so good, why is it not supplied with computers bought at retail computer outlets as an option or an alternative operating system?" The answer has a lot to do with marketing and the average person's uncertainty with regard to trying something new.
But the idea is catching on and the Linux userbase is growing rapidly. You may be surprised at some of the companies that are switching from the traditional Windows operating system to variations of Linux; and there are many of them - Ubuntu, Suse, Red Hat, Knoppix, Fedora, Debian... and the list goes on. In our opinion, in the desktop market, Ubuntu edges out other Linux distributions with its constant focus on the end-user experience.
Kennards Hire is a company that most people in Australia are aware of. They are ready to replace Windows server with Linux at 90 branches, to accompany 400 desktops already running the operating system. Some other companies that are using Linux to a greater or lesser extent are -
• Telstra
• Rising Sun Pictures
• University of NSW
• Country Energy
• ANSTO
• NSW Judicial Commission
• MoneySwitch
• Toshiba Australia R&D
• NSW Roads and Traffic Authority
• Europcar
• Australian Arrow (manufacturing)
• University of Melbourne
• Victorian Department of Justice
• http://www.linux.org/info/linux_govt.html (for a list of high profile world companies)
But a word of caution; many commercial software companies have not caught on to the opportunity for selling into the Linux community. And so, if you are attracted by what Linux has to offer, but depend on a certain piece of Windows software check out - http://appdb.winehq.org/ and click on the "Browse Apps" menu item on the left. WINE is a program that allows certain applications to run under Linux.
