Ubuntu Operating System

What is the Ubuntu Operating System?

Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system based on Debian, another Linux distribution. Ubuntu uses Linux as its kernel. Linux is a free and open-source monolithic kernel. Ubuntu uses an application software called Advanced Package Manager (APT) to help users download, install, and manage packages (software). Ubuntu uses Wayland as its default windowing system. It determines how the various windows are managed and arranged.

Gnome (GNU Network Object Model Environment) is the default desktop environment in Ubuntu and BASH (Born Again Shell) is the default shell. Ubuntu is suitable for many different types of users. It is also a great choice for developers. Its system requirements are simple and easy to meet. The system requirements for Ubuntu are as follows:

• 2 GHz dual-core processor.
• 4 GB RAM (system memory).
• 25 GB (8.6 GB for minimal) 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.

Recently, many nations such as Germany, China, etc. have begun shifting from commercial operating systems such as Microsoft Windows to Linux distros such as Ubuntu in government department computing devices.

What is the Ubuntu Operating System Used For?

Following are the applications of the Ubuntu operating system:

• For software development.
• For gaming, multimedia, content creation, etc.
• For office applications.
• For internet browsing.
• For cloud computing, cloud storage, web hosting, etc.

Features of Ubuntu Operating System.

The following are the features of the Ubuntu operating system:

• Ubuntu is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
• Ubuntu comes with many desktop environment choices such as GNOME, XFCE, LXDE, Cinnamon, etc. to name a few.
• Ubuntu is not affected by viruses, trojan horses, etc.
• Many Linux distributions are based on Ubuntu such as Pop!_OS, KDE Neon, Linux Mint, Zorin OS, etc.
• Ubuntu uses software repositories to make packages (applications) available.
• It can be installed with any major file system, such as ext family, FAT, NTFS, BTRFS, etc.
• Ubuntu can utilize swap space for increased performance.
• Ubuntu also supports proprietary drivers such as that of Nvidia.
• Ubuntu uses System, a software suite that provides an array of system components for Linux operating systems. Its main aim is to unify service configuration and behavior across Linux distributions.

Advantages of the Ubuntu Operating System

The following are the advantages of the Ubuntu operating system:

• It is free and open source and supports most hardware types - old, new, powerful, and cheap.
• It is easy to download, install, and use.
• A large number of packages are available.
• Absolute control over the system and its configuration and components.
• Ubuntu can easily run apps from other operating systems such as Windows and Android.
• Shell scripting makes it easy to create scripts that automate tasks and perform complex tasks.
• Ubuntu comes in two variants - LTS (Long Term Support) and Non-LTS (Non-Long Term Support). LTS is supported for a more extended period of time, with the latest updates and improvements.
• Ubuntu server, a variant of Ubuntu is used in DevOps, cloud computing, etc.

Disadvantages of the Ubuntu Operating System

The following are the disadvantages of the Ubuntu operating system:

• Native gaming is not available.
• Many proprietary application software are not available such as those from Adobe, Microsoft, etc.
• Command line usage may not be easy for a beginner.
• Ubuntu non-LTS is not supported for a longer period of time.
• Some desktop environments such as Deepin, Gnome, etc. are heavy on system resources.