What is Ubuntu? Ubuntu Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages

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Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that is available as an open-source operating system. It is best suitable for cloud computing, along with excellent support for the Open stack. Ubuntu has been developed by an enthusiastic community of developers who are working consistently to improve the working of Ubuntu by adding new features as per the changing technology. Behind the funding of Ubuntu is Canonical Ltd company. 

Ubuntu follows a release cycle of six months, ensuring users receive frequent updates. Each standard release is supported for nine months with free updates. Additionally, Ubuntu offers Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, which are released every two years and receive support for five years from their release date. The first version of Ubuntu was introduced in 2004. The latest version of Ubuntu, as of May 2023, is Ubuntu 23.10, codenamed 'Mantic Minotaur.' Ubuntu is available in several editions, including the Desktop Edition, Server Edition, and Core Edition, catering to different user needs from personal computing to servers and IoT devices.

“Ubuntu” was used after the African philosopher translated it to “Humanity to Other”. Ubuntu has been derived from Debian’s architecture and the Linux server.

In this article, we will be focusing on about what is Ubuntu, Ubuntu features, Ubunut Advantages and benefits, Ubuntu disadvantages and various reasons to choose Ubuntu over other Linux distributions.

After understanding the features, advantages, and potential disadvantages of Ubuntu from our comprehensive guide, you may find that it's the perfect OS for your needs. If so, consider harnessing the power of Ubuntu through our specialized Ubuntu VPS server offerings that ensure top-notch performance, stability, and security for your applications.

What is Ubuntu? [Ubuntu Operating System]

Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system, meticulously developed by Canonical Ltd. Originating from Debian, Ubuntu shares foundational similarities with its predecessor, yet stands out due to its distinctive features and enhancements. Designed to significantly advance technology in smartphones, computers, and network servers, Ubuntu has earned widespread acclaim. Its success is bolstered by Canonical Ltd's robust support, ensuring a superior user experience. This combination of heritage, innovation, and company backing makes Ubuntu a preferred choice for users seeking a reliable and versatile operating system.

There have been various versions being introduced in the market since 2021. The list is mentioned below.

Version history

Why Use Ubuntu?

There are numerous reasons to choose Ubuntu, but the following are a few of the most compelling:

• It's completely free and open-source, with shared code, shared work, and shared principles.
• You don't need to be an expert to use, test, or install it.
• Help learners explore more about the GNOME desktop environment.
• On most contemporary PCs, it loads in under a minute.
• Ubuntu is impervious to viruses that cause computers to crash. Blue Screens of Death are no longer a possibility.
• Canonical publishes new Ubuntu versions every six months and provides free updates on a regular basis.
• The global FOSS community and Canonical can provide you with all your required help and advice.
• Ubuntu is one of the most widely used Linux operating systems with an extremely large online community. 

The Ubuntu GNOME Shell

The GNOME Shell is the GNOME desktop environment's graphical display. These are the closest replacements for the previous Ubuntu Unity Dash, and they're also a new way individuals find apps and manage their running windows.

Begin by pressing Activities on the Ubuntu desktop's upper-left corner. When you do, the screen dims, and a new set of controls appears:

• Windows and tabs get arranged in a convenient way in the middle of the screen to display what's active, choose what you want, or close anything you're done with.
• You can change workspaces from the options available on the right side. You can move between numerous virtual desktops in Ubuntu and Linux in general at any moment, giving you additional screen space.
• A search bar at the top of the page searches the available applications, files, and apps for download.

Features of Ubuntu distribution

• You can easily install, manage, and use the Ubuntu operating system.
• Ubuntu comes with solid support for the hardware allowing the users to install printers, drivers, etc., for efficient working.
• The users will be able to launch the desired applications from Ubuntu’s launcher. It has an intuitive interface helping users find the required applications, files, and other things seamlessly. 
• It comes with a strong desktop integration, including various types of files such as audio, video, and photo lenses.
• It comes with the software Thunderbird allowing the users for accessing the emails.
• It comes with an intelligent searching facility for finding the desired content on the Ubuntu system.

Advantages of Ubuntu

• You can easily set up the Ubuntu operating system. If a user has strong technical knowledge, you can set up the system yourself. Also, the user interface for Ubuntu has been improved a lot.
• You can get your hands-on the Ubuntu operating system for free that can be easily downloaded and installed on any system.
• If we compare Ubuntu from Windows, the Ubuntu system is less vulnerable to malware, thus saving the cost for installing various anti-viruses. Also, you will get the built-in firewall in the Ubuntu OS that will make the system more secure.
• You can customize the Ubuntu OS as per your requirement. Also, you can add new tools for carrying out various experiments.
• Like any other Linux distribution, Ubuntu comes with excellent community support that improves user experience.
• You can avail of various free of cost software that can be easily installed on your Ubuntu system.

Disadvantages of Ubuntu

• There is a limited list of applications available that can be used on the Ubuntu operating system.
• Ubuntu is not a good option for beginners as it is challenging to get familiar with the basic commands used in Linux. 
• You will not find Ubuntu a good option for developing games from a gamer perspective.
• With Ubuntu, you might get compatibility issues.
• The packages available for Ubuntu are large, containing things that are not even necessary.

Reasons to choose Ubuntu.

We have mentioned some reasons as to why Ubuntu is preferred over other operating systems.

1.   Free of Cost

Ubuntu is available as open-source and free of cost. You do not have to pay a penny for downloading and installing Ubuntu on your system. Once you download it, you can create an ISO bootable disk, and the environment is ready to launch. Ubuntu can be suitable for older systems having low performance without even breaking the bank. 

2.   Privacy

From a security perspective, Ubuntu is much better than Windows. It comes with a built-in firewall system that makes it even more secure. Ubuntu allows the users to acquire the required security policy and even add extra security on top of it with the help of third-party solutions. With Ubuntu, you do not have to worry about hackers.

3.   Free Apps

With Ubuntu, you will be able to leverage various free applications. Some commonly used applications are- Spotify, Skype, Firefox, Slack, PyCharm, Atom, etc.

4.   User-Friendly

Ubuntu comes with a user-friendly interface that allows you to get along with it easily. You can carry out various tasks with great ease. The interface of Ubuntu is as simple as of Windows operating system.

Installing Ubuntu In Your System 

Installing Ubuntu via a USB stick is the simplest method to get started. Here's how to do it.

1.   Download Ubuntu

Linux is part of the open-source community, which means that anyone can contribute to the development of the software. Linux operating systems, such as Ubuntu, are also available for free.

An individual can download Ubuntu for free and install it on any PC, laptop, or server straight from the Ubuntu website. An ISO file containing the Ubuntu operating system will be downloaded by selecting your preferred edition. Click here to download Ubuntu. 

2.   Install balenaEtcher

There are numerous tools available for Windows 10, macOS, and Ubuntu to make bootable USB devices. Startup Disk Creator is a built-in option in Ubuntu. However, using cross-platform software like balenaEtcher is one of the simplest options.

The software is open-source and free to download and can be used for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Installation is required for the macOS edition. Balena, on the other hand, provides a portable version for Windows. Download balenaEtcher for free. 

3.   Create Installation Media

You'll need to generate the installation USB stick after you've installed balenaEtcher. To do so, you'll need a device with at least 4GB of storage space on which to install Ubuntu.

Open balenaEtcher after inserting your flash drive into your computer. Because the creation process will format your USB drive, make a backup or duplicate of any data before proceeding.

The first step is to select an image by clicking on Select image and going to the location where you saved the Ubuntu ISO. The next step is to choose a target. Choose your USB drive from the drop-down option displayed on the screen. 

To begin the procedure, select Flash and follow the on-screen steps. Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility before starting Etcher. Select your USB drive in Disk Utility by inserting it. Select Erase from the toolbar. This will bring up a dialogue box where you must select MS-DOS (FAT) as the format and GUID Partition Map as the scheme.

4.   Reboot to The Installation Media

It's time to install Ubuntu from your USB drive after balenaEtcher has completed its flashing process. You'll need to reset your computer into your newly prepared installation media to accomplish this.

This means that you'll need to utilise your computer's bootloader or BIOS to prioritise the Ubuntu USB drive at boot across all platforms. Press the Option/Alt key when the computer starts up to access Startup Manager. Select your Ubuntu USB stick from this page. You can start the Ubuntu installation once your computer recognises the USB disc as a boot device.

5.   Follow the Ubuntu Setup

The installation will begin after you click Install Ubuntu. You can also choose to boot into a live version of Ubuntu by selecting Try Ubuntu.

After you've selected Install Ubuntu, follow the installer's on-screen instructions. This will walk you through the many options for installation (Standard or Minimal), where and how to install the Ubuntu, and whether or not to get updates.

You'll be prompted to restart your computer after the installation is complete. After that, boot into your fresh Ubuntu installation and enjoy the benefits of Linux.

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Conclusion

Ubuntu is an open-source operating system that is available for free. You can easily download and install Ubuntu without any hassle. Ubuntu offers its users a variety of features making it more popular than any other Linux distribution. It is derived from Debian; thus, it shows similar features as Debian. Ubuntu has various functionalities, making it more useful for the developer and the everyday user.

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