Ubuntu (operating system)

Ubuntu (operating system)
Name	Ubuntu
Developer	Canonical Ltd.
Family	Linux
Source model	Open source
Released	20 October 2004
Latest release version	24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)
Latest release date	25 April 2024
Marketing target	Desktop, server, cloud, IoT
Package manager	APT (dpkg)
Kernel type	Monolithic (Linux kernel)
Userland	GNU
Ui	GNOME (default)
License	Primarily GPL and other free licenses
Working state	Current
Website	https://ubuntu.com/

Ubuntu (operating system). Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian, developed and commercially supported by the British company Canonical Ltd.. First released in 2004, it is named after the Southern African philosophy of ubuntu, which emphasizes community and interconnectedness. The operating system is renowned for its user-friendliness, regular release schedule, and extensive community support, making it one of the most popular open-source platforms for desktop, server, and cloud environments.

History

The project was announced in September 2004 by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth and his company, Canonical Ltd., with the goal of creating an accessible and easy-to-use Linux distribution for the general public. The first official release, Ubuntu 4.10 (Warty Warthog), was made available in October 2004, building upon the stable foundation of Debian's testing branch. A key early decision was the adoption of the GNOME desktop environment as the default user interface, setting it apart from other distributions like Fedora and openSUSE. The project gained rapid popularity, in part due to its commitment to providing free CDs through its ShipIt program, which helped spread adoption globally. Over the years, Ubuntu has played a significant role in major events like the partnership with Dell to pre-install it on computers and its pivotal use in building OpenStack cloud infrastructure.

Features

Ubuntu utilizes the Linux kernel and includes the GNU userland, forming a complete GNU/Linux system. Its default desktop environment since version 17.10 has been a customized version of GNOME, known for its modern and intuitive interface. The system uses the APT package management system and dpkg for installing software from vast online repositories, which include applications like the LibreOffice suite and Firefox browser. Notable built-in features include the UFW firewall tool, strong support for Snap and Flatpak universal packaging formats, and integrated cloud integration tools for platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure. Security is enhanced through mechanisms like AppArmor and regular security updates managed by Canonical Ltd..

Variants

Canonical officially supports several main variants, known as "flavors," which use different desktop environments or target specific use cases. Kubuntu features the KDE Plasma desktop, while Lubuntu uses the lightweight LXQt and is designed for older hardware. Xubuntu utilizes the Xfce desktop for a balance of performance and features, and Ubuntu MATE employs the MATE desktop, favored for its traditional layout. For servers and cloud deployments, Ubuntu Server is a headless variant, and Ubuntu Core is a minimal, transactionally updated system for IoT devices. Other community-supported flavors include Ubuntu Budgie and Ubuntu Studio, the latter tailored for multimedia creation.

Development and release cycle

Ubuntu follows a predictable, time-based release cycle, with new standard versions released every six months in April and October. Each release is given an alliterative codename using an adjective and an animal, such as "Jammy Jellyfish" for 22.04 LTS. Every two years, in April, a Long-Term Support (LTS) version is released, which receives five years of security and maintenance updates for the desktop and server editions. Development is managed by Canonical Ltd. with significant contributions from the global community, including the Debian project upstream. The process involves a defined cycle of proposal, development, and testing phases, with milestones like feature freeze and beta releases managed through tools like Launchpad.

System requirements and installation

For a standard desktop installation, Ubuntu recommends a 2 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 25 GB of free storage space. The installation process is facilitated by the Ubiquity installer, which provides a graphical, step-by-step guide for partitioning disks, creating user accounts, and configuring the system. The installation media also typically includes a "live" environment, allowing users to test the operating system from a USB flash drive or DVD without making changes to their computer. For specialized deployments, such as on Raspberry Pi devices or in large-scale enterprise environments, alternative installation methods and pre-configured images are available from Canonical Ltd..

Support and community

Commercial support and consulting services are offered by Canonical Ltd. through its Ubuntu Advantage program, which provides enterprise-grade security updates, legal assurance, and technical support. The broader project is supported by a vast, global community of volunteers who contribute through local teams known as Local Community (LoCo) teams, online forums, and the Ask Ubuntu question-and-answer site. Major community events include the annual Ubuntu Developer Summit, which has evolved into the online-focused Ubuntu Rally. Documentation is collaboratively maintained on the Ubuntu Wiki, and development discussions occur on mailing lists and IRC channels.

Category:Linux distributions Category:Ubuntu (operating system) Category:2004 software