Concept in Definition ABC

Ubuntu is a distribution that works and evolves on GNU / Linux, which is a operating system that is fed from two sources: on the one hand, the Linux kernel originally created by Linus Torvalds (which has continued to direct its development) and which has subsequently been joined by a number of independent developers, and the draft GNU, founded by Richard Stallman with the goal of creating a free operating system (based on the principles of the four freedoms dictated by himself), which was creating all the necessary elements except the core.

GNU / Linux corresponds to the fusion of two worlds

Thus, from the union of both, GNU and Linux, GNU / Linux was born, a complete operating system that only had to be taken and packaged, providing it with certain functionalities as an installer and decide which software would accompany it according to its orientation (end users, servers, a certain job such as editing multimedia or investigation scientific, ...).

This packaging can be carried out by companies (in the case of Red Hat or SUSE), or by groups of hobbyists, who spend part of their time building an operating system that meets their needs as users. One of these examples is Debian.

Aspects in favor of GNU / Linux platforms

An advantage of GNU / Linux is that, being code open, if you are not satisfied with the creation process of the distribution you are working on, you can create your own project with your objectives and direct it, working together with other developers (who in turn may also leave your project if they disagree with your view).

And something like that is precisely what Mark Shuttleworth did in 2004, create a variation of Debian that more attractive to end users, with a very simplified installer, a mode of execution live which allows the system to be tested before think in installing it, and an application store that enhances the discovery of programs in addition to simplifying the way to manage them (install / uninstall them).

Ubuntu presents a release cycle of two versions per year, in April and October

That is why the successive versions have the last digit or two last digits of the year as numbers, followed by a period and the digit of the month. Thus, for example, the October 2007 version is 7.10, while the April 2014 version is 14.04.

Initially, Ubuntu relied on standard solutions, software packages, and graphical environments such as GNOME, customized with its own set of colors and some minor elements to give it a identity own.

Over time, Ubuntu (backed by the Canonical company, also founded by Mark Shuttleworth and offering technical support related to Ubuntu) has been creating its own solutions and serving in turn as a basis for other distributions.

Multiple versions and scopes of work

Available for 32-bit and 64-bit computers, it is also for desktop computers with graphics environments other than yours its own (called Unity), such as GNOME, KDE or Mate, or with variations focused on specific aspects of computer use, such as Edubuntu (education and teaching), UbuntuStudio (multimedia work), or Mythbuntu (set-top box).

Neither have other devices escaped, having a version for smartphones (Ubuntu Phone) and tablets, or for televisions (Ubuntu TV). These versions are more intended to be integrated by OEM manufacturers than downloaded and installed by ourselves.

Ubuntu has meant the democratization of GNU / Linux, its simplification so that anyone can use it, and an effort to bring this highly robust operating system on a par with Microsoft Windows when it comes to business support Y ecosystem for users and developers.

Photos: iStock - julos / crstrbrt

Themes in Ubuntu