Ubuntu for IGOS

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a community developed operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops 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.

We issue a new desktop and server release every six months. That means you'll always have the the latest and greatest applications that the open source world has to offer.

Ubuntu is designed with security in mind. You get free security updates for at least 18 months on the desktop and server. With the Long Term Support (LTS) version you get three years support on the desktop, and five years on the server. There is no extra fee for the LTS version, we make our very best work available to everyone on the same free terms. Upgrades to new versions of Ubuntu are and always will be free of charge.

Everything you need on one CD, which provides a complete working environment. Additional software is available online.

The graphical installer enables you to get up and running quickly and easily. A standard installation should take less than 25 minutes.

Once installed your system is immediately ready-to-use. On the desktop you have a full set of productivity, internet, drawing and graphics applications, and games.

On the server you get just what you need to get up and running and nothing you don't.

Ubuntu Desktop Edition

With Ubuntu Desktop Edition you can surf the web, read email, create documents and spreadsheets, edit images and much more. Ubuntu has a fast and easy graphical installer right on the Desktop CD. On a typical computer the installation should take you less than 25 minutes.

Desktop simplicity

When you start your system for the first time you'll see a desktop that is clean and tidy, no desktop icons, and a default theme that is easy on the eye.

Ubuntu 'Just Works'

We've done all the hard work for you. Once Ubuntu is installed, all the basics are in place so that your system will be immediately usable.

A complete office productivity suite

OpenOffice contains a user interface and feature set that is similar to other office suites, and includes all the key desktop applications you need, such as:

Word processor - for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book. More »

Spreadsheet - a tool to calculate, analyse, and present your data in numerical reports or charts. More »

Presentation - an easy, and powerful tool for creating effective multimedia presentations. More »

Edit and share files in other formats

Easily open, edit and share files with your friends that have Microsoft Office, Word Perfect, KOffice or StarOffice.

Quick and easy updates

The task bar contains an update area where we'll notify you when there are updates available for your system, from simple security fixes to a complete version upgrade. The update facility enables you to keep your system up-to-date with just a few clicks of your mouse.

A vast library of free software

Need more software? Simply choose from thousands of software packages in the Ubuntu catalogue, all available to download and install at the click of a button. And it's all completely free!

Help and support

You'll be able to find help using the desktop browser or online. If you have a question about using Ubuntu, you can bet someone else has already asked it. Our community has developed a range of documentation that may contain the answer to your question, or give you ideas about where to look.

This is also where you'll get access to free support from the Ubuntu community in the chat and mailing lists in many languages. Alternatively, you can purchase professional support from the Canonical Global Support Services Team, or local providers.

Ubuntu in your local language

Ubuntu aims to be usable by as many people as possible, which is why we include the very best localisation and accessibility infrastructure that the free software community has to offer.

More Features »

You can download Ubuntu, or request a free CD from Canonical.

System Requirements

Ubuntu is available for PC, 64-Bit and Mac architectures. At least 256 MB of RAM is required to run the desktop install CD. Install requires at least 4 GB of disk space.

Ubuntu Server Edition

The Server Edition - built on the solid foundation of Debian which is known for its robust server installations — has a strong heritage for reliable performance and predictable evolution.

Integrated and secure platform

As your business grows, so does your network. More applications need to be deployed and more servers are required. Ubuntu Server Edition offers support for several common configurations, and simplifies common Linux server deployment processes. It provides a well-integrated platform enabling you to quickly and easily deploy a new server with any of the standard internet services: mail, web, DNS, file serving or database management.

A key lesson from its Debian heritage is that of security by default. The Ubuntu Server has no open ports after the installation and contains only the essential software needed to build a secure server.

Lower Total cost of ownership with automatic LAMP installation

In around 15 minutes, the time it takes to install Ubuntu Server Edition, you can have a LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) server up and ready to go. This feature, exclusive to Ubuntu Server Edition, is available at the time of installation.

The LAMP option means you don't have to install and integrate each of the four separate LAMP components, a process which can take hours and requires someone who is skilled in the installation and configuration of the individual applications. Instead, you get increased security, reduced time-to-install, and reduced risk of misconfiguration, all of which results in a lower cost of ownership.

Eliminate the cost of updating individual workstations

Ubuntu Server edition includes thin client support using LTSP (Linux Terminal Server Project). LTSP-5, the latest release, offers a simple installation and easy maintenance. All the data is stored on the server, which will substantially diminish the cost of updating individual workstations and help to ensure their security. Notable benefits of Ubuntu's thin client support are:

• Simplified management: manage all clients from one system. Install new software, change their configuration, or even upgrade to a new version on the server, and all clients are instantly up to date. There is only one backup to take for all clients.
• Fully automatic installation and setup: installing a thin client server is as easy as installing a single desktop system, and once it's finished, new clients can be added with no additional administration on the server
• Lower TCO through shared resources: Common high-powered desktop workstations sit idle most of the day consuming power and costing your organization money. With a high-powered server and low-cost thin clients, you can get great performance and save money. Need higher performance? Just upgrade the server, and all clients instantly benefit.
• Quick failure recovery: If a client system fails, simply swap in a new one and continue working. No configuration is required, and all of the user's data and settings are intact.
• Locally attached devices: Users can access printers, cameras, iPods, USB sticks and other devices connected directly to the thin client.

Supported architectures

Ubuntu Server Edition supports x86, AMD64 and UltraSPARC T1 architectures.

Download Ubuntu Server Edition »

What does Ubuntu mean?

Ubuntu is an African word meaning 'Humanity to others', or 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. The Ubuntu distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world

source from http://www.ubuntu.com