by Mishra Planeswalker

Created on: December 07, 2008

While certainly not the most well-known operating system on the market, Ubuntu has a number of benefits to any computer user. Ubuntu is a Linux distribution, but for the beginning or mid-level user, Ubuntu is both the most common and most effective.

Ubuntu is a prime example of what is called "open-source" software. What this means is that not only is Ubuntu 100% free, you can tweak, edit, and modify it to your heart's content. There is no constricting user agreement, and Canonical (the company who produces Ubuntu) is extremely supportive of the free inter-development and sharing of software for absolutely no charge.

Ubuntu's motto is "Linux for Human Beings," and this means that even the most basic computer user can understand and use Ubuntu without long hours of training or extensive reading of manuals. This philosophy is what is attempting to revolutionize the computing world, and every day, more and more users are choosing this free and simple operating system over competitors such as Microsoft's Windows Vista and Apple's Mac OS X.

Ubuntu's user-friendliness is what makes it so attractive to the new computer user. The interface and commands are simple and elegantly designed, and installation is a snap. Ubuntu comes pre-loaded with a plethora of useful and amusing applications, so that no user must spend hours trawling the internet for Ubuntu-compatible applications. Anything a user would need is easily accessible through the menu bar at the top of the screen, which hosts drop-down menus for applications, options, and numerous other categories that one might wish to quickly access.

The pre-loaded software that comes with every copy of Ubuntu is also built to the needs of the user. Unlike many operating systems, where the default application simply will not do the job, or are very confusing, Ubuntu's software consists of high-quality, free, and open source software for your every computing need. The audio editor, known as Audacity, is used professionally by theatre producers and the like, as well as the ordinary user at home. In fact, many people choose to download this software on to their Windows-based PCs or OS X based Macs, simply because of how useful this software is. Ubuntu provides OpenOffice, so that you can start word processing, creating spreadsheets or designing presentations as soon as you've installed the system. Along with these more productive applications, Ubuntu has a large number of games, both traditional and abstract, that are guaranteed to entertain any computer user.

The most obvious benefit about Ubuntu of course, is the cost. If you were to get a comparable Windows Vista PC, you would incur some substantial financial setbacks as a result. You would have to upgrade your RAM and other features to run the operating system, as well as paying for that installation disc. But the costs don't end there. Microsoft Office can run in the hundreds of dollars, just so that you can use basic computer functionality. Add in some audio software and any games you want to play and your choice of operating system could cost you well over $1000 dollars. With Ubuntu, there are no sky-high system requirements, and every single one of the applications is free, either included, or freely downloadable over the internet if you wish to find more "specialty" programs and games.

Whether you're looking for advanced software capabilities, an easy and simple operating system, or just looking to save some cash, Ubuntu is a smart choice. Available for free download at http://www.ubuntu.com, or via a free CD you can order in the mail (really, no shipping or charges at all), this up-and-coming operating system has all the tools you need to optimize your computer, regardless of your needs.

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