by Calista Capet

Created on: November 24, 2010

There has been a lot of talk about an Linux distribution called Ubuntu. Ubuntu is one of the most preferred Linux distributions, or Linux "distros" these days. People refer to it as "the best Linux operating system" and a "must have" when in reality, although it is one of the better Linx based operating systems, it is only preferred by the majority of Linux users because it is so user friendly from the sleek graphics to my favorite, Ubuntu Software Centre. While it, like every operating system, has its pros and cons and depending on what you need or want, Ubuntu may not be the best choice for everyone, it is easy which is why a handful of people walk around in "Ubuntu: Linux for humans" t-shirts. 

One of the greatest things about Ubuntu is that it is so customizable. Unlike Windows and certainly unlike Mac OS X, almost everything in Ubuntu can be customized by almost anyone, not just computer geeks. In both the Windows and Mac OS X installation, all you can choose is which partition to install the operating system in, and standard things such as your account name and password. I have switched to Ubuntu on my laptop, a Toshiba Mini NB205 (a Toshiba netbook), but on my desktop, an iMac, I run Mac OS X and Windows XP Professional (with Boot Camp). As a lifetime Mac and Windows user, I say that Ubuntu is wonderful. For Mac users, it's not only more customizable (less restrictive) and straightforward in many ways, but there is not need to give up those sleek graphics you're used to which is a sacrifice users are forced to make when switching to Windows XP (though Windows 7 has fixed that problem in my opinion). There is also Ubuntu Software Centre which gives users access to thousands of Ubuntu applications, free (in addition to anything else on the internet compatible with Linux). Windows users, oh, you guys gain so much by switching to Ubuntu. For those of you who still use Windows XP, the Ubuntu graphics are stunning. Best of all, Ubuntu is free.

I recommend to anyone not familiar with Ubuntu to try Ubuntu, and by try, I do not mean install. Burn yourself an Ubuntu USB drive or disc - you will be given two options, try and install. Click try and you will be able to experience Ubuntu with out doing anything to your computer as you are booting off your disc or USB drive. However, there are drawbacks to using Ubuntu instead of Windows or Mac OS X because software like Quickbooks are not available for Linux. For those who want Ubuntu as well as their

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