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Released: March 2007; Manufacturer: Ubuntu; Description: Open source operating system for personal computers;

Have you ever heard an argument between a "Windows person" and a "Mac person"? They're generally hilarious discourses where one party espouses the incredible ease-of-use and error-free operation of one product, while on the other side of the table they're usually talking about the comparative cost of software and after-market service or repairs. As anyone who has ever run a business or who actually knows anything about computers could tell you - both sides of this argument are an idiotic waste of time that serves nobody but the companies who propagate them to sell products.

Ubuntu Linux 7.04 provides yet another option in the operating system market. Being an Open Source Linux distribution it is freely downloadable from the web (as are all applications for it) or you can usually get a copy on one of those CDs that come with computer magazines. The OS has a smooth graphical interface that has all the usual components that one expects: File Management, Application & Accessory Menus, Multimedia Programs, etc. Networking Ubuntu with Windows or Mac systems is easily done through the graphical Samba interface, wireless network support has also had a major improvement in this release with support for most wireless cards already built into the system.
The biggest flaw in the most recent built of Ubuntu is the lack of "ready-to-go" multimedia support. MP3s and DVDs are not supported by a regular installation - users must download several packaged to get them working. This is apparently due to the patented softwares that handle this sort of thing, which Microsoft and Apple pay license fees to so they can boast built in support. Thankfully the easy to use download and updates manager in Ubuntu can remedy this problem as soon as you're online, but this could be a deterrent for someone looking to "install and go".
In the last few weeks Dell have announced that they'll be offering Ubuntu Linux 7 on their server and desktop systems, which is a pretty good indication of how user friendly Ubuntu 7.04 actually is.

Pros:
-Open Source (read FREE!).
-Lots of "out of the box" support for most hardware.
-Tons of online documentation for fast help.
-Easy installation process.

Cons:
-Have to download MP3 & DVD support - not installed by default.
-Widescreen resolution takes some tweaking to work.

Ubuntu 7.04 can be installed as the sole OS on a computer or in a "dual boot" configuration where you can run it as well as you current operating system. There is plenty of documentation and instructions on how to do just about everything with this OS online. If you have the means and time to check it out, it's worth it just to take the wind out of Microsoft and Apple's sails.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Links:
http://www.ubuntu.com - Manufacturer's website
http://ubuntuforums.org - Ubuntu online community
http://files.bigpond. com/library/index.php?go=detai ls&id=28057 0- free download for Bigpond users
http://en.wikipedia.org/w iki/Ubuntu_%28Linux_distributi on%29 - Wikipedia entry for Ubuntu OS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki /Ubuntu_%28ideology%29 - Wikipedia entry for Ubuntu ideology from Africa

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