2 days to go.

The days of Linux being a tool of the pure techie are gone. Recent years have seen the Open Source distribution move from the data centre to the desktop. Unfortunately, some of the big Linux vendors aren’t pushing into the desktop realm as quickly as consumers would like. Notable exceptions to this Novel and Ubuntu.

I like Ubuntu. The OS was originally supplied as a desktop but, more recently, has made moves into the server domain. Don’t think that Canonical have started to neglect the desktop version. Companies such Dell have recognised the rising demand for this OS and have responded with a range of PCs having Ubuntu pre-installed.

Gone are the days of needing to know the command line to install software (unless, like me, you want to get your hands dirty). Ease of use and attractive layout are of the focus now.

Proof of another world.

Ubuntu is making big gains. Don’t take my word for it. Search the web. You’ll find information relating to uptake. Examples include: the French police force deploying 50,000 Ubuntu-powered machines and the Spanish education authorities were rolling out 500,000 Ubuntu desktops.

Do you want it?

The next release, 8.04 Hard Heron, comes with improved support for multimedia, including photo editing, music sharing and video playback. Proprietary drivers can be installed if needed (check the licensing if you need to do this). This release will be Long Term Support (LTS) which means the distribution will be supported for 3 years from release. Now there’s some pretty good reasons to have a look.

Interested? Check out the Ubuntu hompage.

Click here to go to the home page.

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