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 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 comes on one CD, providing 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.
More about Desktop Edition »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 Tour
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.
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.
You can download Ubuntu, or request a free CD from Canonical.
System Requirements
Ubuntu is available for PC, 64-Bit PC and Intel based Mac architectures. At least 256 MB of RAM is required to run the alternate install CD (384MB of RAM is required to use the live CD based installer). Install requires at least 4 GB of disk space.
Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server Edition
The Ubuntu 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.
The Ubuntu Server Edition is changing the server market for businesses by delivering the best of free software on a stable, fully supported and secure platform. In the two years since initial launch Ubuntu can now be found in hundreds of organisations across the world delivering key services reliably, predictably and economically. Ubuntu Server Edition is an energy efficient, low memory and disk footprint operating system that helps build server functions that respect our environment with no compromise on agility and versatility.
The Ubuntu Server Edition can become the backbone of many of the services that a typical business needs to run to be successful. With no license fees, an expanding ecosystem, minimal maintenance, a growing community of peers and references, Ubuntu Server Edition is making many organisations reconsider how they use Linux for their information technology needs.
Through the use of Ubuntu, we believe that our users will enjoy the unprecedented performance and security that Linux can provide. Because we care about your business we have ensured that the Ubuntu Server Edition:
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easily integrates in your existing networks.
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provides a low total cost of ownership.
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offers multiple life cycle scenarios for you to choose from.
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delivers free life maintenance.
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and is backed by Canonical's world class support.
Support
Every business wants the reassurance of having a professional support service behind them. That’s why Canonical provides exceptional support for Ubuntu Server Edition. With our North American-based support service, a team of Linux experts (and we mean experts) are just a call away, are open 24x7 and speak many languages.
We don't make support compulsory for deployments but we absolutely recommend it. Our customers tell us it adds huge value to their organisations. For more information, please see http://www.canonical.com/services/support
Learn more about Ubuntu Server Edition:
Download Ubuntu Server Edition »
Kubuntu
Kubuntu is an official derivative of Ubuntu using the KDE environment instead of GNOME. It is part of the Ubuntu project and uses the same underlying system. It is an exciting distribution that showcases the full potential of the KDE desktop. Kubuntu shares the same repositories as Ubuntu, and relies on the same underlying architecture.
The K Desktop Environment
A powerful graphical desktop environment, combines the ease of use, contemporary functionality, and outstanding graphical design with the technological superiority of the Kubuntu operating system. KDE version 3.5.5 is the current stable release and Kubuntu 6.10 is the first distribution to include it.
Photo Management
Digikam is now included by default. This advanced digital photo management application provides you with the tools necessary to view, manage, edit, enhance, organise, tag and share photographs. Organising both photos and photo albums is a snap with Digikam as it allows you to sort chronologically, by directory layout, or by custom collections.
Power Management
Kubuntu received a new power management overhaul with the latest release. Guidance, the power management system, allows users to select various functions to control the power of their portable computing system, whether it is controlling the brightness of the display during low battery, locking the system upon closing the lid or controlling access to multiple batteries.
Easy Networking and Printer Sharing
Zeroconf and print sharing let you browse the local network for available services. Both are now simple to setup and maintain requiring nothing more than ticking a box to enable the feature.
Accessibility Profiles
Kubuntu now offers users the ability to use a preconfigured accessibility profile depending on the type of disability right from the initial point of setup. This provides users the accessibility features they need in order to not only install the Kubuntu 6.10 operating system but to use the system on a daily basis for all of their computing needs. Press F5 at the CD boot screen to choose a profile.
You can download Kubuntu, or request a free CD from Canonical.
Visit the Kubuntu website to find out more.
Kubuntu is available for PC, 64-Bit and Mac architectures.
Ubuntu is used in primary and secondary schools around the world. It is an excellent education tool. Edubuntu is a officially supported derivative of Ubuntu that is customised for Education use. Detailed information about the Edubuntu project can be found here.
Edubuntu contains a large number of educational applications including GCompris, KDE Edutainment Suite, and Schooltool Calendar. Edubuntu is developed to enable teachers/lecturers with limited technical knowledge and skills to set-up a computer lab, or establish an online learning environment, in an hour or less, and then administer that environment.
GNOME Desktop
A default desktop environment on Edubuntu. It provides file managers, network browsers, menus, and system tools. Edubuntu also provides three different theme set-ups, 'young', for younger users, 'plain' for a clean desktop set-up, and 'default', which is a general purpose theme set-up.
OpenOffice 2.0
OpenOffice includes word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, simple vector drawing and web authoring applications. Plus many enhancements and new features, including Base, a powerful database front-end.
KDE Edutainment Suite
A collection of fun educational software that makes use of the KDE framework. Its primary focus is on schoolchildren aged 3 to 18, and the specialised user interface needs of young users. However, there are also programmes to aid teachers in planning lessons, and others that are of interest to university students, and anyone else with a desire to learn.
Gcompris
GCompris offers a huge collection of activities for the children in nursery/kindergarden, gently introducing them to basic computer use, then expanding to basic maths, reading activities, and more.
You can download Edubuntu, or request a free CD from Canonical.
Visit the Edubuntu website to find out more.
System Requirements:
Edubuntu is available for PC architectures.
Installation
requires at least 2.5 GB of disk space, a CPU of at least 1 GHz, and
256 MB of RAM plus an additional 128 MB of RAM per thin client (e.g. a
server driving two clients should have at least 512 MB RAM).
Gobuntu
Gobuntu
Foundation's four freedoms and intends to provide a base for other free software platforms to build upon with minimal modification required. It does this by only including open-source non-restricted software. This means there will be no firmware, drivers, applications, or content included in Gobuntu that does not include the full source or whose license does not provide the right to use, study, modify, and redistribute the body of work.
Gobuntu shares the same system requirements as Ubuntu. At present, this means Gobuntu is available for 32-bit and 64-Bit PC architectures and the install requires at least 4 GB of disk space.
Why would I want Gobuntu?
If you are looking to build a free software distribution based off of Ubuntu, or you wish to use an operating system that only provides you with truly free software and content, you should consider trying Gobuntu.
Please note that because running Gobuntu on most laptops and many desktops will be difficult, Gobuntu is intended for experienced Linux enthusiasts at this time.
How do I get Gobuntu?
Download the text-based install CD. At present there is no live CD installer for Gobuntu.
Gobuntu has its own area on the Ubuntu wiki, a collaborative environment where the community can work together to share information. There is also a mailing list for developer discussion.
Ubuntu MID edition
Ubuntu Mobile Internet Device (MID) Edition
Introducing Ubuntu MID Edition - full Internet, no compromise
Ubuntu MID Edition targets an exciting new class of computers called Mobile Internet Devices. Ubuntu MID, based on the world's most popular Linux distribution, and MID hardware from OEMs and ODMs, is redefining what can be done in mobile computing.
Ubuntu MID Edition, a fully open source project, gives the full Internet, with no compromise. Custom options may include licensed codecs and popular third-party applications.
- Full Web 2.0/AJAX fidelity, with custom options of Adobe Flash®, Java, and more
- Outstanding media playback so you can enjoy videos, music and photos with superior quality and easy navigation
- A suite of applications that work seamlessly to meet every need of a digital parent, student or anyone who is on-the-go
- Facebook®, MySpace®, YouTube®, Dailymotion®, 3D games, GPS, maps, in short, the full Web 2.0 experience delivered into your hands as a compact and powerful device that's easy and fun to use
The product of Canonical collaboration with Intel® and the open source community, Ubuntu MID Edition is the software that makes it all possible.
Just the right stuff
Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded just works, and it works just right.
Just the right applications provide an uncompromised Web 2.0 experience: Web browsing, email, media, camera, VoIP, instant messaging, GPS, blogging, digital TV, games, contacts, dates/calendar, simple software updates... and lots more.
All unnecessary complexity in the user experience is eliminated.
Finger friendly, touch driven
Ubuntu MID is finger friendly, with no stylus needed. You drive Ubuntu MID with touch. Simply tap the screen or drag a finger to make gestures for intuitive navigation and control.
- Tap an application with your finger to launch it, and tap menus and buttons to use them.
- Swipe a web page to pan up, down or sideways.
- Swipe a video, photo, song or thumbnail page to move to the next or the previous one.
Leveraging the MID
MIDs typically have the following features and attributes:
- Small size/form factor
- 4 to 7 inch touch screen
- Physical and/or virtual keyboard
- Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, GPS, WiMAX
- 2GB to 8GB Flash or disk storage, 256MB+ memory/512MB+ recommended
- OpenGL 3D
- USB, camera, head phone jack, speakers, microphone
Customizable
Clutter User Interface
Flash User Interface
Ubuntu MID Edition is highly flexible and customizable. It is an ideal platform for the kind of product differentiation that reaches target users and penetrates key markets.
- User interface in HTML, Flash, Clutter, Python with GTK, C/C++ with GTK and Java
- Different application sets for different products or configurations
- Integration with popular Web 2.0 sites
- Internationalization and translation support to meet market requirements
- Custom sets of licensed media codecs and third-party proprietary software for commercial partners
- Custom engineering
OEMs, ODMs, operators and developers can customize Ubuntu MID to
their desired look and feel and offer just the right capabilities to
meet their specific requirements. Canonical can assist through its
Custom Engineering program.
For information about Canonical custom engineering services, email mobile@canonical.com.
Community
The Ubuntu MID Edition is produced by the Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded community that includes many individuals and organizations and always welcomes new participants and partners.
Places to get started:
- For information about UM&E, see http://wiki.ubuntu.com/MobileAndEmbedded
- For information about Intel's MID Linux Moblin project, see http://moblin.org
Xubuntu is an official derivative of Ubuntu using the Xfce desktop environment. It is intended for users with less-powerful computers, or those that require a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems. Xubuntu features primarily GNOME applications.
Xubuntu Desktop
When you start your system for the first time you'll see a desktop that is clean and tidy with and a default theme that is easy on the eye.
Ready-to-use
As soon as it's installed Xubuntu is ready for you to use. It comes with all the basic applications you need, including Abiword for documents, Gnumeric for spreadsheets, Firefox for web browsing and Mozilla Thunderbird for email.
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!
System Requirements
Xubuntu is available for PC, 64-Bit PC.
CDs require 128MB RAM to run, or 192MB RAM to install. Desktop install requires at least 1.5GB of free space on your hard disk.
You can download Xubuntu, visit the Xubuntu website and take the Xubuntu tour to find out more.
DerivativesUbuntu Derivatives
There are several other operating systems which are derived from Ubuntu, including local language versions and hardware-specific ones. You can download them by selecting them from the links below.
Officially Supported Derivatives
These derivatives are fully supported by Canonical and the Ubuntu community.
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Kubuntu - Ubuntu with the K Desktop Environment
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Edubuntu - Ubuntu for Education
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Ubuntu Server Edition - Ubuntu for Servers
Recognized Derivatives
These are derivatives that use Ubuntu as their foundation and contribute signficantly towards the project.
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Xubuntu - Ubuntu with the XFCE desktop environment
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Gobuntu - A flavour of Ubuntu that strives to be completely devoid of software, drivers or firmware with restrictive licenses
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Ubuntu Studio - Designed for multimedia editing and creation
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Mythbuntu - Designed for creating a home theatre PC with MythTV
Localised
Due to space considerations, only a few languages are included on the Ubuntu CDs. Support for many other languages can be added from the internet. The following derivatives have full language support for the relevant language directly on the CD.
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Italian version (maintained by CreaLabs)
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Kiwi (Hungarian and Romanian)
- French version
