What is the benefit of Ubuntu over Windows 7 or MacOS?

Question

I am very curious to learn that exactly why Ubuntu is getting popular? What are the advantages of Ubuntu over Windows 7 and MacOS?

Answer 1

Overall a Linux based platform can certainly perform most of the tasks equally as well as a Windows based platform using the likes of Ubuntu and its derivative distros. However Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming. For example I retain a partition with XP on to run specific applications which cannot be adapted through a Windows compatability layer such as Dreamweaver CS5, Office 2007 etc.

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



Ubuntu is sponsored by the UK-based company Canonical Ltd., owned by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. Canonical generates revenue by selling technical support and services tied to Ubuntu, while the OS itself is entirely free of charge. The main kick start Ubuntu had was the fortune Mark Shuttleworth injected in to the project

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_%28operating_system%29



Mark Shuttleworth talking about Ubuntu Linux and the project goals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrLFFGWKqG8



Whilst we are here. It would only be right to move on to the sticky subject of Ubuntu and Debian. Ubuntu apart from using the same package management is about as far removed from Debian as it could be as Debian purists that spurn Ubuntu will go at great lengths to point out and in a way they do have a case. There was a time in the early days the two were although not the same were a lot closer to what they are now.



I currently work with Linux Mint 10 and am waiting with great anticipation for Linux Mint 11 as it will include Kernel 2.6.38 and Compiz 0.9.2.1 as default



So keep an eye out for Linux Mint 11 it should be released around mid-May. For the time being I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 10 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.10 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 10 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 10 (Julia) Installation Guide

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-10-julia



Linux Mint 10 User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Linux Mint 10 can as most distros. be run direct from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive



Alternatively if you want to experiment a little Grab a budget pack of CD-R's and start creating some LiveCD's of various Linux distros.



Next stop is DISTROWATCH.COM where you will find a whole host of distros.that are available for download. The second link lists the most popular distros.

http://distrowatch.com/

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major



Wonderful things are LiveCD's and an ideal way of trying out a distro. without committing yourself







LUg.

Answer 2

Ubuntu:



"Ubuntu is a secure, intuitive operating system that powers desktops, servers, netbooks and laptops. Ubuntu is, and always will be, absolutely free."



Ubuntu is an OS (operating System) that is light weight. I myself actually prefer Ubuntu than the MacOS. Another is that it is free. You can download it anytime, in just a matter of minutes to hours depending on your internet connection. The advantages of Ubuntu?



1) Its free.

2) Its lightweight

3) If you have a slow, old computer, download Ubuntu! Its lightweight and can revive your PC!



As for Windows and MacOS, they are both pretty good, but if you dont want to pay, and you're on a tight budget, I reccomend Ubuntu.



Right now, I am currently using Jolicloud 1.1. A very fast OS. You should check it out too.



www.jolicloud.com

Answer 3

A: It's free

B: It's open source

C: It's linux.



You can look at it yourself if you want. You don't even need to install it to test it out. I personally enjoy working with Ubuntu, though Win7 has it's advantages (especially the larger software base) too



http://www.ubuntu.com/