Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04

To many people the name Linux is synonymous with nerds - and while Linux is the system of choice for many pimple-faced geeks, there is a reason for this - it is a powerful and reliable base upon which to build an operating system.

Ubuntu is one of the most popular of a number of operating systems developed from the freely available Linux Kernel.

With thousands of enthusiastic members contributing applications and bug-fixes ( for the sheer joy of it ) Ubuntu is a classic example of the power of Open-Source development over the limiting and protective models used by Microsoft and Apple ( Mac OS X in fact uses parts of open-source code including Linux ).

Here's the Ubuntu mission statement:

• Every computer user should have the freedom to download, run, copy, distribute, study, share, change and improve their software for any purpose, without paying licensing fees.
• Every computer user should be able to use their software in the language of their choice.
• Every computer user should be given every opportunity to use software, even if they work under a disability.

Ubuntu fully embodies the ideal that free software should be more concerned with providing freedom to it's users that just being free of cost.

Ubuntu Means Humanity

We offer advice about installing Ubuntu and training on a range of topics such as:

• Adjusting to the Ubuntu desktop & terminology.
• How to add applications, installing not-free software & codecs.
• Technical aspects of file and user management - terminal for techies.

If you're still not ready to dump Windows just yet you can also dual boot, here's a short article we wrote a while back about how to achieve this.

You can download everything you need to get started from the Ubuntu website, where you can find a wealth of information - the Ubuntu Forum is also a lively place to post questions and find answers.

To find out more about this excellent open source software visit Wikipedia.