Ubuntu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ubuntu

Ubuntu 24.04 "Noble Numbat"
Company / developer	Canonical Ltd.
OS family	Linux (Unix-like)
Working state	Current
Source model	Open-source
Initial release	Ubuntu 4.10 (Warty Warthog) / 20 October 2004 (20 years ago) (2004-10-20)
Latest stable release	LTS: 24.04 LTS  / Error: first parameter is missing. ()
Marketing target	Cloud computing, personal computers, servers, supercomputers, IoT
Available language(s)	More than 55 languages by LoCos
Update method	Software Updater, Ubuntu Software, apt
Package manager	GNOME Software, dpkg (APT), Snap – graphical front-end: Snap Store
Supported platforms	x86-64 ARM64 RISC-V ppc64le (POWER8 and later) s390x ARMhf (ARMv7 + VFPv3-D16)
Kernel type	Monolithic (Linux kernel)
Userland	GNU
Default user interface	GNOME
License	Free software + some proprietary device drivers

Ubuntu (pronounced uu-BUUN-too) is a popular Linux distribution. It is a type of operating system for computers. Ubuntu is mostly made of free and open-source software. This means its code is available for anyone to use, change, and share.

Ubuntu comes in different versions. These include editions for desktop PCs, servers, and even for Internet of things (IoT) devices and robots. The British company Canonical helps develop Ubuntu. They work with a large community of other developers.

Like other Linux systems, Ubuntu can run on its own computer. It can also run inside another operating system using a virtual machine. New versions of Ubuntu are released every six months. Special versions called long-term support (LTS) releases come out every two years. Canonical provides security updates and support for each release for a set time. This support lasts until the version reaches its "end-of-life" (EOL) date. Canonical earns money by selling special services related to Ubuntu. They also get donations from people who download the software.

The name Ubuntu comes from an African philosophy. It means "humanity to others." It also suggests, "I am what I am because of who we all are." Since its first release in 2004, Ubuntu has become very popular. It has large online communities, like Ask Ubuntu. Many community-made versions of Ubuntu also exist. It's also widely used for cloud computing.

Ubuntu's journey: A visual timeline of its versions.

How Ubuntu Works

Ubuntu is built on the foundation of Debian. Debian is another well-known Linux system. Ubuntu uses Debian's structure and tools. Ubuntu releases new versions every six months. Each release gets free support for nine months. This support includes security fixes and important bug fixes.

Special versions called long-term support (LTS) releases are supported for five years. These LTS versions come out every two years. Since Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, both desktop and server LTS versions get five years of support. LTS releases also receive regular updates for new hardware.

Ubuntu's software packages are based on Debian's "unstable" branch. They are updated every six months. Both Ubuntu and Debian use the .deb package format. They also use similar tools like APT to manage software. Many Ubuntu developers also help maintain key packages in Debian.

Canonical Ltd. funds Ubuntu. In 2005, Mark Shuttleworth (Canonical's founder) created the Ubuntu Foundation. He gave it $10 million to help support and develop future Ubuntu versions. This foundation ensures the Ubuntu project continues to grow.

What Ubuntu Includes

When you first install Ubuntu, it comes with essential software. This includes a web browser (Firefox) and basic tools from GNOME. GNOME is the main desktop environment. You can find many more software packages in the built-in Ubuntu Software store. This store is like an app store for Ubuntu.

All the software installed by default is free software. This means you can use, share, and change it freely. Ubuntu also includes some hardware drivers that are not open-source. These are clearly marked.

Ubuntu's default desktop environment changed in 2017. It switched back from its own Unity to GNOME.

Keeping Ubuntu Secure

Ubuntu is designed to be secure by default. This means it's set up to protect your computer from the start. Programs you run have limited permissions. They can't easily harm the operating system or your files.

For administrative tasks, Ubuntu uses the sudo tool. This tool gives you temporary special permissions. It helps prevent accidental changes that could cause problems. Most network connections are closed by default to prevent hacking. Ubuntu also has a built-in firewall. This firewall helps you control who can access your computer over a network. There's even a simple graphical tool to set it up.

Ubuntu also supports full disk encryption. This feature scrambles all the data on your hard drive. This way, your information stays private even if your computer is lost or stolen.

Installing Ubuntu

The computer requirements for Ubuntu can vary. For the Ubuntu desktop 22.04 LTS, you need a PC with at least a 2 GHz dual-core processor. You also need 4 GB of RAM and 25 GB of free disk space. If you have an older or less powerful computer, there are other Ubuntu versions like Lubuntu and Xubuntu. These are designed to use fewer resources.

The easiest way to try and install Ubuntu is with a Live image. You can download this as a disk image (.iso file). Then, you can burn it to a DVD or put it on a USB flash drive. You can then start your computer from this DVD or USB. Running Ubuntu this way is slower than from a hard drive. But it lets you try Ubuntu without changing anything on your computer. If you like it, you can then install it.

You can also install Ubuntu directly onto a USB flash drive. This lets you save your settings and take your Ubuntu system with you.

Software Categories and Support

Ubuntu organizes most software into four groups. These groups show how the software is licensed and how much support it gets.

• Main: This group contains free software that meets Ubuntu's licensing rules. It's officially supported by Canonical.
• Restricted: This group has important non-free software. It often includes drivers needed for some hardware to work. Canonical supports these, but less than "Main" because they don't have the source code.
• Universe: This group has a huge amount of free software. It's supported by the Ubuntu community, not Canonical directly.
• Multiverse: This group contains non-free software that is not officially supported. It might include software with legal restrictions.

Ubuntu also has "Backports." This is a special place for newer software from later Ubuntu versions. It allows you to get updated software on older Ubuntu releases.

The "-updates" section provides stable updates for Ubuntu. These are usually installed through the "Software Updater." All updates must be tested before they are made public.

Some third-party software is available in Ubuntu's "multiverse" group. You can also find extra software like support for DVD playback, Microsoft TrueType core fonts, and common audio/video codecs by installing a package called ubuntu-restricted-extras.

Many other apps and games are available through the Ubuntu Software store and the Snap store. This includes games like Minecraft.

Ubuntu Versions

Each Ubuntu release has a version number based on its release year and month. For example, Ubuntu 4.10 came out on October 20, 2004.

Ubuntu releases also have fun alliterative code names. These use an adjective and an animal, like "Xenial Xerus". The code names are usually in alphabetical order. This helps you quickly see which version is newer.

You can upgrade from one LTS release to the next LTS release. For example, from Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. Non-LTS versions usually only upgrade to the very next release.

LTS releases can also get extra security support (ESM). This can extend their support for up to 10 years!

Different Kinds of Ubuntu

Ubuntu family tree

Ubuntu Desktop is the most common version. It's recommended for most people using desktop or laptop PCs. There are many other official Ubuntu versions, often called "flavors." They mostly differ by using a different desktop environment. Some, like Lubuntu and Xubuntu, are great for older computers. They use less memory and processing power.

Official Ubuntu Versions

Most Ubuntu flavors simply install a different set of default programs. They all share the same software libraries, so you can install the same programs on any of them. Ubuntu Core is an exception; it uses a different way to get software.

Version		What it's for
	Edubuntu	This version is made for education. It has special programs for preschool, primary, secondary, and even college-level learning.
	Kubuntu	Kubuntu uses the KDE desktop interface. This is different from the GNOME interface that standard Ubuntu Desktop uses.
	Lubuntu	Lubuntu is a "lighter" version of Ubuntu. It uses less computer power and is more energy-efficient. It uses the LXQt desktop environment.
	Ubuntu Core	This version is for IoT devices and small, built-in computer systems. It doesn't have a graphical screen. It uses Snap packages instead of the usual apt system.
	Ubuntu Budgie	This Ubuntu flavor uses the Budgie desktop.
	Ubuntu Cinnamon	This version uses the Cinnamon desktop, which is also used by Linux Mint.
	Ubuntu Kylin	Ubuntu Kylin is designed for users in China.
	Ubuntu MATE	Ubuntu MATE uses the MATE desktop. This desktop is based on an older version of GNOME and focuses on a traditional desktop look.
	Ubuntu Server	Ubuntu Server is for servers. It uses the same software as Ubuntu Desktop. However, it doesn't come with a graphical desktop installed by default. This makes it lighter and faster for server tasks. It can run on many different computer architectures. It also supports advanced features like ZFS (a file system) and LXD (for managing virtual containers).
	Ubuntu Studio	This version is for people who create multimedia content. It includes open-source applications for audio, video, and graphic editing. It uses the KDE Plasma 5 desktop.
	Ubuntu Unity	This Ubuntu flavor uses the Unity 7 desktop.
	Xubuntu	Xubuntu uses the Xfce desktop. It's great for less powerful computers or for those who want a very efficient desktop.

Some official Ubuntu versions, like Gobuntu, have been stopped. Others, like Ubuntu Touch (for phones), are now maintained by volunteers.

Cloud Computing with Ubuntu

Cloud Ubuntu Orange Box

Ubuntu offers special "Cloud Images." These are pre-installed versions of Ubuntu designed to run on cloud platforms. Examples include Amazon EC2, OpenStack, and Microsoft Azure. Ubuntu is also very popular on VPS platforms.

Eucalyptus interface

Ubuntu supports OpenStack, which is a set of tools for building and managing cloud computing platforms. Ubuntu 11.10 focused on OpenStack as its main cloud offering. Ubuntu also uses Canonical Juju. This tool helps set up and manage services in data centers.

Local Communities (LoCos)

To connect with users and build a community, Ubuntu has "Local Communities" or "LoCos." These groups are found all over the world. They help with developing Ubuntu and promoting it. A LoCo Council approves these teams based on their efforts.

Computers with Ubuntu Pre-installed

Ubuntu works closely with computer makers (OEMs). They help make Ubuntu available on many different devices. Several companies sell computers with Ubuntu already installed. These include Dell, Hasee, Sharp Corporation, and Cirrus7. For example, Dell offers the XPS 13 laptop Developer Edition with Ubuntu. Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Acer together offer hundreds of desktop and laptop PCs with Ubuntu. System76 also sells computers with Ubuntu.

Dell and System76 customers can get support plans for Ubuntu through Canonical. Dell computers with Ubuntu often include extra support for things like ATI/AMD graphics, Dell Wireless, and fingerprint readers. Asus has also sold some Eee PCs with Ubuntu.

In 2015, Intel launched the Intel Compute Stick. This tiny computer came with either Ubuntu or Windows.

Working with Windows

You can run many Windows programs on Ubuntu. This is done using a special tool called Wine. Wine helps Windows programs work on Linux. You can also install Windows inside Ubuntu using virtual machine software like KVM/QEMU. This lets you run a full Windows system on your Ubuntu computer.

Sharing files between Ubuntu and Windows is easy. You can use Samba software for this.

In 2016, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would support Ubuntu's userland. This means you can run Ubuntu command-line tools directly on Windows. This feature is called WSL. Later, Microsoft added support for running graphical Linux apps on Windows through WSL.

In 2021, Microsoft also extended its security solutions to support Ubuntu. Plus, PowerShell (a tool for managing computers) can run on Ubuntu. This allows you to manage both Windows and Ubuntu computers from either system.

See also

In Spanish: Ubuntu para niños

• Comparison of Linux distributions