About
Ubuntu is a computer operating system based on the Linux kernel and Debian GNU/Linux. Ubuntu is offered in three official editions: Ubuntu Desktop for personal computers, Ubuntu Server for servers and the cloud, and Ubuntu Core for IoT devices and robots. Development of Ubuntu is led by UK-based Canonical Ltd., a company owned by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth.
Ubuntu is designed to be easy to use, yet powerful. It includes features that make it suitable for both home and office computing, such as user account management, software installation and updates from a central location, automatic printer configuration, and support for multiple languages. Ubuntu also offers an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), complete with menus and icons.
Ubuntu is free and open source software released under the GNU General Public License (GPL). Anyone can download Ubuntu free of charge, use it without paying a licensing fee, and share it with others. The Ubuntu community includes advocates who promote the use of Ubuntu around the world. Canonical Ltd. also employs professional engineers who work on developing Ubuntu and its companion software.
Since its release in 2004, Ubuntu has become one of the most popular Linux distributions available. In fact, according to w3techs, as of January 2018, Ubuntu was used by 58% of all Linux users worldwide. It is also one of the most widely used desktop operating systems in the world.
