Ubuntu Linux - A Brief Overview of the Three Different Versions

Which Version of Ubuntu is Best for You?

The Armchair Geek
Ubuntu has become one of the most popular Linux distributions because of its versatility, stability, and simplicity. Not only is Ubuntu popular in the consumer market, it is also popular in different niches because of the three versions outside of the basic Ubuntu line: Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and Edubuntu. Many users of Ubuntu want something different from the norm, so they decide to install these versions of Ubuntu instead.

Kubuntu
Kubuntu is essentially the main Ubuntu operating system with a different graphical user interface. Kubuntu uses the KDE environment, which is blue instead of the default GNOME theme. There really isn't anything special about this version except that it has a different look and feel to it.

Xubuntu
Xubuntu is another derivative of Ubuntu. Xubuntu uses the Xfce user interface, which uses fewer system resources, instead of the GNOME theme used in Ubuntu. Xubuntu is meant for computers that are older because the minimum requirements are less demanding. Xubuntu only requires 64 megabytes of RAM and 1.5 gigabytes of hard drive space, while Ubuntu requires 256 megabytes of RAM to install using the Live CD and 2 gigabytes of hard drive space.

Edubuntu
Edubuntu offers a more amateur environment that can be used in classrooms. Unlike the other two variations of Ubuntu, Edubuntu uses the GNOME graphical user interface. Edubuntu is directed to a much younger audience and can make a great operating system for kids.

Choosing Between the Three Ubuntu Variants
After reviewing all of these different variants of Ubuntu, you may be wondering which version is best for you.
If you just want something that looks totally different from the normal Ubuntu operating system, I would suggest Kubuntu. Kubuntu features a very attractive environment in n eye-catching shade of blue. Kubuntu has all of the features of Ubuntu aside from the fact that the graphical user interface is different.

If you are using a low budget computer that is a bit old, I would suggest installing the Xubuntu derivative. Xubuntu has less demanding hardware requirements compared to the other Ubuntu variants. It only takes up 1.5 gigabytes of hard drive space and requires only 64 megabytes of RAM.

Edubuntu is an operating system very suitable for children. Just like the other versions, Edubuntu comes with a full office suite and also comes packaged with a variety of educational tools. Teachers and educators can use this operating system in their classrooms for student learning.

Useful Links:

http://www.xubuntu.org/
http://www.kubuntu.org/
http://www.edubuntu.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Feisty
http://ubuntuforums.org/www.ubuntulinux.org,

Published by The Armchair Geek

We are a Mid-West PLR Firm specializing in creating powerful web content for clients in a wide array of industries. This is a sampling of some of our IT-focused articles. For more of our work, you can co...  View profile

  • Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions for its versatility, stability, and simplicity
  • Ubuntu is popular in different niches because of the three versions outside of the basic Ubuntu line
  • The three versions outside of the basic Ubuntu line: Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and Edubuntu
This open source operating system is sponsored by Canonical Ltd, owned by the South African billionaire Mark Shuttleworth. The name "Ubuntu" derives from the African concept that roughly translates as "humanity toward others"

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.