Ubuntu Linux a Powerhouse OS for Everyone

With all the flavors of Linux out there, RedHat, ManDrake, SuSE to name a few, it's hard if not confusing for an average home or small business user to consider a switch to a more robust operating system. Ubuntu Linux is a full powerhouse of features that anyone can use.

Operating Systems have come along way, but they are also becoming bloated and not easy to install, especially in the Linux community. The install processes can be very difficult to understand especially for the beginning and novice users who are trying to install onto their home or business computers. While I encourage people to try new OS's I don't recommend it to the users who want to load it onto their systems for home or business use on a dime. Most business or home users try to load Linux on a deadline and this can be a disaster as there is usually a large learning curve. Not to mention the install process for the supporting software can be hard to install and configure.

Ubuntu is following a great new tread of LiveCD's. You can download an image of the OS and burn it to a CD then boot off the CD to try it on your computer before you even load the OS onto your hard drive. LiveCD's can be invaluable for home and business users. It allows you to either evaluate OS and software without making major commitments to changes on your systems. LiveCD can also be kept on hand with utilities like anti-virus software which you can boot from and diagnose and correct problems on your systems. They also allow you mount disk drive and correct problems like corrupt data or they may even allow you to access data that has been lost.

Ubuntu has business, education and Internet users in mind when creating the desktop. It has morphed the desktop into an easy to use and intuitive environment to navigate. Included as a part of the package are applications for business like full-featured word processor, spread sheet, presentation, calendaring and web browser.

Like Windows and Mac OS X, Ubuntu has software updates that keep your computer up to date with the latest security patches. You can also load Ubuntu on to Intel x86 machines, Mac (G3, G4, G5 including iBooks and PowerBooks), AMD 64-bit processor machines and Sun Sparc Processor machines.

The Ubuntu community has come together and the support is available and easy to obtain. If professional services are needed Ubuntu has also created a pay service for the more complicated questions and support.

Out of all the flavors of Linux right now I give Ubuntu a high score for its cost (free), ease of use and support. Anyone looking to make a switch to a robust OS with uncomplicated use I highly recommend trying it out. With the LiveCD you can explore the OS before taking up resources on your hard drive or investing time getting it up and running. Or keep the LiveCD handy for moments when you need Linux but don't want to reorganize your hard drive for the install.

When making the switch to a new OS I do recommend a few things. These tips have come from years of working with client in the all walks of industry.

1. Try out the OS first on a system that isn't in production.
2. Don't try to use new software on deadline
3. Write out a plan for migration and have it reviewed by someone else before implementing
4. Always work with industry professionals during your transition. Things can come up that you weren't expecting and they can help correct them as issues arise.

Good Luck and I hope you enjoy Ubuntu Linux.