Ubuntu's Three Killer Features

Ubuntu is the most popular free, Linux-based operating system. It can replace (or run alongside) Windows or Leopard on your PC or Mac. And once you have it installed, you can choose to boot into Ubuntu instead of Windows or Leopard, every time you start your computer. It has its own features and software, and can run some Windows programs as well.

A lot of people love it, even though they have to install it themselves -- while your PC or Mac came with Windows or Leopard, most computers don't come with Ubuntu, so if you want Ubuntu on your computer you need to put it there yourself. And while you can download Ubuntu for free (or even have a CD mailed to your house for free!), actually putting it on your PC or Mac is the hard part. It works with most hardware on most computers, but for some things it doesn't work out of the box, and at those times you may need to ask the people on their forums for help.

Why would anyone do this? Because once you get it installed, it Just Works. And there are things that Ubuntu has that a lot of people want to try, and once they have it installed they find that they can't live without them.

Here are Ubuntu's three killer features!

Synaptic Package Manager

That doesn't sound like a very cool name, does it? What it is is the thing that keeps track of all the software you have installed on your Ubuntu PC. And what it does is it lets you install pretty much any software you want, any time you're connected to the Internet. There are thousands of free programs available, from Microsoft Office-compatible office suites to 3d first-person shooter games. All you have to do is click on Add/Remove Programs, tick off the boxes next to the programs you like, and click Install.

It's kind of like the iPhone Apps Store, except that everything is free! And Synaptic keeps everything updated automatically, so you never have to worry about downloading new patches yourself. It handles the uninstall, too, so if you decide you don't like a program just click on Add/Remove Programs and untick the box. Then press OK.

Instead of paying $100 for the basic version of Microsoft Office, you can install OpenOffice.org for free, and have it automatically updated! And instead of getting Word, Excel, and everything all in one package, you can decide which parts you need and get rid of the ones that're just taking up hard drive space. Using Synaptic, you can customize your PC to become anything from the ultimate sound mixing station to your ultimate PC and workstation, all without spending a dime! And did I mention it has lots of games?

Compiz Fusion

That's a pretty cool name. But what the heck is it? The answer: It's Linux's version of Vista's Aero Glass, or Leopard's Quartz. It gives your desktop cool 3d shinies, and unlike Aero it doesn't choke on older computers (or cheaper laptops). Just press the button for improved graphics effects, and enjoy! It works on my four-year-old laptop, and it'll probably work on your PC or Mac, too.

Out of the box, Compiz Fusion provides some pretty neat effects. Windows fly onto the screen, seemingly from somewhere behind you, and fly backwards and fade out when you close them. Alt-tabbing between windows gives you a preview of what each one is, and you can press Ctrl and Alt plus the left and right arrow keys to switch between two different desktops, sort of like Leopard's Spaces feature.

If you want to customize anything about Compiz Fusion's effects, just use Synaptic and pull down its Settings Manager! There you can choose from a huge array of effects, including numerous ones that aren't included in the default. Check out this video to see what kind of effects are possible with Beryl, one version of Compiz Fusion, and how they compare to Windows Vista: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC5uEe5OzNQ! You can also see just how fast it runs compared to Vista's Aero.

Security

There are countless Windows viruses and spyware programs out in the wild, so many that Windows security is a major industry. A lot of Windows users pay yearly subscription fees for professional-grade antivirus software, especially corporate and institutional users.

Why pay money to secure your PC? For all intents and purposes, Ubuntu is immune to spyware and viruses. And it doesn't keep giving you pop-ups asking you to "cancel or allow," either. Every now and then it asks you for your password, like when you want to install new software. But that's it.

No operating system will make you immune to "phishing" attacks, where you're tricked into giving your credit card number on a website that looks like a trusted site like eBay. But Ubuntu is so hardened against spyware and malware, that the only reason to install antivirus software on Ubuntu is to scan files that you send to your friends, the ones who are using Windows PCs.

The Upshot

Ubuntu has some serious killer features, that are worth checking out whether you're a power-user or not. You may find that it's easier to install and to use than Windows! And you may find that its features are worth sticking around for.

There's one more feature I haven't mentioned yet, though: The community. Because Ubuntu is programmed and maintained by real people like you, it just feels different to use. Programs stay out of your way, and don't nag you or bother you. And if you have trouble getting anything to work right, you can go to the Ubuntu Forums and ask politely for help. They're always looking for reports of new bugs, or even new ideas to try out. Heck, the note-taking app I use in Ubuntu has a button that lets me send feedback to the developers!

There are plenty of ways to help out with Ubuntu, even if you're not a techie. And the more people help out, the better it gets for everyone. Have fun!