This chapter describes some of the major features of Ubuntu. It also describes
how to install it on your computer or run the live CD version of Ubuntu.
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IN THIS CHAPTER
Ubuntu bursts onto the
Linux scene
Challenges facing Ubuntu
Installing Ubuntu
Using Ubuntu
Running Ubuntu Linux
Overview of Ubuntu
Although Ubuntu is primarily a Debian distribution on the inside, Ubuntu??™s focus on internationalization
and general usability, its regular release schedule, and its simplified installation process are
what make it different from Debian.
South African businessman, Internet entrepreneur, and longtime Debian advocate Mark Shuttleworth
sponsors Ubuntu Linux through his organization Canonical Limited (www.canonical.com). Some
of the best and brightest open source developers are on Canonical??™s team for producing Ubuntu.
The organization??™s commitment to free distribution and rapid development has attracted a large
and active user and development community for Ubuntu.
Ubuntu Releases
Coming into 2008, the Ubuntu project has produced seven releases, which have basically stuck to
Ubuntu??™s promised every-six-month release cycle. Each release carries a version number derived
from the year and month in which it was released, and is named after a woodland creature (your
woodlands may differ from those in South Africa, home of Ubuntu):
Warty Warthog??”Released in October 2004 under Ubuntu version number 4.
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