Ubuntu: Dare to make the change from Windows to Linux

Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu: variations of the graphical interface
The three big distributions of the OS are Ubuntu which has the GNOME graphical interface, Kubuntu with KDE, and Xubuntu and its light Xfce interface. The base of these three distributions is common with the same programs, APT depots, and code name… only the graphical interface changes. You should try at least once the different LiveCD’s so that you can determine which environment suits you best.

Ubuntu and GNOME are often deemed to be darker and purer, more accessible but not as configurable (the brown interface by default). Kubuntu is reputed to be more dynamic and customisable (blue interface). Xubuntu is more interesting for older machines where you are looking for a reactive OS with a quick start up. In the three cases, you will nevertheless find an OS which is just as simple to use as Windows.

Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu Server… and other variants for different uses and profiles
There are numerous base versions of the Ubuntu install. The best known of these is Ubuntu Desktop (32 or 64 bits) for desktop and laptop computers, and Ubuntu Server. Besides these there are other versions which are supported by Canonical, as well as unofficial releases. Edubuntu is aimed at education, Ubuntu Netbook Remix for Netbooks and their Intel Atom processors (optimised launcher), MythBuntu to simplify the installation of MythTV on a Home Theatre Personal Computer (Media Centre), Ubuntu Studio for multimedia production (optimised for artistic audio, video and graphics creation), uSbuntu which we have already seen in through its use on a memory stick and the promising Ubuntu Mobile project which is aimed at mobile devices (PDA, smarphones, mobile phones…). But the list can go on and on if you start to include all of the base versions with their different implemented flavours, like nUbuntu for server and network tests, Ubuntu-cdprof aimed at teachers, etc…

And if this wasn’t enough, create your own customised version of Ubuntu
Numerous tools allow you to customize Ubuntu. To start with, we can point out the Remastersys package which allows you to fully backup your Ubuntu configuration on a CD/DVD and create your own LiveCD which you can share with your friends. ModCustom LiveCD,  MultiBoot Live USB and uSBuntu also exist which you can use to customise your installations, but this time on a memory stick or memory card with the RTU pack (codec’s, customisation, system tools...). You can also install all of your applications, audio and video codec’s and create a distribution which best matches your needs.