Ubuntu (IPA: [uːˈbuːntuː] in English,[2] [ùbúntú] in Zulu) is a Linux distribution for desktops, laptops, and servers. It has consistently been rated among the most popular of the many GNU/Linux distributions. Ubuntu’s goals include providing an up-to-date yet stable operating system for the average user and having a strong focus on usability and ease of installation. It is a derivative of Debian GNU/Linux. Ubuntu is sponsored by Canonical Ltd, owned by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. The name of the 
distribution comes from the southern African concept of ubuntu which may be rendered roughly as “humanity toward others”, “we are people because of other people”, or “I am who I am because of who we all are”, though other meanings have been suggested.[3] This Linux distribution is named Ubuntu as it is expected to bring the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world. Ubuntu is free software and users can share it among each other.
Kubuntu and Xubuntu are official subprojects of the Ubuntu project, aiming to bring the KDE and Xfce desktop environments, respectively, to the Ubuntu core (Ubuntu uses GNOME for its desktop environment). Edubuntu is an official subproject designed for school environments, and should be equally suitable for children to use at home.[4] Gobuntu is an official subproject that is aimed at adhering strictly to the Free Software Foundation’s Four Freedoms.The newest official subproject is JeOS. Ubuntu JeOS (pronounced “Juice”) is a concept for what an operating system should look like in the context of a virtual appliance.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu releases new versions every six months, and supports those releases for 18 months with daily security fixes and patches to critical bugs. The most recent version, Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon), was released on 18 October 2007. There are also Long Term Support (LTS) releases, which have three years support for the desktop version and five years for the server version. The most recent major LTS version, Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake), was released on June 1, 2006. The first update, Ubuntu 6.06.1, was released on August 10, 2006, while the second, 6.06.2, was released on January 21, 2008.[7] The next major LTS version will be 8.04 (Hardy Heron), scheduled for release in April 2008. Following this, Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) is planned for release in October 2008.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a community developed operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. Whether you use it at home, at school or at work Ubuntu contains all the applications you’ll ever need, from word processing and email applications, to web server software and programming tools.
Ubuntu is and always will be free of charge. You do not pay any licensing fees. You can download, use and share Ubuntu with your friends, family, school or business for absolutely nothing.
We issue a new desktop and server release every six months. That means you’ll always have the the latest and greatest applications that the open source world has to offer.
Ubuntu is designed with security in mind. You get free security updates for at least 18 months on the desktop and server. With the Long Term Support (LTS) version you get three years support on the desktop, and five years on the server. There is no extra fee for the LTS version, we make our very best work available to everyone on the same free terms. Upgrades to new versions of Ubuntu are and always will be free of charge.
Everything you need on one CD, which provides a complete working environment. Additional software is available online.
The graphical installer enables you to get up and running quickly and easily. A standard installation should take less than 25 minutes.
Once installed your system is immediately ready-to-use. On the desktop you have a full set of productivity, internet, drawing and graphics applications, and games.
On the server you get just what you need to get up and running and nothing you don’t.
What does Ubuntu mean?
Ubuntu is an African word meaning ‘Humanity to others’, or ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world.
How can you get Ubuntu?
There are now three ways for you to get Ubuntu. Just choose the delivery option that works best for you:
Download now - Download the Ubuntu, Edubuntu or Kubuntu CD installer to your computer now.
Please note: the CD Installer is nearly 700M. If you don’t have a fast internet connection you may want to consider requesting a CD.
Buy on CD or DVD – Buy a CD or DVD with Ubuntu, Edubuntu or Kubuntu CD, or a large number of CDs from a distributor near you. If you are in North America you can get Ubuntu and Kubuntu on DVD from Amazon.com.
Request a free CD – Request a free Ubuntu, Edubuntu or Kubuntu CD from Canonical.
* Delivery typically takes 6-10 weeks
* Use each CD as many times as you like – you are free to use it on as many computers as you wish and to pass on to others
* Learn more by visiting the Shipit Questions page.
