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(More customer reviews)There's nothing on this DVD you can't download for free, but you might still wish to buy it for the convenience of having a disk and to send a little cash to Canonical, the sponsor of Ubuntu.
Ubuntu is a Linux operating system. Ubuntu Linux is not a version of Windows even though it runs on the same kind of computer. If your computer was a radio, then Windows would be AM and Linux would be FM. You can use either one, but only one can be the native operating system at a time. You can listen to news on AM radio and you can listen to news on FM radio but you can't listen to AM stations on FM. Generally, if your program runs only on Windows, it won't run on Linux. (If you look too closely at this analogy, it will fall to pieces from all the exceptions.) But that doesn't mean you can't get work done.
I like Ubuntu because I use it to to edit and layout a monthly newsletter with OpenOffice.org, an 'office' suite. I use Thunderbird to handle email, including an address book, custom filters & folders, and multiple accounts. I use Picasa to organize my photo collection. I use GIMP to create graphics to use on web pages and other places and to edit/touch-up photos. I play card games and an online tank fighting game. I listen to mp3s. I can read/write DVDs and CDs. I can rip DVDs to .avi files that will play on my pda. I use Slimserver to stream music to my home audio system, with custom playlists. I can watch TV shows on the website Hulu.com.
I have entered data for a vast family tree using GRAMPS. GRAMPS can import and export GEDCOMs and can create a multitude of customized reports about your family tree.
I use Pidgin to keep in touch with friends on AIM, and Firefox lets me use MySpace and Facebook, etc. I also upload and watch videos on YouTube, read RSS feeds, and create photo books on Shutterfly using the Firefox browser.
I can open, read, and write .doc, .xls, and .ppt files from MS-Office using OpenOffice and share them with colleagues. I can read and create pdf files, too.
All of the software I've mentioned above either comes free on the Ubuntu disk or you can download and add it for free using Synaptic, the software installer.
Probably the best thing about using Linux is the complete absence of nag-ware. Your computer programs won't constantly nag you to "set this application as the default for X type of file" or to upgrade to the version that actually works. Linux, and the applications on it, were created by people who use the programs. They don't like intrusive ads, pop-ups, and nag-ware anymore than you do. You can't buy software like this.
The system for adding and removing software, called Synaptic, is elegant and easy to use.
Ubuntu is not without flaws. If you know what hardware you want to use, Google around and find out if it will work with Ubuntu-- sometimes there aren't drivers for certain kinds of hardware. What that means is that your wifi card or your printer may not play nicely with Ubuntu. Check first!
I have yet to find a Linux video editor for use by non-experts. The video editing software I have found generally demands a higher level of familiarity with the technical specifications of digital video than I have come close to achieving. I have to use a different operating system to make video DVDs of home movies & slides. That's not to say it's impossible with Linux; it's just impossible for me with Linux.
There is a large and active Ubuntu web forum where I have been happy to find answers to my questions and very little of the geek arrogance that used to be so prevalent on the USENET linux newsgroups.
Ubuntu Linux is a great product, with free upgrades and updates, and an enthusiastic user community that will help you make the most of it. It is as easy to learn as any new operating system-- if you made the jump from Windows 95 to Windows XP, or you taught yourself how to use XP, then you can use Ubuntu. But remember, Ubuntu is not, and is not trying to be, a Windows operating system. If you can live with that, and you're willing to learn how it works, you should be very happy.
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Ubuntu is an operating system consisting of free and open source software. With Ubuntu you can surf the web, read email, create documents, spreadsheets and more! Ubuntu gives you the power and flexibility for business, education and home use.Ubuntu is easy to install, free of viruses and perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. The DVD will install in a number of widely-spoken languages, with support for many more available to download. Ubuntu is community developed, commercially supported and offers free maintenance updates after release. This version will receive updates for the next 18 months. When the next version is released, you can upgrade to it for free. This is a double sided DVD. One side is for x86 (or 32-bit) based systems including Intel Pentium, Intel Core and AMD Athlon. Choose this if you are unsure. The other side is a 64-bit version of Ubuntu which will run on AMD64 or Intel64 based computers (including AMD Athlon64 and Intel Core 2).Comprehensive DVD with desktop and server installation, alternate installation modes (e.g. OEM install), plus supported add-on software and translations for over 100 spoken languages.Office productivity suite, web browser and email for your everyday needs. Instant messaging, image editing and various tools for accessing and managing your multimedia files. A selection of server applications, including email and database servers and cluster management tools
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