Today there is a new kid on the block. Ubuntu is a Debian Linux/GNU base Operating System. Since this is a public creation, it will only cost you what you're willing to put into it. Free is such a relative term, but if cash is the first thing that jumps into your mind --- you will need no cash to get a copy of Ubuntu 8.04 LTS if you have a computer with an Internet connection. Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (Long Term Support) will win over many Windows users. Of course, there will be many branded minds that will not change, but you owe it to yourself to investigate it and graded it.
I suggest you grade it by its merit, and not its name. Like anything new, there will be some fumbling, but Ubuntu isn't really new. You can type Ubuntu into your search engine and find it quickly. An open computer operating system, which allows you to participate in the next generation of the Ubuntu OS. The Linux/GNU Operating Systems have been around since the day of mainframe computers with less power than your desk-top computer. For most computer users, you will need to read about Linux/GNU with the other Operating Systems names. Yes, there are more than just Ubuntu, but not to repeat nor extend this article beyond comfortable Internet Reading size you can investigate at your leisure.
OpenOffice.org accompanies Ubuntu to your desktop. Yes, it rivals Windows or Corel's office products. People have been roped into the windows monopoly for years, but private citizens have seen the need (in todays capitalistic world) to produce a quality opponent. Well, in a capitalistic society, the only control on pricing is competition. Sadly man hasn't stepped out of his animalistic roots. Linux systems haven't the third party support Windows has, but in time that too will change as more and more people jump onto the Ubuntu train. OpenOffice.org has a Presentation program and a Spreadsheet so professionals will have minimal problems in there daily routines. I preferred the days when O.S.-s weren't joined with visual windows, because I was much faster typing in the commands than chasing down commands with a mouse. That was me, but like most people doing daily routines I see the mental ease in not remembering the specific commands to type down on a blank monitor.
Like third party software producers products, driver sets for add-on hardware is behind Windows too. You will need to research products before you buy. This limitation will quickly be rectified as people jump aboard also. Ubuntu has a lot of Brit and American users while mainland Europeans tend to use other forms of the Linux/GNU Operating Systems. This is a good sign for future developments, variety keeps people on their toes with laptops and home computers. Architects, on Windows systems, tend to use Auto CAD for drawings and calculation, but there is a CAD program available for Ubuntu also. With every change people make in life, there is a learning curve to overcome. Gumption is all it takes to apply one's self to beat off a near no competition product. The changes will benefit mankind down the line.
This article is being written on the OpenOffice.org program. My 64 bit computer is operating on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS 64 bit OS too. You can freehand draw or insert art into the pages too. You can publish to PDF, spell-check, or store your writings on a clipboard to transfer data. Not only do have the capability to save your info (data) in this operating system formats, but you can save them in Windows formats too. Try it, you may just like it. I have Windows and Ubuntu on the same computer. Why? I've grown tired of the Window releases that were update so drastically the drivers need to be replaced too. Many manufactures of hardware will not produce Windows XP x64 drivers anymore. If you don't have Vista you can't use the new hardware anymore. I decided to make the change now before we rent Microsoft programs instead of owning them. A pass the buck economic system is leading down that road so I'm getting off that road. Put the lime in the coconut and drink it all down. Call me in the morning.
