What Version of Ubuntu?
Desktop Training - Ubuntu 8.04

If you're like me the first time you downloaded, burned and installed a Linux distribution you did some research first trying to find out what the differences between distributions are and which version will work best for you. Some popular distributions to select for beginners are Linspire, Xandros and Lycoris. While Ubuntu, Red Hat, Mandriva, and SuSe are most popular and offer flexibility and reliability each in their own way. Ubuntu Linux is becoming a hands down favorite in recent years and that's why today we're going to focus on the Ubuntu Linux distribution which includes a few different versions fine tuned for your specific needs.

To start of if you want to save yourself some time and just select the most popular version of Ubuntu i would recommend the newest version Ubuntu. If you're curious about Kubuntu, Edubuntu, or Xubuntu and think that they may be a benefit to you, read on.

Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and Edubuntu are the same Linux distribution at the base. They are the same because they use the same software repositories and release cycle but different because of the look, and feel of desktop environment of each individual version of Ubuntu and also the default applications may differ. All of the Ubuntu versions offer you a new release every six months you know you'll have the latest and greatest OS to try out todays elite open-source applications. All version are available for PC, 64-Bit and Mac architectures. And only 256 MB of RAM is required along with 4 GB of disk space to run the desktop installation.

 

Ubuntu, the regular version, offers users the Gnome desktop environment. Gnome, currently version 2.22, places its focus on simplicity and usability providing applications like the Soundjuicer and Evolution email which are native to Gnome.

Kubuntu is a version of Ubuntu that uses the rival KDE desktop environment instead of Gnome. this desktop focuses on providing users with the more familiar point-and-click method of navigating the Kubuntu interface. Just like the Gnome desktop environment KDE offer its own KDE-native applications like the very popular Amarok which serves as a complete Itunes replacement applications that also includes a few tricks(features) of its own.

Xubuntu gives users the Xfce desktop environment which is a lightweight compared to the size of KDE and Gnome. as far as navigation styles the Xfce desktop environment is a balance between the point-and-click of KDE and the simplicity of Gnome while maintaining the quickness of Xfce.

Using the Gnome desktop environment, Edubuntu uses the simplicity of the Gnome desktop environment along with an educational focus to provide a very useful distribution. Applications are focused Education like Atomix puzzle game, dia-gnome diagram editor, kbruch a fraction calculation teaching tool, and more.

What's all this funny nickname business? Heron this and Dapper that? Every time a new release comes out it has a codename attached to it, I've included a chart below that so you keep track of them all.

  • Ubuntu 9.04 - (Jaunty Jackalope) Released April 2009
  • Ubuntu 8.10 - (Intrepid Ibex) Released October 2008
  • Ubuntu 8.04 - (Hardy Heron) Released April 2008
  • Ubuntu 7.10 - (Gutsy Gibbon) Released October 2007
  • Ubuntu 7.04 - (Feisty Fawn) Released April 2007
  • Ubuntu 6.10 - (Edgy Eft) Released October 2006
  • Ubuntu 6.06 - (Dapper Drake) Released June 2006
  • Ubuntu 5.10 - (Breezy Badger) Released October 2005
  • Ubuntu 5.04 - (Hoary Hedgehog) Released April 2005
  • Ubuntu 4.10 - (Warty Warthog) Released October 2004

 

Where do I get them? Click on the links below to download these popular Ubuntu versions.

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