Time for a Non-Proprietary Alternative?

Chances are that if you are a computer user you have heard of Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or the new Vista.  These proprietary products are all properly termed operating systems.  An operating system connects you and your applications (programs) with your computer.  

What most computer users do not know is that there are other operating systems available!  Many are not only better but are also free.

Ubuntu is one such operating system that is gaining very rapidly in popularity.  Ubuntu (the word describes an African concept meaning 'humanity towards others' or 'I am what I am because of who we all are') is available for free download at http://www.ubuntu.com and also on CD from several sources including this blogger.  

Right now you probably are thinking 'If it is free it can't be any good'.  But that is not the case at all.  Ubuntu is a Linux derivative and thus licensed under rights not well-known outside IT circles.  Part of the Open Source Movement, Ubuntu is used in schools, homes, governments, and business such as Google and Dell.

Some of the reasons for Ubuntu's popularity are:

It's free - and always will be, including any future updates

It's safe - inherently designed to protect from hackers, viruses and malware  (Expensive anti-virus software is not needed!)

It's green - runs on older computers and does not require costly hardware upgrades or replacements

It's friendly - easy to use with a large user-support community at http://ubuntuforums.org (Support contracts are also available if desired)

It's complete - no need to purchase additional software for office productivity, image-editing, browsing, e-mail, IM, etc

Launched in 2004 by Mark Shuttleworth and Canonical Ltd, Ubuntu is promoted, supported and developed by persons who believe everyone deserves a fres, safe, and reliable operating system.

(Ubuntu 8.04 LTS released April 24, 2008)