Ubuntu is a popular, free, and open-source operating system based on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution. It is developed and maintained by a company called Canonical Ltd, which is based in the UK.
The term “Ubuntu” comes from the Nguni language of Southern Africa and can be loosely translated as “humanity towards others,” a philosophy that reflects the spirit of open source software development.
Ubuntu is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of installation. It offers several variants to cater to different user needs, including desktop, server, and core editions.
The desktop edition is designed for personal computers and laptops, while the server edition is optimized for servers with additional tools for server management and system administration. The core edition is designed for IoT devices and robots.
Ubuntu follows a regular release cycle, launching a new version every six months, usually in April and October. These are identified by a version number derived from the year and month of release, for example, Ubuntu 21.04 was released in April 2021. Furthermore, every two years a Long Term Support (LTS) version is released, which offers support and updates for five years as opposed to the nine months of support for regular releases.
Ubuntu includes thousands of pieces of software, starting from the Linux kernel and including a full suite of desktop applications, from word processing and spreadsheet applications to internet access applications, software for graphic design, programming languages and tools, and games.