Ubuntu
👉 Overview
👀 What ?
Ubuntu is a free and open-source Linux distribution based on Debian. It is one of the most popular choices of Linux for desktop computers, laptops, and servers. It is known for its ease of use, strong community support, and rich software ecosystem.
🧐 Why ?
Ubuntu is important because it provides a stable, secure, and user-friendly operating system that is completely free to use. It is often chosen for servers due to its robust security features. For desktop users, it is a great alternative to Windows and macOS, offering full control over the system and a vast array of free software.
⛏️ How ?
To use Ubuntu, you first need to download the ISO image from the official Ubuntu website. You can then create a bootable USB stick or DVD and use it to install Ubuntu on your computer. During the installation, you will be guided through setting up your system, including creating a user account and partitioning your hard drive if necessary. Once the installation is complete, you can start exploring and customizing Ubuntu to suit your needs.
⏳ When ?
Ubuntu has been used since its first release in October 2004. Its development is led by UK-based Canonical Ltd., a company founded by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth.
⚙️ Technical Explanations
Ubuntu is a widely used, open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel and Debian, another open-source operating system. The Linux kernel is the core of Ubuntu, managing the system's resources and providing essential services for all other software.
In addition to the kernel, Ubuntu utilizes software from the GNU project. The GNU project is a mass collaboration of free software, and it provides many of the basic tools and systems that make up an operating system.
Ubuntu defaults to GNOME as its desktop environment. A desktop environment is the interface users interact with. It provides the look and feel of the operating system, including elements such as the toolbar, windows, and icons.
The software offerings in Ubuntu are vast, encompassing everything from productivity tools to multimedia applications. This makes it a versatile choice for many different types of users, from casual home users to professionals and developers.
Ubuntu includes a powerful package management system called Advanced Packaging Tool (apt). This system allows users to easily install, update, and remove software, simplifying software management.
Developers are also catered for in Ubuntu. The operating system provides a wide range of programming languages, libraries, and development tools. This means that whether you're a web developer, a software programmer, or a data scientist, Ubuntu has the tools you need.
Security is a key feature of Ubuntu. It incorporates a built-in firewall to protect against unauthorized access, regular system updates to ensure software is up-to-date and secure, and a philosophy known as the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each program and user has only the minimum access rights necessary to perform their function, reducing the potential for exploitation.
sudo apt-get update: Updates the list of available packages and their versions.sudo apt-get upgrade: Installs available upgrades of all packages currently installed on the system.sudo apt-get install [package name]: Installs a new package.sudo apt-get remove [package name]: Removes an installed package.sudo apt-get autoremove: Removes packages that were automatically installed to satisfy dependencies for some package and that are no more needed.sudo apt-get clean: Clears out the local repository of retrieved package files.sudo shutdown -h now: Shuts down the system.sudo reboot: Reboots the system.ls: Lists all files and directories in the current directory.cd [directory name]: Changes the current directory to the specified one.pwd: Displays the path of the current directory.cp [source file] [destination file]: Copies files.mv [source file] [destination file]: Moves files.rm [file name]: Deletes a file.cat [file name]: Displays the content of a file.nano [file name]: Opens a file in the nano text editor.chmod [permissions] [file name]: Changes the permissions of a file.man [command name]: Displays the manual for a command.