What is Ubuntu???

I did a search and could not find my answers so brought it here.

I understand it is linux based, but does it include everything for installation within the installation package itself?

Is Ubuntu itself the term for the Linux OS?

Is it 64 Bit compatible and dual boot possible with Vista Ultimate 64?

What are the benefits/cons for it?

and so on....... Ide like to learn as much as i can to check it out.

If there is a thread i missed, pls dont hang me...just post it.

 

Try typing ubuntu into a Google search.

 

Tx...I will start there and I approached it from the windows side rather than Linux as I am looking at a dual boot.

 

I'm not actually an expert in this field but yeah Ubuntu has everything you need for installation and it's actually very simple following the instructions, also you can have almost any add-on from the repository.

There is a 64 bit version but some programs will not work on it, i dont know much about it, just that it gives a good headhache to a lot of people.

And yeah, you can dual boot with Vista, Xp and whatever you want no problem.

Try looking for an ubuntu community, I know the spanish one which is awesome, there you have everything you need, so there must be a similar one in english for sure

 

Ubuntu is a Linux distro. It comes with a ton of applications, and it is another in the ever-growing list of Linux distros trying desperately to make Linux more appealing as a mainstream option.

Ubuntu DOES support 64-bit installations, and all Linux distros support dual-booting.

Linux is the term for the Linux OS, but there are numerous distros (distributions) that offer different functionalities. Referring to Ubuntu as your OS, while technically wrong, isn't that far off.

Benefits:
Very stable.
Free.
Open Source software for most things you might want to do already included with the installation package.
Auto updates that work when YOU want.
Upgradeable.
Supports Compiz Fusion


Cons:
Installing programs that AREN'T included can be more difficult.
The command line works almost nothing like you expect from MS-DOS.
Gaming compatibility is a crapshoot (some work, some don't, and there's nothing you can do about the ones that don't)
It can be hard to find an open-source or Linux-compatible replacement for the software you want (but it gets easier every day).


Beyond that...Google is your friend

 

Can I install windows based applications such as office in Ubuntu?

 

No, it's just like switching to a Mac. You need Ubuntu compatible devices, drivers, and programs.

 

But you can use VMWare to run Windows under Ubuntu. Which IMO is much better than doing Vice Versa.

And you can run some Windows apps under Wine.

 

Ubuntu is the name for a popular Linux Distribution.

Think of Distribution as a ready-made set of Linux and its related softwares - because Linux is open-source and highly customizable, anyone can build Linux-based system in their own ways. The results are distributions, and there are numerous distributions. Ubuntu is one of the most popular distribution now,and it is derived from Debian, which is another popular distribution. Ubuntu is known for its user-friendliness and size of its software repository (meaning, there are plenty of softwares you can easily install on it).

There is both 64bit version and 32bit version of Ubuntu, and yes, you can dual boot them with Vista, even triple-boot, or quadruple-boot. Most of open-source softwares work fine on 64bit Linux, but some proprietary softwares, such as Flash, don't work very well on 64bit Linux.

Ubuntu, with its large community and easy of use, is one of the highly recommendable distributions for Linux newcomers - although more experienced users tend not like Ubuntu, I think it will be good choice for you.

 

It's dual boot, right? So that means separate and distinct operating systems.

 

Ubuntu has its own Office called OpenOffice which isnt that bad, in fact unless you are doing some Microsoft developing or want games Ubuntu has everything you need, i have both Ubuntu and XP on my old laptop and are happy with them

 

There is a Windows emulator Wine, which let you run Windows applications on Linux. However, not every softwares run on Wine, and it is bit tricky to use (Wine-doors make it somewhat easier).

That being said, there are plenty of open-source softwares for Linux - that are free and easy to install - for most of thinkable uses for computer, that you are unlikely to need to run Windows application. The exception is games.

 

Echoing above posts, the only way you will run windows-based applications in Ubuntu is under a virtual machine running Windows. If you're dual-booting, just use Windows for Windows apps and Ubuntu for Linux apps.

 

Has anyone got a screenshot of the internet interface? Is it similar to explorer? Quick?

 

Th internet interface is FireFox
Office: open office
images: GIMP

I would like to say that the main things are:
Ubuntu is:
a linux distro
compadible with 64 bit
includes everything you need
a great low reqiurment; fully functional Operating System

 

Download Firefox and see for yourself.
It looks the same regardless of whether you're running it from Windows, Ubuntu, Mac or anything else.
(Yes, there are other browsers available as well, just picked Firefox for the sake of example)

In general, Ubuntu (or any other Linux distribution) has software available for you to do anything you'd do under Windows.
You've got browsers, office suites, media players and whatever else you might expect from a PC.

The only area where it's lacking is gaming. Most games are Windows-only, and while some can be emulated, many can only be played (properly) on Windows.

But for that, you can just dualboot.

 

I guess my interest lies in just mastering another OS...

I remember the days of dual booting IBM and Windows...oh crap Im dating myself.

 

I'm in the same situation as you, there is nothing in Ubuntu i don't have in Windows, however i don't like to be a complete ignorant when talking about linux

 

U can try out ubuntu without installing it...all u need is just a live CD!!

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

U basically run the whole OS off of the CD and try it out! Coo!!

 

I recommend Wubi over LiveCD. This way you can test Driver Compatibility and easily uninstall Ubuntu from Windows.