If you guys have read or view some of the post here, you will know that I am a Macintosh user. However, today I want to story to you about Ubuntu, the cousin of Mac OS X. Why? Just continue reading.

Ubuntu

What is Ubuntu? You guys can read all about them at www.ubuntu.com, but there are few points I would like to focus on: it is ultimately a free Operating System (OS), funded by Canonical and it is open source, which means they have strong guys standing behind them.

The codes are shared among the community, some of them are big guys, such as Google, IBM, Firefox and many more. Instead of a one company teamwork, they utilise the whole world as their developers (you know, the guy who sit and sleep in front of their computer).

Point 0 : Their Official Website

For starting, comparing this two big company. Which one shows better marketing site? Design? Information? Ubuntu homepage is the current design, sleek, simple, easy to navigate and focused on what they are ‘selling’, a free operating system. However, take a look on the right side. I bet you can recognise what site is that. Do you know that, their interface and design looks like 90s? Eukh.

Point 1 : Security

Ubuntu and Mac OS X shared almost the same background: their parents are both based on the Unix operating system. Unix has a very well written security backbone, unlike you-know-who. Ubuntu, which based on Linux is also build a security in mind. It is almost impenetrable from virus, or remote attack. Well, what I am saying here is on normal and daily basis, not high-tech hacking or brute-force to overcome the built-in firewall.

You don’t get virus from shared USB drive, or from visiting you-know-what sites, or from keygen-malware attack. It is because they are protected from the start. No virus, nor malware will be able to get through your system core, without your permission. Keygen-spread malware? No. You won’t need that. I’ll explain later.

Point 2 : Free, No Gold Needed

Photographer: Munzir Fauzi

Ubuntu is free, and always be free. Even, if you ordered a CD from Ubuntu, they will ship it to your door, for free. FUH-REE. Understand that? Some of you might want to change to Mac since long time ago, but there is always the money problem. But, not today, or at least till you get one of the Apple product. You can get an OS that is highly resemblance to Mac OS X, which is Linux based system, and I recommend to you, Ubuntu.

Besides the OS itself is free of golds, the applications that bundled with the system are also free. We called them open source software (OSS) and they are really up to industry standard. However, I will not list them here. There are just too many of them. It is just that you never try to look out for them, because you are too busy with your FarmVille.

Point 3 : Hardware Compatibility

For your information, Ubuntu can run on a very decent computer with 512mb RAM, 105MHz processor, and about 5gb hard disk. Graphic card? Neh. No need the latest NVidia nor ATI because they can just run fine on integrated graphic chipset (if the chip is supported).

Personally, I have tried installing Ubuntu on my 2005-based desktop setup, and they run awesome! The animation, the eye-candy, they’re just fine. Try installing Vista on 2005 setup, and you can die of waiting the computer to boot or run a file. The latest version, the something-7 they called it, requires gigs of hard disk space, and even though they run on netbook, you’re limited to certain accessibility.

Point 4 : Piracy. Aye Aye, Captain!

Worry not, you will never be chased for piracy. Because they are free and open source software, they can be downloaded, distributed and shared among your friends. Furthermore, you are encouraged to spread the application among your friends.

One of the important application in daily life, is the productivity software for writing, presentation and spreadsheet. Most of us are very familiar with the term Office Word, Office Powerpoint and Office Excel. Worry not, there is also a free version of this productivity apps. They are bundled as OpenOffice.

No more expiration of serials, of get busted when you mistakenly update your office suite. OpenOffice is 100% free, and available for Ubuntu, Mac, and even Windows.

Point 5 : Technical Support

Ubuntu comes with supports. They have normal range of support, or you can use the LTS version of their OS, which means Long Term Support. With this support, your OS will be updated almost daily and you can go to their community forum for bugs and fixes. If you are clever, you paid for nothing, but they keep you butt safe everyday with their security and compatibility updates. All you need to do is just to get an internet connection, and you’re done. Safe and sound.

Point 6 : User Interface / Design

If this is one of your point that hold you from using Ubuntu, then you’re wrong. TOTALLY WRONG. Have you ever try them? Do you know that they are just as customisable as Windows does. You can change its theme, icons easier than Windows is.

To modify Windows theme or icon, you need to ‘hack’ into their interface core, where by Ubuntu opened them for customisation. Aren’t that cool bro? No restriction to change how your desktop looks. No hacking-patching needed.

If you said Windows has its eye-candy interface and experience, Ubuntu have them too. However, we cover that on next point.

Source of image : click here

Point 7 : Expandable Modifications

Move on to the next point. Modification. With Ubuntu, just like on Windows, you can add more functionality by installing any application which can boost your productivity. Compiz Fusion is one of the most used modification by Linux community to enhance its user experience. Nowadays, this eye-candy framework is built-in into the system. Even more, you can add up the functionality if you know how to code them. Same goes to the notification system. It has been upgraded and embedded into the system.

If you have your own idea and customise functionality, and want to share them to the community, you can do so. Even better, if the function seems to be widely used and can improve the experience of using a computer, it might even absorbed into the core of Ubuntu. Just don’t limit your self.

Point 8 : Fast Learning Curve

Ok. Do you know how to operate a computer since you were born? Do you know how Windows work, on the first day you touch a keyboard? Do you? You don’t. Unless, your brain has been installed with the manual, while you are still in you mom’s belly.

Human learn. They have the ability to learn new things. From walking to running, to jumping, to kissing, to killing and to operate a computer. You learn them step by step. If you stop learning, you are losing the greatest gift to humankind. So, start exploring Ubuntu. Learn new tricks. Show off to your girl.

Please do not stop learning and saying to yourself that Ubuntu is hard to operate and bla bla bla. Just start.

Point 9 : Popularity

Ubuntu is not popular. Ubuntu is, what? And the list goes on for those who never really care about Ubuntu.

Let me tell you something. Linux is used all over the world. They are server grade operating system. They are used all around the world. They are used in mobile phone (MeeGo, Android), netbook (Ubuntu Remix, Jolicloud) and super-computers (link). Website and blogs, part of them are served from Linux based server.

That is how popular linux is and to use Ubuntu as your server is more simple than to turn a Windows into a server. For Windows, you need special version then it can act as a server. This is a hot topic to debate. But, seriously, Ubuntu not something you can put aside.

Point 10 : Because You’re Windows User

Yup. You read it right. Because you’re a Windows user. Me? I used all three of them. Ok. This post is not about me. It is about you.

Being Windows user doesn’t mean you have the best operating system. Every system has its glitch. However, you can utilise the pros of Ubuntu by installing them into dual boot. This way, you can have the benefit of both world.

Trying using Ubuntu for a solid week. Or a month. During that period, put away your nagging anti-virus alert, notifying you that the USB drive that connected to your computer is affected by a malware or such. Be worry-free. Be calm whenever people slot in their USB drive into your computer. If you found it, just delete it.

Try that. If you still saying that Ubuntu aren’t worth it, or just a waste of time. I bet you are so full of yourself. Calling them (Ubuntu users) as fanatic, however you should mirror your self too.