Ubuntu 14.04

 

Ubuntu is one of the more popular distributions, with it's first release in 2004 and funding by Canonical LTD. in 2005.  Offering systems for cloud, server, desktop, phone, tablets and even your tv, they have their hands in pretty much every electronic device we use on a daily basis.  Unfortunately they still haven't figured out a way to do laundry, dishes and the dusting.  Who wouldn't want to learn one system for all of their electronics?

Ubuntu releases a new version every six months like clockwork.  Each LTS release receives five years of support, any other release receives nine months of support.  LTS releases happen every two years.  Ubuntu 14.04 was an LTS release which means it'll be two years before the next Long Term Support release.  The packages for Ubuntu are based off the unstable versions in Debian and adapted to Ubuntu's operating system and desktop environment.  Some of these packages are reconfigured from source to be compatible with Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is funded and controlled by Canonical.  Their developers are paid, they are under direction from someone higher up.  There are volunteer helpers but there is a selection process that you have to work through.  Ubuntu does offer a subscription for their phone support, though most of their support is geared towards business needs.

So we have come to the final portion of the review, my personal opinion.  The installation went pretty fast for me.  I was pleased with the lack of effort needed on my part for the installation.  I was able to start and leave without needing to constantly check it.  Sudo was already installed into Ubuntu which means I didn't have to mess with the terminal, even though I don't mind messing with it.  The ability to search through a software center to find programs with ease was a nice addition.

However, the look of Unity and the lack of personalization of Unity desktop environment leaves me seeking more.  The lack of organization and the dependency on the search bar just makes Ubuntu seem less new user friendly.  I also had freezing issues upon opening some of the programs.  Like any program this distribution will take time getting used to.  I will not be returning to Ubuntu to get used to it, or to see if I can better understand it later.  My reasoning behind this is because of one program that is installed with Ubuntu.  Zeitgeist is a key stroke program and every time you type anything into the search box in the dash those key logs get sent back to Canonical.

While you can disable Zeitgeist and uninstall it in the software center I have a major issue with any program automatically logging everything I search for.  No I'm not a conspiracy theorist who thinks they are going to do awful things with that information to take over the world.  I am, however, concerned for my privacy and the privacy of my fellow new users who may not know that this program is there or how to turn it off.  Ubuntu doesn't tell you that they are doing this, they just do it.  This doesn't sit well with me.  

As always, if you liked what you saw in the overview and the key logging doesn't bother you feel free to give it a try by visiting http://www.ubuntu.com/.  Form your own opinion of Ubuntu, it may work well for your needs.

System Requirements: https://help.ubuntu.com/14.04/installation-guide/armhf/ch03s04.html