What is Ubuntu?

The word "ubuntu" is African, meaning 'Humanity to others', or 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. The Ubuntu distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world.

Ubuntu GNU/Linux is a free, multi-user, multi-tasking operating system.

• An operating system (OS ) is a set of computer programs that manage the hardware and software resources of a computer. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_System) All computers have an operating system of some sort. Microsoft Windows, Apple OSX and Ubuntu GNU/Linux are all examples of operating systems.
• Multi-tasking means that the computer can do (or appear to do) several things at the same time. Most modern computers actually only do one thing at a time, but they do them so quickly, and in rapid succession, as to appear to be doing several things at once.
• Multi-user means that more than one person can use the computer, even at the same time. Each person using the computer has their own account, with their own private space to store files and data. Practically speaking, most computers only have one keyboard and mouse attached so only one person can sit at the computer to use it. There are, however, several ways for multiple people to use the computer simultaneously.
• Free, in this context, means "free as in freedom". It is about liberty, and not price. The Free Software Foundation specifies four kinds of freedoms necessary for software to be classified as Free:
  • The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
  • The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
  • The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

Ubuntu GNU/Linux satisfies the four freedoms, so is considered Free Software. It is because it is Free Software that FreeGeek Columbus is able to give it to you. You, in turn, are permitted (and encouraged!) to give Ubuntu to your friends and neighbors.