Software > Operating Systems

Ubuntu 9 – Linux for Human Beings Hits the Spot

By Paula Graham

A look at Ubuntu 9.10 and what the open-source alternative to Microsoft Windows can offer

In the midst of the Windows 7 hype, the open source Ubuntu operating system has been quietly moving towards the release of version 9.10 on 29 October 2009.

Why no fanfare for its slick new release?

Simply because Ubuntu is nurtured by a community-led Foundation which doesn't have a publicity budget.  So, in case you've barely heard of it, I'll start from the beginning.

Ubuntu is a Bantu word which expressed the African National Congress's values during the struggle against apartheid.  It's also a Linux-based operating system (OS) founded by a South African dot.com entrepreneur who decided to give something back to the world.  This translates into three simple values for the OS:

• anyone can distribute and use Ubuntu without license fees
• everyone should be able to use it in their own language
• disability should not be a barrier

Environmentally, Ubuntu actively supports low-cost, low-power hardware alternatives. These are values it seems easy to get behind.

So is this about good hearts or good software? 

We really don't have to choose between ethics and utility.  Ubuntu is becoming a serious competitor on its own merits. Linux is on 60% of the world's servers (a figure even acknowledged by Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer) and this year Ubuntu Server has overtaken Red Hat as the leading Linux server OS.  Whilst Linux' desktop share is a tiny 1-2%, both Mac and Windows' markets are steadily declining but Ubuntu's jumped 12% on the release of version 9.04 earlier this year - even the most conservative estimates indicate a 60% growth in Linux desktop users since 2008.

Why should we care? 

Because market share motivates software and hardware giants to support Linux properly.  Thus, even the 'awkward squad' such as Canon and ATI now offer some Linux driver support whilst the likes of Google and Adobe are platform-agnostic.  In the Linux-friendly camp, manufacturers such as Intel and HP have already achieved full Ubuntu integration.

Building on success

Ubuntu 9 certainly makes the most of these opportunities.  The Desktop is fast, gorgeous, and well-organised.  Any competent PC user can install the desktop or server with out of the box security, automatic updates and remote access.  Most PC/laptop hardware is set up during installation and plug and play means just that - plug in a mainstream USB peripheral and Ubuntu will notify it ready to use in seconds.  For other kit, it’s as simple as choosing the make and model from a drop-down menu, with no prowling the internet for errant drivers, no remembering whether to insert the gizmo or the CD first, and no endless rebooting.  Ubuntu’s configuration wizards are easy to use and come with free tutorials, documentation and forums to get you started.  All that's missing are the licensing headaches.

A CNet reviewer found Ubuntu 9.04 as slick as Windows 7, Mac OS X – and 9.10 promises to be even smarter.  I'm not kidding, Vista seems old-fashioned and labyrinthine once you get used to the clean and sensible Ubuntu interface.  There's loads of quality software and legacy import plug-ins are making migration to Ubuntu easier.  Ubuntu really has arrived and the more we use it, the better it gets! 

To find out more or to download visit the Ubuntu website.  You can even try Ubuntu before you install it by running it from the CD that you have created from the downloaded ISO file.

For more information visit the Take a Tour section of the Ubuntu website. 

Accessibility

*Ubuntu version 9.10 Karmic Koala was unavailable for comparison at time of review. Accessibility features listed below refer to Ubuntu 9.09 Jaunty Jackalope. It is envisaged this will be the minimum level of accessibility features in Ubuntu 9.10.

Make the Computer easier to use

Display magnifier
Colour and contrast adjustment
Custom icon sizes

Ability to use without a display

Screen reader
Work with Braille displays
Dialogue box talking alerts
Talking clock

Use the computer without mouse or keyboard

On screen keyboard
Hardwriting recognition (with suitable input device)
Speech recognition

Make the mouse easier to use

Change size of mouse pointer
Use keyboard to control mouse
Multi-touch laptop mouse pad

Make the keyboard easier to use

Adjust for sticky keys
Adjust for key repeat
Adjust for slow keys

Use text and visual alternatives for sounds

Visual alerts

For specific information about Ubuntu Accessibility visit What is Ubuntu – Accessibility.

To compare accessibility features in Apple Snow Leopard, Windows and Ubuntu 9.10 take a look at the Operating System Accessibility Chart (pdf).