Ubuntu Linux: Benefits and How to Install

Ubuntu Linux is one of the most famous operating system distributions. This is because it presents numerous advantages for those who use it. 

From "regular" users to IT professionals, such as programmers, developers, and software engineers can have their routine optimized with this distro. 

If you want to know everything about Ubuntu Linux, you're in the right place! The Linux Certification team developed this complete article, with all the characteristics, advantages, and reasons to use it. 

At the end of the content, you will also learn how to download and install it on your computer. So, it's worth the read. Follow along! 

What is the Ubuntu system from Linux?

Ubuntu from Linux is an operating system that uses the Linux kernel, or "core." This makes it open source and extremely accessible, just like Linux itself. 

With it, the interaction mode between hardware and software becomes unique, with its peculiarities, possibilities, and scope.

This OS was developed by Canonical, around 2004. It is known for being fast, secure, and constantly updated — something that doesn't always happen with other distributions on the market. 

Ubuntu Linux characteristics

Ubuntu Linux is quite different from all other operating systems available based on the Linux kernel. 

After all, it is super secure and intuitive, accompanied by a great package of useful daily software. 

Every six months, its developer community releases a new free update to improve the tool.

Furthermore, in more technical terms, Ubuntu differs in the number of compatible file managers. 

In case you don't know, the file manager is the way all files, folders, and directories are organized and shown to the user, through a unique and interactive graphical interface. 

Among the file manager functions, the main ones are:

• create;
• copy and paste;
• delete;
• rename;
• modify;
• and move available data.

Everything is done according to the operating system's user permissions and profiles.

Some available file managers are:

• Conquistador;
• NEMO;
• Thunar;
• Nautilus and Krusader.

What are the advantages of the Ubuntu distribution?

There are several advantages of the Ubuntu distribution for Linux. To help you see if it's really worth it, we will show you each benefit below. 

Free

The biggest advantage is the possibility of being free. By being open-source and using the Linux kernel, you don't need to pay anything to have the distribution and use it freely. 

There is, of course, the possibility of contributing to the developer community with a monthly amount and enjoying exclusive benefits. But it's not mandatory. 

The software that comes along, in the package, is also free:

• text editors, like Word;
• presentation editor, like PowerPoint;
• spreadsheet editors, like Excel 
• and other similar applications to Microsoft Office, from Windows, are made available for free, saving high investments. 

Simple installation

Another point is the ease of installing and keeping the distribution running correctly, as expected, on your device.

To download it, simply access the official Ubuntu website and download the version you want. It's important to only check if your computer's specifications correspond to the installation requirements.  

Active community

Another benefit is the active community, which is always developing new solutions and versions to fix possible bugs in the system.

The common goal is to keep it as secure as possible, in addition to being compatible with all types of hardware, following the evolution of the technology market. 

If you need help or tutorials for any problem or difficulty you encounter, just "Google it" and check the various contents posted in developer and user community forums. 

For practically all questions, there is already a ready answer or a practical step-by-step — after all, they have been developing since 2004. 

Freedom for customization

Finally, another attraction is the possibility of personalization and customization that only Ubuntu Linux offers. You can make the whole system look "your way."

You can install themes and customize even the appearance of application icons, changing color palettes, fonts, and the mouse cursor. 

With an application called "Folder Color," you can even change the colors of folder icons within file managers. 

Your desktop is also a universe of endless possibilities and combinations — just use your creativity as you wish. 

Why use Ubuntu Linux instead of Windows

There are also interesting reasons to choose Ubuntu Linux instead of Windows — many people are amazed by this idea, but the switch is totally advantageous. 

The first reason is that Ubuntu is much more secure than Windows, even dispensing with antivirus systems or third-party solutions (which can be malicious).

On Windows, however, it is impossible to browse and maintain your security without a good antivirus. 

There is also the issue of the operating system's stability. Windows is famous for having several bugs and freezes, requiring the user to restart the device from time to time. 

Linux systems, on the other hand, are famous for their stability — especially Ubuntu. Their ability to run several processes at the same time without freezing is huge! 

Additionally, updates are constant and free, enabling constant improvements, should bugs or problems arise, whereas with Windows, new versions are paid.

How to install Ubuntu on Linux?

With all that in mind, know that installing Ubuntu on Linux is not at all difficult. Just get the system installation image on a USB flash drive or CD, to boot from.

To do this, follow the steps: 

• access the official website and download directly to the chosen device;
• create a bootable USB unit;
• connect your USB to the slot and restart the machine;
• the Ubuntu window will open;
• follow the instructions choosing English as your main language;
• select "install Ubuntu" and follow the installation steps;
• choose your location and your keyboard language;
• provide some personal data, which will be used to credential your use;
• and it's ready! 

Did you see how simple it is? Just follow the steps, which are very intuitive through the system's own installation wizard.

Conclusion

In this article, you learned what the main advantages of using the Ubuntu system in your daily life are, in addition to understanding how to install, in fact, the system.

Despite seeming super complicated to some people, learning Linux is not impossible, especially when you understand more about processes, commands and distributions.

If you like this topic, you need to check out the other articles from Certificação Linux. We always share the best content to help you develop in your career. 

We also offer online courses on Linux and certifications, all with the possibility of testing for 7 days and discovering if the methodology captivates you. It's worth checking out! 

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