ZYRINE M. SALOMON, R.

Linux Operating System versus Ubuntu Operating System

Linux Operating System

An open-source operating system. Linux includes the source code for the operating
system; you can see how the OS works just by downloading it.

The benefit of this approach is that many Linux users are also the developers for the
OS. If a user sees a bug or vulnerability, he or she can whip up some code to fix the
problem and contribute to the next version of Linux. The same is true for features.

You could also build your own operating system using the Linux kernel -- its
foundation -- as the basis for your OS.

Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free
and open source software development and distribution.

It is a leading operating system on servers and other big iron systems such as
mainframe computers and supercomputers: more than 90% of today's 500 fastest
supercomputers run some variant of Linux, including the 10 fastest.

Linux also runs on embedded systems (devices where the operating system is
typically built into the firmware and highly tailored to the system) such as mobile
phones, tablet computers, network routers, televisions and video game consoles; the
Android system in wide use on mobile devices is built on the Linux kernel.

If you are switching to Linux from Windows, you will likely feel more at home with the
Linux Mint desktop.

Its default panel at the bottom of the screen and pop-up, categorized applications
menu are very similar to the Windows configuration.

Ubuntu Operating System

Ubuntu is a distribution -- or distro -- of Linux. In Linux lingo, a distribution is a version

of the operating system that has the Linux kernel as its foundation.

Ubuntu, distributed by a company named Canonical, is an example of a commercial

project based on the Linux kernel.

Founded by businessman and philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth, Canonical's mission

is to provide a software platform that is free for users and developers.

Ubuntu is a free operating system you can install on a computer.

One cool feature of Ubuntu is that Canonical doesn't care if you have a fear of
commitment.

Booting from the USB drive or CD lets you play with the Ubuntu OS without
overwriting your computer's native OS. If you're a loyal Windows user or Mac OS X
devotee, you don't need to feel guilty.

At Ubuntu's heart is the Linux kernel.

Ubuntu relies on the architecture of Linux to communicate with a computer's

hardware so that software can do what it's supposed to do.

Ubuntu commands follow the rules and procedures that hundreds of other Linux
distros also use. But Ubuntu has its own style and list of features.

Ubuntu has a graphical user interface (GUI), making it similar to other popular
operating systems like Windows, Mac OS and even smartphone systems like
Android.

Ubuntu is a computer operating system based on the Debian Linux distribution and
distributed as free and open source software, using its own desktop environment.

It is named after the Southern African philosophy of ubuntu ("humanity towards

others").
Ubuntu is a bit more flexible in its installation approach and edges out Linux Mint in
this area. On the other hand, if you are migrating from OSX, you might feel more
comfortable with Ubuntus Unity layout.
All that said, neither Linux Mint nor Ubuntu is a clone of Windows or OSX in terms of
its interface.

INSIGHTS:
Linux is actually based off Ubuntu, but the two have grown apart quite a bit.
However, they're both designed to be an easy, usable experience for beginners,
they just take different approaches to it. When it comes to performance Linux
Mint definitely has an edge when it comes to speed. Ubuntu's gotten faster over
the past few versions, but Mint always feels pretty snappy, even on older or
lower-powered hardware (at least compared to Ubuntu). If you're installing Linux
to speed up an old computer, Mint may offer you a better experience.
Both Ubuntu and Linux Mint have much to commend. Both have Debian as their
base, but it is how it is implemented as far as user interfaces and support that
counts. If you have newer hardware and want to pay for support services, then
Ubuntu is the one to go for. However, if you are looking for a non-windows
alternative that is reminiscent of XP, then Linux Mint is the choice. It is hard to
pick which one to use. Unity is not to everyones taste, but in the end, choice can
be down to a matter of preference.