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The Future of Ubuntu

Linux based operating systems are becoming increasingly more prevalent across the desktop and laptop markets. Its no secret that the Linux operating system has provided both affordable and feature rich alternatives to Microsoft or IBM server products for file and web servers. However the future of Linux and the popular Ubuntu variant should be in the personal and mobile computing space. At the close of this blog post I hope to have examined Ubuntu and the direction its latest version 9.10: Karmic Koala should take.

What is Linux?

So that we are all aware, Linux is an open-source version of the UNIX operating system used across servers and workstations in the 1970s. Linux is referred to as a UNIX-like operating system originally created by the Swedish computer science student, Linus Torvalds. In 1991 Linus Torvalds completed the first iteration of the Linux Kernel. The kernel is the central software component of any operating system. It controls and manages system resources and the communication between software and hardware. To date, Linus is still heavily involved with the Kernel project. If you would like to learn more, listen to the TWiT podcast FLOSS Weekly 88: Linus Torvalds.

Ubuntu and Karmic Koala

So back to the main theme of this blog post, Ubuntu and Karmic Koala. Ubuntu is a brand of Linux and Karmic Koala is the name given to the newest version of the operating system, much like Snow Leopard for Apple. Canonical the organisation responsible for Ubuntu and its community of users develop and improve on the operating in system to create a better operating system for all. Users of this software believe computing is open and free to all and the value is made from the what you create with the software not the software itself.

This is an extremely different view to organisation such as Microsoft who sell each iteration of their operating system as boxed software or pre-installed of computers from hardware vendors. I see both sides of the argument as valid. Developers want to get recognition and rewards for the effort so yes it would be valid for users to pay but there are less economically mobile users who cannot afford the price tag for the latest version of Microsoft Windows.

As a computer scientist and user of Ubuntu I have found the value of Ubuntu to be fantastic. But I do not think its a product for geeks or nerds. As a self confessed geek I enjoy playing and tinkering with computers and diving into the command-line, even to legitimately access a computer many miles away. I enjoy it, for me its being on the leading edge of technology developing which keeps me excited about Linux. However its not all like that. Ubuntu is becoming an ascetically mature and user friendly operating system well suited to both powerful and low powered computers and users of mix abilities.

After trying the beta release of the operating system I can report that the experience has been enjoyable and a welcome design evolution. I am very keen to see the operating system when it ships later this month.

The Future of Ubuntu

The greatest advantage that Linux holds over Microsoft for the battle of supremacy is, today most of computing is within the Internet browser. The Internet has created a world where unless specifically tailored by the developer the service is ubiquitous across all platforms.

Running Ubuntu on fast booting machines seems an appropriate combination. The ability to have an affordable fast loading portable systems is paramount in an information economy. A fact that is not currently realised on fully featured desktop computers running either Apple, Linux or Microsoft software. Canonical should capitalise on this for both Laptop and Desktop markets to actively fight for market share.

Links

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linus_Torvalds
3. http://www.ubuntu.com/
4. http://www.ubuntu.com/testing/karmic/beta

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence