Ubuntu 11.04 – A Review

The open source OS just got a whole lot better.


Ubuntu has just released ‘Natty Narwhal’, the latest Linux operating system that is available for a free download from it’s website. The OS, featuring the Unity desktop, is sleek, fast and very easy on the eye.

Interface


With a simplistic interface that is very easy to navigate through, Ubuntu 11.04 is a fun experience. It boasts a launcher on the left of the screen, that plays host to your quick-access icons. This is, of course, customizable.

A dash is also a new feature in Ubuntu 11.04. On the top left of the screen, there is a Ubuntu logo which when clicked opens up shortcuts to your favourite programs. Additionally, you can work in four workspaces.

Applications, Web and Ubuntu Software Centre

Ubuntu offers many in-built applications like the Mozilla Firefox 4 web browser, Adobe Flash, Liferea feed reader for your RSS feeds (integrates seamlessly with Google Reader), the LibreOffice package that is a useful substitute for users of Microsoft Office, instant messengers like Pidgin, the Banshee audio player and many more. The popular Google Chrome web browser can be downloaded too.


If you feel the need to download new applications, the Ubuntu Software Centre has them all. Simply head over to the Software Centre, discover thousands of new applications and download them instantly.

The advantage, as is with all Linux-based operating systems, is that Ubuntu is completely virus-free. Updates are released every six months and can be downloaded for free from the Ubuntu website.

Ubuntu has also introduced Ubuntu One. Create an account in Ubuntu One and sync all your files across your operating systems. They would be present on the cloud, and can be accessed from anywhere.

How To Download Ubuntu

Ubuntu can be downloaded from the website directly, or via torrents. It can be directly downloaded on to a USB drive or a CD-ROM and can be installed from there.

To make installation easier, try the Wubi Ubuntu installer for Windows. Ubuntu can be installed directly from your Windows OS using Wubi.

Verdict

The new Ubuntu is much better than previous editions of the Linux-based operating system. Unity makes navigation a great experience, and the presence of applications completes the operating system, just like Windows or the Mac OS. You can always switch to the GNOME desktop, if Unity doesn’t work for you. Overall, Ubuntu 11.04 is quick, simple, free and fun to use.

[For more information, visit the Ubuntu website.]