Ubuntu is a computer operating system originally based on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution and distributed as free and open source software. It is named after the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu ('humanity towards others').
Ubuntu 16.04 is a long-term supported release that means once you install Ubuntu 16.04, it’s going to provide security updates, bug fixes and applications updates for 5 years with no if and but. Ubuntu and other family members’ (Ubuntu Mate, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.) 16.04 version can be downloaded and installed. Ubuntu is built on Debian's architecture and infrastructure, and comprises Linux server, desktop and discontinued phone and tablet operating system versions. Ubuntu releases updated versions predictably every six months, and each release receives free support for nine months (eighteen months prior to 13.04) with security fixes, high-impact bug fixes and conservative, substantially beneficial. After each version of Ubuntu has reached its end-of-life time, its repositories are removed from the main Ubuntu servers and consequently the mirrors. Older versions of Ubuntu repositories and releases can be found on the old Ubuntu releases website. Debian version history; Fedora version history; OpenSUSE version history.
Ubuntu is designed primarily for desktop usage, though netbook and server editions exist as well. Web statistics suggest that Ubuntu's share of Linux desktop usage is about 50 percent, and upward trending usage as a web server.
Ubuntu is composed of many software packages, of which the vast majority are distributed under a free software license, making an exception only for some proprietary hardware drivers. The main license used is the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL) which, along with the GNU Lesser General Public License (GNU LGPL), explicitly declares that users are free to run, copy, distribute, study, change, develop and improve the software. On the other hand, there is also proprietary software available that can run on Ubuntu.
Ubuntu is sponsored by the UK-based company Canonical Ltd., owned by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. Canonical creates revenue by selling technical support and services tied to Ubuntu.
Ubuntu Chrome Older Versions
Canonical endorses and provides support for three additional Ubuntu-derived operating systems: Kubuntu, Edubuntu, also known as Ubuntu Education Edition, and Ubuntu Server Edition. There are several other derivative operating systems including local language and hardware-specific versions.
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Canonical releases new versions of Ubuntu every six months and supports Ubuntu for eighteen months by providing security fixes, patches to critical bugs and minor updates to programs. LTS (Long Term Support) versions, which are released every two years, are supported for three years on the desktop and five years for servers.