Canonical Ubuntu Review

Overall Rating

Free - yes free!
Regular updates.
Operating system and FULL suite of programmes included.
Very secure - not prone to viruses.

Partitioning drive can be scary if you've never done it before.
Some use of the command line is unavoidable.
Programmes not always as good as the paid for versions - but they're free.

I've used Windows for years and spent a fortune - I have bought 3 copies of windows since Win 95 and bought new PCs with Win pre-installed on another 3 occasions. Hence I've effectively paid for 6 copies over the years at a cost, in real terms, of about £100 a go.
I've also been very frustrated over that time by the speed and reliability of the operating systems purchased, though Win XP has been reasonably reliable. However, even this OS often freezes on shut downs and requires virus protection and other security products.
I decided to try Linux and decided on Ubuntu as it claimed to be easy to use. I've never looked back! It installs really easily and there's no need to spend ages looking for drivers or driver disks. Everything was recognised quickly, and the system was up and running in no time. You can also do a 'live install' which simply loads the OS into Ram and doesn't overwrite Windows. This lets you try before you commit. When you do commit the built in partitioner guides you through the process of partitioning and then you are ready to install.
It dual boots really easily with Windows XP and the security updates are regular. I'm now on version 6.10 having upgraded from 6.6.
I can access my Windows files easily and the built in software lets me do everything that I want to. It simply works - you point and click as you'd normally do and get right on with it.
I'd urge you to give it a go, especially if you're tired of Windows or if you feel that you are being limited in what you can do by Microsoft. Don't spend a fortune on Vista without trying Ubuntu - and remember that as it's free you don't need to undergo Microsoft's Product Activation.

Members' Comments onedward2910's Review

• bloodgarden on 12th Jan 2009

  I found this review helpful because...It corresponds with my experiences with Ubuntu exactly. I'm so happy with Ubuntu that I'm using it right now to write this review. I can still boot vista but haven't in months...