Ubuntu

Pros

• Totally Free OS
• Simple Windows Installer
• Mobile Device Sync
• Fast and Intuitive

Cons

• Difficult External Component Installation
• Acclimation Period

Ubuntu is an operating system that is both open-source and entirely free. This OS uses Linux as a foundation, which is the same stout technology behind most of the servers that power the internet. There are several Linux-based operating systems available, but Ubuntu is probably the most popular and commonly used since it has a wide following, many apps, and exceptionally easy utility. Many would argue that the utility, flexibility, and power of Ubuntu make it a comparable alternative to Windows.

It's difficult not to compare Ubuntu and Windows since they provide the same sort of utility for your PC. The main difference, of course, is that you must pay to use Windows, whereas Ubuntu can be used by anyone for free. Those who want to use the Ubuntu code to develop derivative technology can legally do so thanks to the open-source nature of the platform. That's part of the reason why it has such a cult following among Linux users.

If you really want to know the scale of the battle between Ubuntu and Windows, you only need to browse through the Ubuntu Software Center, which acts as the App Store for the platform. Of course, the word 'store' is a bit misleading since all the software is free. You'll find many games, apps, and system upgrades in the software center, all of which are available thanks to the tremendous amount of time Ubuntu has been available.

When you install the standard version of Ubuntu, you'll get a whole host of apps and tools to help you take full advantage of the OS. You actually get more initial software with Ubuntu than you do with Windows. It comes with a free productivity suite called LibreOffice, and that suite contains free apps similar to Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. It also comes with a version of Firefox that has been streamlined for the Ubuntu system.

Ubuntu uses a side menu bar that gives you access to a hard-drive search function as well as your most-visited websites. The File Browser works a lot like the Finder in Mac OS X systems, and the system can be configured and customized from the Ubuntu Panel.

If you have any familiarity with Linux systems, you're probably aware that most Linux-based systems rely on the terminal for coding and commands. However, this isn't the case with Ubuntu. You can certainly still use the terminal in Ubuntu, but you won't need it to perform most tasks.

Mac users will find Ubuntu to be relatively easy and intuitive since both systems employ a similar UI and general aesthetic. Ubuntu, of course, allows users to customize the software quite a bit more than is possible with Mac OS X. Windows users can even take advantage of software that will allow their Windows apps to run through Ubuntu.

Pros

• Totally Free OS
• Simple Windows Installer
• Mobile Device Sync
• Fast and Intuitive

Cons

• Difficult External Component Installation
• Acclimation Period