Ubuntu is a complete operating system based on Debian Linux distribution. It is distributed as free and open source.
It is extremely easy to install, and has a number of ways that you can try it as an operating system without having to delete your current OS.
I was first introduced to Ubuntu in 2006, and since this point I have been impressed with the development of the operating system. It has all the major features you would expect, and I always have a least one machine with a version installed on. Being open source it has a fantastic support community, and is a far more credible alternative to Windows than most people would give credit. I personally prefer using Ubuntu over windows, and can normally find enough software to meet my needs without having to pay for anything.
Default installs include,
- Libre Office (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations etc)
- Firefox (Web Browser)
- Thunderbird (Email Client)
- GIMP (Photo Editing)
- Skype (Voice over IP Telephony)
Through Ubunto One it also has its personal cloud to allow you to sync content across multiple machines in much the same way as iCloud. This can be extremely useful in making sure that you always have access to the latest copies of your files.
On all machines I have installed it on, it has given them a new lease of life, as the performance is extremely good, and they feel like a brand new machine.
If you have an old laptop sat in the corner of the office that no one uses, give it a go. You will be impressed.