The Purpose of Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an African word meaning "humanity to all." The creation of Ubuntu began from the open source movement in which the creators of software believe in allowing free access to the source code for the purpose of allowing others to improve the code and then, in turn, share the improvements with others free of charge.
Ubuntu is a completely free linux based open source operating system. It is quickly becoming a popular alternative to proprietary operating systems like the many Windows Operating Systems. Ubuntu is the overarching software program that runs the computer itself. According to the Ubuntu website,
"Ubuntu is an operating system built by a worldwide team of expert developers. It contains all the applications you need: a web browser, office suite, media apps, instant messaging and much more. Ubuntu is an open-source alternative to Windows and Office."

Ubuntu in a Library

The philosophy of open source software goes hand in hand with the goals of a library. Open source software like the Ubuntu software could be used on patron computers and staff computers. This would allow patrons and staff access to open source versions of software such as the open office suite of programs, audacity-audio editing software, gimp-photo editing software, pidgin-chat software. While there may be a learning curve for users to adjust to the software itself, since the software is free to download for anyone, if they like it, they can get it at home. Additionally, if a library has decided to use an open source ILS already, then having open source software on the computer operating systems will make for a seamless use of open source material.
Libraries that choose open source usually choose it for one of two reasons. Either the library needs to cut costs and wants to save money by not paying for software or the library has a large technology budget that pays for a staff of IT personnel who's job is to customize and maintain the open source software to best serve the individual library's needs.

Similar Products to Ubuntu

Open Source

• Fedora- very similar to Ubuntu. It is the free version of Red Hat server software
  
• Debian-Ubuntu is actually a flavor of Debian. Debian is really made for server applications but is stil a Linux-based open source Operating System
  
• OpenSolaris-open source version of Solaris, a piece of proprietary software by Sun Microsystems. Can only be run by Sun machines
  

Proprietary

• Windows Vista-the newest in the most used Windows OS line. Look and feel has changed significantly since Windows 2007.
  
• Mac OS Snow Leopard-new and advanced, fast, solid, secure, and expensive
  

Advantages & Disadvantages of Ubuntu

Advantages

• It is free
• Using it is very similar to using a Windows OS
  
• It is customizable
• If you need help you can ask the community

Disadvantages

• No customer support
• If it does not work it is up to you to fix it
• If you want it to do something that it doesn't do yet may have wait
  
• Has more bugs than proprietary software
  

Using Ubuntu in my library

If I saw a way for using Ubuntu to cut costs in my library I would consider switching to Ubuntu's OS. The additional open source software that comes with Ubuntu is a great selling feature. There isn't usually money in a library budget to pay for software like Photoshop but having Gimp on the computers for free could increase customers who may be interested in doing some basic photo editing and would also open the possibility of offering classes for patrons on photo editing or audio editing.