Ubuntu, a Fast OS Packed Full of Features

Ubuntu, introduced in 2004 to be a easy-to-use linux desktop, has grown into a feature-rich operating system that could easily replace its Mac or Windows competitors. Ubuntu has  a number of unique features such as the Ubuntu Software Center, Broadcast, Ubuntu One, and Empathy IM. The simple  user interface allows you to easily travel about the os, so you can get where you need to go with hassle. Ubuntu is a great os to check out and offers a ton of features and intuitive user interface.



Interface:
The interface of Ubuntu has a clean and simple layout. The interface consists of two bars on the screen, one on the top and one on the bottom. The top gives you access to features such as your applications, places (to locate files, drives, etc.), system and other information such as your internet connection and time and date.  The application section allows you to access all your applications sorted into different categories that lets you easily find what you are looking for. Next to that are the places button that allow you to get to all your files and folders, like the Windows start menu. Along side it is system which lets you change anything in the system; the UI is very customizable with different themes, backgrounds, and some amazing 3D effects.

The bottom of the screen contains a minimize button and trash button as well as all the open windows currently running. The interface allows a lot of customizable features as well as simple icons and easy navigation buttons.

Features:
Ubuntu's vast collection of features makes this a great operating systems. The Ubuntu Software Center makes this os one of the best available. The Ubuntu Software Center allows you to easily search, browse, and find every type of software to install on your computer, such as Skype or Calibre. One of the most outstanding features that is incorporated into Ubuntu is Ubuntu One. Ubuntu One is an amazing feature that allows you to sync almost everything on you computer, from Firefox bookmarks to files, to the cloud. Everything sync to the cloud allowing for access anywhere from another Ubuntu computer or even right off the internet. Along with the software center and Ubuntu One, Ubuntu has a very fast start up time, faster than I've seen from my Macs, as well as a bunch of social communication aspects that keeps everything built in.

Ubuntu has built-in features that allow you to easily access email, chat, and broadcast. It's included email client, Evolution Mail, allows for easy step-by-step email setup with support for almost any email client you can think of. The chat feature, Empathy IM, comes a long list of different clients that allow you to chat with almost anyone. Empathy includes choices such as Facebook Chat, Google Talk, Jabber, AIM, and more. One of my favorite social features is Broadcast, which allows you to connect to social networking sites such as Facebook and views your status, messages, and more.

Wrap Up:
Ubuntu 10.10 is one of the most feature-rich operating systems currently available, and, since it's a free one, it is certainly worth checking out. Since I have been using this operating system, it has continued to impress me with its features and customization. Ubuntu started out as an easy-to-use linux desktop and has developed into a fast, easy-to-use os that really stands out.