What is Ubuntu? Who it is for
Ubuntu is built on Debian. It uses GNOME as its desktop and apt and Snap for software, and it follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
Ubuntu at a glance
- Foundation: built on Debian
- Desktop: GNOME
- Software tools: apt and Snap
- Release style: long-term releases that stay supported for years
- Installer: Ubuntu's graphical installer
Who Ubuntu suits
Ubuntu suits people who want the most widely supported desktop, with a new release every six months and a long-term release every two years.
Strengths
- A gentle learning curve, with everyday tasks handled through graphical tools.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
- Good tooling for programming, with current compilers, languages and containers available.
- The GNOME desktop, with a clean, modern design.
Things to consider
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Ubuntu from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Ubuntu bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Ubuntu
- Ubuntu vs Debian
- Ubuntu vs Fedora
- Ubuntu vs Linux Mint
- Ubuntu vs Pop!_OS
- Ubuntu vs Zorin OS
- Ubuntu vs elementary OS
Installing software on Ubuntu
Ubuntu uses apt and Snap. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ubuntu good for beginners?
Yes. Ubuntu is one of the more beginner-friendly choices.
What desktop does Ubuntu use?
Ubuntu uses GNOME. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Ubuntu need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Ubuntu based on another distribution?
Ubuntu is built on Debian.
How often is Ubuntu updated?
Ubuntu follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try Ubuntu without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.