Can you afford to pay the license fees for costly software packages?

Ubuntu Server Edition is changing the server market for businesses by delivering the best of free software on a stable, fully supported and secure platform.

Ubuntu is a Zulu word meaning humanity to others. The Spirit of Ubuntu is made real in Ubuntu software which is free for anyone and is making Linux even more accessible to open source users. Ubuntu is similar to Windows and you don't have to be a technical expert to run the Linux install.

Previously you would spend hours trying to find the right Linux drivers but now with robust auto-detect features that work with just any hardware this is no longer an issue. Tobby Bennet from Business opportunities added that Ubuntu is constantly increasing its compatibility with PCs and mobile devices and has recently released Ubuntu MID as an operating system for mobile internet devices.

What are the benefits of using Ubuntu?

• Security-This software continuously updates and respond to changing levels of risk on the internet on an already secure download database.
• Ubuntu offers a higher level of knowledge amongst developers as they can access a source code to modify the programme and creating more releases. Additionally, if there is a bug it can be fixed immediately.
• Easy integration with existing networks.
• Easy to manage installation, start-up, shutdown, service initialization, package management -simple on a single machine. For more info on benefits, click here.

 Challenges of using Ubuntu

• As a user, you have to be more technically advanced to work with this system and the Ubuntu team is still in the developmental stage.
• For Microsoft, you can log a call to report any problem but for Ubuntu the support is less guaranteed.
• Using Ubuntu grants you the freedom to open any programme on that system but if you have created or edited a document on Ubuntu you will be unable to open it using another operating system i.e. Windows will not allow you to open Ubuntu documents.

 Features:

•  Web Server- Whether you want to use PHP, Perl, Java, Ruby or Python, together with Apache and MySQL, Postgresql, DB2 or Oracle, the Ubuntu Server Edition can be ready within minutes to start uploading/downloading your dynamic web pages.
• Infrastructure- Ubuntu Server Edition provides you with most of the tools you need in order to create your network infrastructure. For more features, click here:

 Technical specifications

• It requires a minimum of 128Mb of RAM and 1 GB of disk space. Depending on your needs, you might manage with less than this. For more info, click here.

 Mputhumi Mtiya, Nanotyn Managing Director recommends Open Source software as the way forward for underdeveloped communities in terms of cost. He says, "you can have a computer but without an operating system it's useless". Linux users are increasing as the software allows for a greater level of advancement and is excellent for hosting websites. Ubuntu also offers technological development because you install the program by yourself and stay ahead with technology at a lower cost

 To download the program, click here.