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1.3. About Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - including a Web browser, presentation, document and spread- sheet software, instant messaging and much more.
Nice to Know:
Ubuntu is an African word meaning 'Humanity to others', or 'I am what I am because of who we
all are'.
The history of Ubuntu dates back to April 2004 when Mark Shuttleworth formed a group of open source devel- opers to create a new Linux OS.
Figure 1.3. Mark Shuttleworth
Based on the principles of time-based releases, a strong Debian foundation, the GNOME desktop, and a com- mitment to freedom, this group operated initially under the auspices of http://no-name-yet.com.
In a little over four years, Ubuntu has grown to a community of thousands of members and an estimated user base of over 8 million (as at June 2007). Canonical is the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu.