Former space tourist takes on Microsoft (Reuters/CNN) {Ubuntu}

[eppur_se_muova]

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) --
***
Shuttleworth made his fortune by selling an Internet company he started in his Cape Town garage. He then spent $20 million on becoming the world's second space tourist in 2002, and the first African in orbit.

Now, he is taking on U.S. technology behemoth Microsoft by pioneering free computer software that he hopes will revolutionize the way computers are used, and make the Internet accessible to millions in Africa and other emerging markets.
***
Shuttleworth's "Ubuntu" family of software programs is based on the Linux open source operating system, which works on the principle that software is free and can be modified at no cost by anyone to suit local and specific needs -- unlike rival Microsoft's proprietary software.

With quirky names for its programs like 'Hoary Hedgehog' and 'Warty Warthog', Ubuntu -- an African word that means caring for your community and humanity for others -- is meant to be simpler to use than other Linux systems.

PC World magazine last year named Ubuntu as the 26th best product of the year -- ranking it above Apple's iTunes media player which was in 34th spot.
***
more: http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/09/11/space.tourist.microsoft.reut/index.html

Apologies if dupe. Someone mentioned ubuntu on another thread and I hadn't heard of it before.

[Kutjara]

1. It's a very good OS.

Much easier to install than many of the other Linux distributions, and compatible with a far wider range of hardware. I installed in on my Sony Vaio TX650P laptop with a minimum of configuration, a big difference from all the file editing and tweaking I've experienced with Red Hat, SuSE, Mandriva and the rest.

Ubuntu's social goals are also well worth supporting, which is why I donate to the organization.

For more info, see www.ubuntu.com

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Thanks for the link, I should have thought to search! nt

[Kiouni]

2. I use Ubuntu

and it works great i got tired of the blue screen of death and downloaded Ubuntu and got it to work with considerable ease. I am not tech savvy but i can still use all of the features.

[Xenotime]

4. No good video editing software for linux..

But good OS none the less. Get VMWare, install your windows on a virtual machine if you want things like iTunes.

[Kiouni]

5. i have a pc too.

i just don't use it too often unless i'm using itunes or something similiar. I had a bitch of a time installing dvd playing software on linux. that's about my only complaint though.