My organization uses Ubuntu Linux for three distinct purposes:
- as a reliable, affordable alternative to other operating systems for users' computers.
- as a server for running the principal software package used in the business.
- as part of a strategy to extend the service life of computers we use.
We work mainly in a not-for-profit sector and have small budgets, so we continually look for lower-cost alternatives to commonly used software, such as operating systems, servers, and the like, to avoid license fees. Ubuntu Linux serves well for this purpose. Ubuntu Linux also is relatively easy for Windows users to switch to.
We also need server software that is both easy to set up and maintain and that is, above all, reliable. Many forms of Linux serve here, but using Ubuntu for both front-facing software and server software cuts down on maintenance time and training.
Because we mostly operating in environments with tight budgets, including volunteer organizations, we tend to buy used computers, most of which are a few generations behind the latest models. Linux generally allows us to use computers that could not handle Windows installations necessary for the job. In a few cases, albeit not with Ubuntu Linux, we are running machines that were designed for Windows XP.