Smooth, reliable operating system
April 08, 2021
Smooth, reliable operating system
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Ubuntu Linux
My organization uses Ubuntu Linux for three distinct purposes:
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.
- 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 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.
Pros
- Ubuntu Linux allows interfaces on desktop machines that are relatively easy for former Windows users to adapt to.
- Ubuntu allows smooth updates, usually with little down time.
- The user base for Ubuntu is large, which means help is easy to find.
Cons
- The repository system could be a little better, as some of the software needed is not easily available there.
- Ubuntu sometimes does not play nicely or easily with some modern firmwares.
- Some people report slow responses with newer versions of Ubuntu, although we have not experienced any.
- Switching to Linux and Ubuntu Linux necessitates a great deal of training.
- The Ubuntu upgrading process for major versions can be problematic, so it is often easier to simply tear down the machine and start a new one.
- Our computer uptime has increased appreciably.
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Kali Linux and Windows Server
We chose Ubuntu largely because of the large user base and because desktop setups can be easy to learn for people used to Windows computers and, of course, other distributions of Linux. Not a single one of the people we work with has had formal education or training with computers, so it is essential that the operating system(s) we use be easy to use. Ubuntu suits us particularly for that reason: it even has a great deal of printed information available.
For security purposes, we tested Kali Linux as well, but found that, for our purposes, Kali Linux did not offer enough advantages. Our first candidate was Red Hat Enterprise Linux, but we wanted to stick to completely open source software.
For end users, Windows Server would have been the most familiar, but we were not able to afford it and most of the users of the software we rely upon most, Moodle, use some Linux distribution, so we stuck with Ubuntu Linux. We were also not able to afford the licensing for Windows and were not able to plan for any price increases or changes in licensing that may come along. We found Linux versions most flexible and useful for the plans we have made.
For security purposes, we tested Kali Linux as well, but found that, for our purposes, Kali Linux did not offer enough advantages. Our first candidate was Red Hat Enterprise Linux, but we wanted to stick to completely open source software.
For end users, Windows Server would have been the most familiar, but we were not able to afford it and most of the users of the software we rely upon most, Moodle, use some Linux distribution, so we stuck with Ubuntu Linux. We were also not able to afford the licensing for Windows and were not able to plan for any price increases or changes in licensing that may come along. We found Linux versions most flexible and useful for the plans we have made.
Do you think Ubuntu delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Ubuntu's feature set?
Yes
Did Ubuntu live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Ubuntu go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Ubuntu again?
Yes
Comments
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