Ubuntu is a computer operating system originally based on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution and distributed as free and open source software.
There is a Stack Exchange site dedicated to Ubuntu which is also a good place to ask any Ubuntu-related questions if you can't find an answer on Super User.
Background
The name "Ubuntu" has ancient African philosophical roots and means 'humanity to others'. It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are'.
The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.
Versions
Each version of Ubuntu has a code name, consisting of an alliterating adjective and animal name.
Versions are released every 6 months, while LTS (Long Term Support) releases, which are meant to be more stable for people who can't upgrade every 6 months, are released every 2 years.
- ubuntu-12.04 (Precise Pangolin) Current LTS and Stable Version
- ubuntu-11.10 (Oneiric Ocelot)
- ubuntu-11.04 (Natty Narwhal)
- ubuntu-10.10 (Maverick Meerkat)
- ubuntu-10.04 (Lucid Lynx)
- ubuntu-9.10 (Karmic Koala)
- ubuntu-9.04 (Jaunty Jackelope)
Derivatives
The five officially-recognized derivatives of Ubuntu are kubuntu, xubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, Edubuntu, and Mythbuntu.
