Ubuntu: the complete guide to the free and open source operating system

In the heart of a digital revolution that continues to accelerate, Ubuntu establishes itself in 2026 as an essential open source operating system. This free system appeals to both novices and experts thanks to its ease of use, robustness, and engaged community. More than just software, Ubuntu embodies a philosophy of sharing and humanity, stemming from a South African expression meaning “I am what I am because of what we all are.” This fundamental value is reflected in its collaborative development and wide adoption worldwide, reaching millions of varied users, from individuals to companies seeking reliable and secure solutions.

The growing importance of Ubuntu in the IT technology landscape is illustrated by its deployment on various devices, ranging from usual personal computers to the most powerful cloud servers, not forgetting the Internet of Things and robotics. In 2026, Ubuntu has become a pillar in digital strategies, notably thanks to its advanced integration into cloud infrastructures such as OpenStack and Kubernetes, used by giants like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. This universality of use demonstrates its many strengths, including its free availability, fully open code, a wide range of free software, and a high degree of customization.

For the curious, professionals, or those who simply want to break away from traditional proprietary systems, this detailed guide provides all the keys to understand, install, configure, and master Ubuntu in its multiple facets. It also discusses its enhanced security, versions adapted to different user profiles, and popular derivatives. Thoroughly analyzed, the distribution highlights its strengths and limitations, offering a comprehensive overview that sheds light on its unique place in the global IT ecosystem.

Understanding Ubuntu: origin, philosophy, and supported architectures

Ubuntu is much more than a simple operating system. It is the expression of a human and collaborative approach to computer software. Its name, derived from a Bantu language of southern Africa, reflects the notion of community and interdependence: “I am what I am because of what we all are.” Born in 2004 under the impetus of Canonical Ltd and its founder Mark Shuttleworth, Ubuntu builds on the solid foundations of Debian GNU/Linux to create an accessible, efficient, and user-friendly platform.

The system relies on a Linux kernel, the key component behind its operation. Since Linux is inherently an open source kernel, Ubuntu benefits from this freedom to integrate various free software, allowing each user to adapt their work environment according to their needs. This flexibility is also expressed through support for diverse hardware architectures. Whether we talk about IA-32, x86-64, ARM64, ARMhf, ppc64le or s390x, Ubuntu adapts to an infinite number of configurations, facilitating its deployment on classic PCs, but also on servers, cloud platforms, or even robots and IoT devices.

A remarkable linguistic diversity accompanies this technical world. Ubuntu is available in more than 55 languages, thus offering global accessibility that encourages exchanges and international cooperation. The active community around Ubuntu plays a fundamental role in this expansion. Every user can contribute to system improvement, suggest features, fix bugs, or translate elements.

In its main version, Ubuntu offers a desktop interface based on GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment), providing a visual and ergonomic experience similar to proprietary systems like Windows, while maintaining a deeply free core. Through this combination, Ubuntu appeals both to users seeking simplicity and to those who appreciate the openness of free software. Additionally, several specialized variants respond to specific needs:

• Ubuntu Desktop: the classic edition oriented towards the workstation.
• Ubuntu Server: dedicated to servers, without a graphical interface by default.
• Ubuntu Core: designed for the Internet of Things and embedded systems.
• Derived distributions: Kubuntu, Xubuntu, or Ubuntu Studio adapted to different graphical environment preferences and business sectors.

This modularity ensures broad functional coverage without sacrificing coherence and overall quality.

Ubuntu’s major strengths: free, open source, and active community

One of Ubuntu’s main attractions lies in its free and open source nature. Unlike proprietary operating systems like Windows or macOS, Ubuntu can be downloaded, used, and modified at no cost. This model not only saves a significant budget for individuals and companies but also encourages innovation and transparency.

This openness allows a dynamic global community to participate in the continuous development of the system. Thousands of volunteer and professional developers collaborate to constantly improve Ubuntu, whether by releasing security updates, developing new features, or fixing bugs. This dynamic ensures that the system remains always up-to-date and secure, in line with the most recent standards.

In terms of security, Ubuntu benefits from a robust Linux architecture, known for its resistance to viruses and other malware, which are particularly widespread on Windows. Strict permission management prevents the execution of unauthorized code, limiting the risks of intrusion or compromise. In 2025, Canonical strengthened this aspect by integrating advanced encryption tools, protections for personal data, and extended support for its LTS (Long Term Support) versions, with up to 10 or 12 years of maintenance through Ubuntu Pro, a premium offer aimed at companies.

This security strategy makes Ubuntu an ideal platform both for individual users concerned about their privacy and for critical infrastructures in companies and the cloud. Moreover, the ability to benefit from extended professional support reassures large organizations in the face of regulatory requirements and increasing cyber threats.

It is also important to highlight the simplicity of Ubuntu installation and use, particularly appreciated by beginners. The intuitive interface, the wealth of preinstalled free software, and the option of adopting a dual boot configuration with Windows facilitate the transition for newcomers. Canonical has made significant progress in making the user environment modern and accessible, transforming Ubuntu into a real viable alternative for all profiles.

Ubuntu in the cloud computing ecosystem: a strategic asset for businesses

With the continuous rise of cloud computing, Ubuntu has become an indispensable player in virtual infrastructures. The distribution is particularly sought after for its native integration with key technologies such as OpenStack and Kubernetes, which dominate the public and private cloud market. In 2025 and 2026, it powers a large portion of servers hosting services offered by major global providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.

This position is explained by several reasons. On one hand, Ubuntu offers a stable, lightweight, and secure environment, essential to support heavy workloads and guarantee service availability. On the other hand, its open source nature eliminates costs associated with software licenses while benefiting from strong adaptability.

To support this growth, Canonical has enriched its Ubuntu Pro Cloud offer. It now provides extended security maintenance for up to 12 years, including Livepatch which allows Linux kernel updates without requiring a reboot—a crucial feature for sensitive and demanding production environments. This innovation removes service interruptions and increases productivity.

Moreover, centralized management through tools like Landscape, continuously evolving, facilitates controlling thousands of Ubuntu machines remotely, enabling IT teams to efficiently administer their server fleets. This automated management optimizes security, compliance, and system updates, strengthening companies’ confidence in adopting Ubuntu.

Beyond large corporations, Ubuntu is also appreciated by start-ups and SMEs seeking to benefit from a controlled, scalable, and cost-effective infrastructure. This democratization of cloud based on free solutions helps reduce barriers to digital entry, fostering innovation and competitiveness.

Installing Ubuntu 2026: guides, recommendations, and tips for all profiles

Installing Ubuntu on a computer in 2026 has never been easier. The recommended version, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), offers a perfect balance between stability and recent features, with long-term support facilitating its use in professional and academic settings. For users eager for novelties, Ubuntu 25.10 (Questing Quokka) offers the latest advances with GNOME 49.

The installation process begins by downloading the ISO image from the official Ubuntu website. Then, creating a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus (Windows) or BalenaEtcher (Linux/macOS) prepares the device to start the installation. Once the USB key is inserted into the target computer, simply access the BIOS or UEFI to change the boot order and launch Ubuntu.

The installation wizard guides step by step: selection of language, keyboard layout, choice of installation type (full installation, dual boot, or replacement of the current system). This flexibility allows users to test Ubuntu without compromising their Windows or macOS data, thanks to shared boot.

Once installed, Ubuntu offers a complete range of essential free software, like Firefox, VLC, LibreOffice, GIMP, and developer tools such as GitKraken or PHPStorm. The application store provides a wide catalogue regularly enriched by the community.

To optimize the experience, it is advised to keep the system updated via automatic updates and rely on available community resources on forums and wikis. For businesses, Ubuntu Pro provides additional guarantees with dedicated support and extended patches.

Installation step	Description	Recommended tools
ISO download	Obtain the official Ubuntu image on the Canonical site	Official site ubuntu.com
Bootable USB key creation	Prepare an installation media from the ISO	Rufus, BalenaEtcher
BIOS/UEFI configuration	Change the boot order to boot from the USB key	Access BIOS / UEFI of the computer
Guided installation	Choice of language, keyboard, installation type	Ubuntu installation wizard
Post-installation update	Keep the system up to date for security and performance	Ubuntu update manager

Current limitations and challenges of Ubuntu in 2026

Despite its many strengths, Ubuntu is not without criticism and constraints. One notable limitation concerns the selection of applications available by default, which remains limited compared to the abundant offerings of Windows or macOS. Although most essential software is present in open source versions, some proprietary software remains unavailable or features limited functionalities. This phenomenon sometimes hinders adoption in demanding professional sectors.

The realm of video games clearly illustrates this issue. Ubuntu offers only a limited assortment of titles, often developed by independent communities. Demanding gamers generally remain attached to Windows, which has a much richer catalog and better hardware compatibility for high-performance graphics cards.

Furthermore, hardware compatibility issues may arise, notably with certain peripheral drivers or sound cards that do not always have native or full support on Ubuntu. These incompatibilities sometimes require tinkering or the use of alternative solutions, which can discourage inexperienced users.

From a strategic perspective, some observers criticize a gradual distancing of Canonical from the open source community. Commercial choices, such as integrating ads in some older versions or a sometimes centralized development management, fuel this debate. Fortunately, the large Ubuntu community often balances these tensions with its independent contributions and the development of more open derivatives.

Finally, compared to other Linux distributions — primarily Debian — Ubuntu is sometimes perceived as less lightweight or a bit rigid in terms of advanced customization. Experienced users sometimes prefer to explore other options to benefit from an experience more tailored to their specific needs.

The best Ubuntu-derived distributions to know in 2026

Ubuntu serves as a base for many variants, each bringing its specificities to meet diverse needs. Here is a list of the most popular ones and the main features that appeal to different profiles:

• Linux Mint: known for its friendliness and great ease of use, offering a lightweight desktop and easy update management, ideal for beginners.
• LXDE OS: perfect for giving new life to an old PC thanks to a very lightweight and efficient interface, with minimal visual effects.
• Zorin OS: designed to mimic the look of Windows, this system reassures users in transition while ensuring a good level of security and privacy.
• Elementary OS: aesthetic and minimalist, tailored for those seeking an elegant and hassle-free experience.
• Pop!_OS: developed by System76, it targets advanced users and professionals with a focus on security, performance, and multitasking management.

These distributions benefit from Ubuntu’s robustness while bringing specific improvements to their audience. This allows everyone to find the most suitable solution, whether a beginner, gamer, developer, or professional user.

Derived distribution	Main characteristic	Target audience
Linux Mint	Friendly and lightweight interface	Beginners and regular users
LXDE OS	Ultra-light desktop	Machines with few resources
Zorin OS	Windows-like look	Users transitioning from Windows
Elementary OS	Clean and elegant design	Lovers of simplicity and aesthetics
Pop!_OS	Advanced performance and security	Advanced users and professionals

Ubuntu versus Windows: detailed comparison in 2026

At a time when Windows dominance is still strong on personal computers, Ubuntu continues to patiently build its place thanks to its unique attributes. Windows is a closed operating system requiring a paid license, with centralized support by Microsoft. This approach facilitates adoption by the general public through an intuitive interface, integrated assistants like Cortana, and extensive compatibility with popular software and games.

Ubuntu, on the other hand, bets on freedom, security, and customization. It is free, open source, and offers an architecture less susceptible to common viruses. However, the learning curve is steeper for beginners, notably due to a stronger presence of command-line instructions and a sometimes less rich application ecosystem. However, for professional users, developers, and enthusiasts, Ubuntu offers a versatile and robust platform.

The community plays a fundamental role in this duality. Windows strongly depends on commercial and proprietary support, while Ubuntu relies on a global collaborative dynamic that regularly drives improvements and innovations. Both worlds coexist depending on needs, each having advantages and drawbacks for different user profiles.

Aspect	Ubuntu	Windows
License	Open source, free	Proprietary software, paid
File system	Ext4 (default), Btrfs	NTFS
Security	More robust, strict permission management	More vulnerable to malware
Interface	GNOME, customizable	Standardized graphical interface
Software compatibility	Less extensive, based on free software	Very broad, including games and business applications
Target users	Developers, IT professionals, advanced enthusiasts	General public, gaming, traditional businesses

Ubuntu does not replace Windows for all uses but represents a powerful and scalable alternative, especially when technical mastery and security are priorities.

Ubuntu Touch and innovations in 2026: mobility, security, and compatibility

Finally, Ubuntu is not limited to desktop or laptop computers. Ubuntu Touch, its mobile version, continues to evolve in a competitive market where security is crucial. In 2025, the OTA-7 update fixed major vulnerabilities, strengthening user privacy with, notably, microphone protection against unauthorized access and better management of Bluetooth devices.

This update covers a wide range of compatible smartphones, from the Fairphone 3 to popular models such as Google Pixel 3a and OnePlus 6. Canonical ensures tight coordination with system maintainers, even for devices still based on Ubuntu 16.04, thus guaranteeing reassuring continuity and reliability.

2016 also saw the launch of Ubuntu Pro for WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), a major advance allowing companies to use Ubuntu with professional support on the Windows environment. This offering combines Linux’s robustness with Windows’ practicality, thus facilitating progressive and secure adoption in hybrid environments.

Thanks to these innovations, Ubuntu asserts its ambition to deploy a coherent and secure experience regardless of the devices used, whether mobile or stationary. This multiplicity of uses is a key element of its strategy to remain a relevant and efficient distribution in the current ecosystem.