LONDON: Ubuntu the latest LTS version 14.04 operating system (OS) is definitely worth trying. As Ubuntu won the operating system of the year award from W3tech not only once but three times consecutively, followed by admiration from major players in the market and an inclusion of major organisations such as Lenovo, Dell, HP, IBM, and Asus etcetera.
So here are some of the features Ubuntu incorporates to get users in on the hype:
Unity search
Unity search brings results in the form of applications, files and folders, with the inclusion of recent items, all the while giving search results from the internet including, references, news, weather updates etcetera. Users can also filter results by selecting their preferred categories and sources.
Virtual desktop (workplace switcher)
In terms of productivity, virtual desktops are a better way to organise users’ applications and files while running them. Some people also use them for preserving different parts of their virtual life; like using one workplace for work, a second for games, a third for networking and social media, and so forth. By default, there are four virtual desktops on Ubuntu which can be customised according to the user’s preference.
Integration and connectivity
Everything gets lined up in one place; users can chat and display their online status from one place. If users have also connected their Smartphone with Ubuntu, they can answer calls and get notifications from the Smartphone directly on their desktop screen.
A new style of the minimising and un-minimising feature
Ubuntu also lets users select the animation effects for minimising and un-minimising the files, folders and applications. Animation effects include curved folds, fade, magic lamp, glide, horizontal folds, and sidekick etcetera.
Animation effects such as the glide, curved folds, and sidekick are excellent while the magic lamp feature is rather amusing; the window actually un-minimises like a genie coming out of lamp and vice versa. The performance is not compromised at any point in this animation effect. As soon as users rub the lamp, click the minimised app, the genie comes out instantly.
Available apps
Thousands of great free and paid applications and games are available on the Ubuntu Software Centre, just one click away. The only downside is that there is a possibility that some of the applications that are available on the Windows platform will not be available on Ubuntu. To circumvent this issue, alternative apps can be downloaded and used on the Ubuntu Software Centre. However, if no alternative applications are found, the application and programs of the Windows platform can be installed on Ubuntu using the Wine application available at the Ubuntu Software Centre. Convenience is key and Ubuntu seems to have nailed it.
