Ubuntu

Homepage: http://www.ubuntu.com/
USSG Mirror: ftp://ftp.ussg.indiana.edu/linux/ubuntu-releases/HEADER.html

Taken from Wikipedia
Ubuntu (pronounced like ooh-boon-too) is a widely used Linux distribution predominantly targeted at personal computers. Based on Debian GNU/Linux, Ubuntu concentrates on usability, regular releases, ease of installation, and freedom from legal restrictions. Ubuntu is sponsored by Canonical Ltd., a private company founded by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth.

The name of the distribution comes from the Zulu and Xhosa concept of ubuntu, which means "humanity towards others". Ubuntu’s slogan – “Linux for Human Beings”, encapsulates one of its main goals – making Linux more available and easy to use. Due to its ease of use, it is considered by many to be a great "beginner" distribution of Linux.


Ubuntu is suitable for both desktop and server use. The current Ubuntu release supports PC (Intel x86), 64-bit PC (AMD64), Sun UltraSPARC and T1 (Sun Fire T1000 and T2000), PowerPC (Apple iBook, Powerbook, G4 and G5) and OpenPower (Power5) architectures.

Ubuntu includes more than 16,000 pieces of software, but the core desktop installation fits on a single CD. Ubuntu covers every standard desktop application from word processing and spreadsheet applications to web server software and programming tools.

Using the local Ubuntu Mirror

To use the local IU mirror you will need to edit your Apt sources file.

1. Click Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal.
2. Type:

   sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

   and hit return.
3. Enter your password.
4. The first two lines should start with deb and deb-src. The urls that follow those words need to be changed. instead of 'http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/' change them to 'ftp://ftp.ussg.indiana.edu/linux/ubuntu/'. Be sure not to edit anything else on those lines unless you know what you're doing. The next time you check for updates using apt-get, aptitude, or update-manager you should be using the IU mirror!