If you’ve ever explored the world of Linux, chances are you’ve heard of Ubuntu. It’s not only one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world. It’s also the first stop for millions of developers, students, and businesses discovering the power of open-source computing.

But what exactly is Ubuntu, and why has it become such a go-to operating system for everyone from beginners to cloud-native startups? Let’s break it down.

The Origins of Ubuntu

Ubuntu was first released in 2004 by a company called Canonical Ltd., founded by Mark Shuttleworth. The name “Ubuntu” comes from an African philosophy meaning “humanity to others”—a fitting name for a project that’s all about openness, community, and accessibility.

While many Linux distributions existed before Ubuntu, most were designed for experienced users. Canonical had a different vision: make Linux simple, approachable, and usable for everyone.

Why Ubuntu Became Popular

Ubuntu quickly stood out for a few reasons:

• Free & Open Source → Anyone can download, use, and modify it without paying licensing fees.

• User-Friendly → A clean desktop environment, straightforward commands, and helpful documentation made it far easier than many alternatives.

• Regular Releases → A new version comes out every six months, with LTS (Long-Term Support) editions every two years, supported for 5 years.

• Strong Community → Ubuntu has one of the largest Linux communities, meaning tutorials, guides, and forums are always available.

Where Ubuntu is Used Today

Ubuntu isn’t just for hobbyists, it’s everywhere:

• On desktops & laptops → Great for developers, students, and everyday users.

• In servers & data centers → A backbone for web hosting, application servers, and cloud infrastructure.

• On the cloud → Ubuntu is one of the most widely used operating systems on cloud platforms and VPS providers.

• In IoT & robotics → Thanks to Ubuntu Core, a lightweight version designed for devices.

Why Developers Love Ubuntu

• It comes with all the essential developer tools out of the box.

• Easy to install programming languages like Python, Node.js, or Go.

• Excellent support for containers (Docker, Kubernetes).

• A balance of stability and cutting-edge features.

Put simply: Ubuntu offers the flexibility of Linux with the usability of a modern OS.

Ubuntu and the Cloud

One of the biggest reasons Ubuntu has become so popular in recent years is its role in the cloud revolution.
When developers spin up a Virtual Private Server (VPS) to run applications, Ubuntu is often the default choice.

Why? Because it’s:

• Lightweight and resource-friendly

• Secure and regularly updated

• Supported by almost every hosting and cloud provider (including Raff 🚀)

Ubuntu has grown from a simple Linux distribution into a cornerstone of modern computing. Whether you’re a beginner learning your first Linux commands, a developer building cloud-native apps, or a startup deploying at scale, Ubuntu provides a solid, reliable foundation.

This is why Ubuntu remains the world’s favorite Linux. And in this series, we’ll dive deeper—next time looking at how to install and configure Ubuntu on a VPS, step by step.