Ubuntu System Requirements

Ubuntu is one of the few operating systems that are available free on the Web. This linux based operating system is easy to install and most importantly, it is far better than its predecessors. Unlike previous versions of Linux that had a command line interface (CLI), Ubuntu comes with a new innovative graphical interface that makes computing easy and enjoyable. New version of Ubuntu, also referred as Kubuntu has been introduced with some new advanced features.

Ubuntu System Requirements
An operating system, regarded as a brain of the computer, is a large program and hence, certain software and hardware requirements need to be satisfied for installation. A computer failing to fulfill these pre - requisite requirements, simply cannot run the operating system. This problem occurs in computers purchased 10 -15 years ago and in such cases up gradation is the only solution to install new versions of computer operating system.

The system requirements of this operating system have to be known before installing this software. Now, there are two editions of Ubuntu operating system. One is for desktop computers and other is for server machines. It is obvious that recommended system requirements will differ depending on what type of computer it is installed on.

Desktop Edition
Those who are new to Ubuntu, always install the desktop or laptop edition. Your computer should have the following configuration in order to install this version of Ubuntu:

• Motherboard architecture is x86 and processor speed is 1GHZ
• RAM size is 512 MB
• Hard disk should have the capacity to store 5GB of data
• Monitor resolution is 1024x768
• Graphics card to use the visual effects

Server Edition
Ubuntu installed on a computer that acts as a server, does not need any graphical user interface. In fact, Ubuntu running on server side is operated by typing the commands. Following should be the system configuration:

• Motherboard architecture is intel x86 and processor speed is 300MHZ
• RAM size is 512 MB
• Hard disk should have the capacity to store 4GB of data
• Graphics card and monitor resolution is 800x600 pixels

Minimum System Requirements
Upgrading the computer to minimum system requirements has its own disadvantages. Certain applications of Ubuntu cannot be installed, which frankly speaking is a loss for beginners:

• Motherboard architecture is intel x86 and processor speed is 300MHZ
• RAM size is 128 MB
• Hard disk should have the capacity to store 1.5 GB of data
• VGA card with a resolution of 640x480 pixels.

A point to note is that the motherboard architecture need not necessarily be x86. Even 64 bit AMD intel processors are capable enough to run Ubuntu operating system, but make sure that the processing speed is at least 300 MHZ.

Like Windows, Ubuntu too is an user-friendly operating system, provided the computer satisfies its installation criteria. Though Ubuntu can run on a computer with 128MB of RAM, accessing all features of Ubuntu is not possible, which is definitely disappointing for beginners. Shorter versions of Ubuntu do exist, but they are not recommended as they do not allow to explore the different aspects of Ubuntu operating system.