Larger picture(s) of this item below! Click here to have a look!

TRY WITHOUT INSTALLING!
SAVE HOURS OF DOWNLOADING!
GET FREE EXTRAS, INFO & TIPS!


Click here for the latest delivery rates

 

Free Info & Tips!
Ubuntu Installs from the Live Desktop! Click here for screenshots.
Free Wallpapers!

Ubuntu - Linux for Human Beings
Boot to a Fully-Functional Desktop Without Installing Anything to Your Hard-Drive!

Free Programs!
Customise Ubuntu However You Want! Check out some screenshots.
Free Add-ons!


It's True! You can try Ubuntu Without Touching Your Windows Drive in Any Way!
Simply put the Live-CD in your drive, reboot, and have hours of fun looking around! Safe and simple!

You can then install Ubuntu on Free Space on your Windows Drive or Another Hard Drive!




You can Try or Install Ubuntu, or use the disc to:


☻Check your RAM (Memory Chips) for defects (hit Esc when loading the disc for boot menu)

☻Boot to the Live Desktop to access & backup files when Windows or Mac OS has died before you wipe the drive

☻Surf the Web directly from the disc to test your internet connection

☻Ubuntu is available in both 32-bit ("i386" for older computers) and 64-bit ("amd64" for newer computers)

☹ Sorry: as of 13.04 the Live CD does not include wubi.exe to install Ubuntu within Windows!

☹ Sorry: as of 12.10, the "Live CD" is actually a DVD, so as to fit more software, so you'll need a DVD drive.
Ubuntu's Unity Desktop - Making all your computing tasks so much easier!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for Windows 8 Users!




Please Read!Please note: if the version listed is not the LTS (Long-Term Support) release of Ubuntu, and you would prefer that, please check the other listings in my store, or simply email me after purchase (or add a note in Paypal). I can supply ANY VERSION!

Insane and stunning desktop effects can be added via window managers like Beryl!

Burning Windows never fail to impress!


Don't Pay for Software! Ubuntu comes with HEAPS of FREE PROGRAMS, and you can Download THOUSANDS More! Read below how EASY it is to find and install them!
 
Buy Now and Receive a Free CD with HEAPS of Extras, including eBooks, Wallpapers, Icons, Boot Screens, Games, Programs, and Tips, Commands & Tricks designed for Windows and Mac OS X Users unfamiliar with Linux)!

Ubuntu comes with 3 of the Most Popular Linux Desktop Environments - Pick 1 or All 3!

Ubuntu (Gnome) Kubuntu (KDE) Xubuntu (Xfce)

More Screenshots available below!

More Screenshots available below!

More Screenshots available below!

Ubuntu, Kubuntu & Xubuntu are registered trademarks of Canonical Inc.
Please note 1 Item = 1 of these distros, as they come on separate CDs
You can, however, add the other desktops to an installed system via downloaded updates or Alternate CDs

Available in "i386" (32-bit - most PCs/Macs) or "amd64" (for 64-bit processors), & either the "Live CD" (try the "live desktop" and install if you wish to proceed) or the "Alternate CD" (text-based install-only for older PCs) - ask me if you're not sure!


Click here for the latest delivery rates
 
See why Dell now supplies Ubuntu as an alternative to Vista on its Laptop & Desktop PCs!


Ubuntu is now also available in the "Ubuntu Netbook Remix" version for Netbooks like the Asus Eee PC!

Have you been hearing and reading about Ubuntu, and want to see what all the fuss is about?
Or have you been curious about Linux, but didn't want to install it to your hard drive just to have a look? Or have you been thinking about slowly migrating from Windows, but didn't know which flavour of Linux to pick?

 

Well, read below and see why Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu has become so popular, and why you should be trying it today. And I mean "trying", since you can boot to a fully-working desktop and try a bunch of open source (ie FREE) programs and games, all running off the CD in memory, not being cached on your hard drive! You can use Live CDs to create documents anywhere on any PC which you can then save to a USB stick, and even surf the web straight off the CD on any computer with broadband!More and more sellers and manufacturers are selling PCs and laptops with Ubuntu pre-installed!

Please note that you are not getting a trial version here, but a full operating system which comes on a "Live CD". This means you can boot to a fully working desktop, then install later if you so please, simply by double-clicking the "Install" icon on the desktop! Ubuntu and its derivatives are totally free to download, as are all programs and extras; what you are paying for here is to have it on a CD to save you looking for a reliable download mirror and spending time (and bandwidth) downloading it and burning the .iso image to a CD. You are also paying for a second disc with my special collection of programs, games, wallpapers, and other cool extras (saving you MANY hours of searching and downloading!!). And besides receiving a few e-books on Ubuntu and Linux in general, you also get a copy of my Vital Tips For Ubuntu Newbies (which will save you HOURS of looking through forums for answers, and have you up and running in no time).
HEAPS OF SCREENSHOTS BELOW!
Ubuntu? Is that contagious??
Ubuntu is available in many different languages!
No, Ubuntu isn't a disease, but it certainly is contagious! The word itself (pronounced "oo-boon-too") is African for "humanity to others", and is basically the concept behind this operating system that has taken the world by storm. While the concept of a free operating system (OS) and free programs isn't new, the developers of Ubuntu have strived to truly make this a "Linux for Human Beings", with support for many different languages. And there are many features that make this perhaps the most user-friendly and inviting Linux OS for total newbies wanting to have a look or even migrate from Windows (or "Windoze" in the Linux world!). It's highly customisable, and you can even choose different desktop environments if it takes your fancy. Updates are always available, and you can upgrade for free to a new version every 6 months!


Easy to use?

Everything is at your fingertips with easy to access menusWhile trying any Linux OS means a bit of learning - just like you had to go through learning Windows - I'm sure you'll find Ubuntu and its derivatives very intuitive and easy to use. In fact, if you've read the buzz online, you would already know that many relatively new computer users from the Windows world have successfully migrated to it. And more and more "newbies" are turning away from the cost and privacy issues of Windows in favour of an OS they can truly make their own. Why do you think Dell now offer it on their PCs? (Michael Dell himself uses Ubuntu on his laptop!)

While Linux is not Windows, and there are some fundamental differences between them, most people can get around the differences easy enough with its built-in Help feature. And if you get stuck on something, you'll be glad to know that (in my experience) answers for Linux questions are usually much easier to find than Windows ones. And don't forget my free bonus CD that contains my own collection of must-have tips for newbies just starting out with Ubuntu and Linux in general (this will save you a lot of Google searches and visits to forums).

Security?

You can scan your Windows drive for viruses while in Ubuntu!You may not need a need a firewall for Ubuntu, but you can run one anyway for peace of mindUbuntu, like all Linux OSes, is secure and not subject to viruses and spyware, though there are free programs to guard against these nonetheless. Since there are no Linux viruses, most people install antivirus programs in Ubuntu to scan their Windows drives, or to scan files they've downloaded that are bound for Windows users. And while Ubuntu is infinitely more secure from outside attack than Windows, you can also get powerful firewalls like Firestarter for no cost (just for peace of mind).

Support?
Lots of help is available, from built-in help to online forums!
If you're familiar with Microsoft trying to charge you for issues beyond the actual installation, you'll know that the only "free" support is that from other users. Canonical Inc do not provide free support for their free OS either, though you can choose to pay for it (and they charge less than Microsoft, who charge you hundreds to lease their OS!). However, the built-in Help feature is really good, and the Ubuntu community is so huge that you'll always find answers (I've even had my Windows-related questions answered in the Ubuntu Forums!). I cannot stress enough how helpful the Linux community is in general, and what a wealth of knowledge the Ubuntu Forums hold. Do a Google search for your queries (there are also great guides and tutorials out there), or start a thread in the Ubuntu Forums, and you'll be getting answers in no time.


Free Programs?

Hell yeah! At last count, there were over 25,000 free programs for the Ubuntu family! And you don't have to go looking for them, as that what "package managers" are for. Simply run "Add/Remove Applications" or "Synaptic Package Manager" to see what programs and updates are available, select the ones you want, then with one more click they're all downloaded and installed for you! Any dependent packages will also be marked for installation, so you won't have to worry about a thing!


It couldn't be easier to install and remove software!But let's not forget the CD comes with over 1,000 programs on it, including Internet/Network apps, Games, CD/DVD burners, Multimedia Players, and much more! While not all of these are installed by default (a common complaint of other Linux OSes is that they install way too much), pretty much everything you'll need is there, including the mighty OpenOffice - the free yet powerful open-source competitor to MS Office. And for web browsing, the popular Firefox is installed, and you can also install Opera into Ubuntu. And for picture editing, you don't get something horribly basic like Windows Paint installed by default, but The Gimp - a powerful yet easy-to-use alternative to Adobe Photoshop.

After running Synaptic or any other package manager to get more programs, it will soon become obvious that you'll never have to do Google searches for software again (and hope the downloads are reliable when you finally find what you want!). Synaptic does it all for you, and the downloads are from verified sources in the Ubuntu community (though you can choose to install others as well). How much easier can it be than that?

What about Updates?

As mentioned, you can run a package manager like Synaptic for updates and programs, or you can just run the Update Manager for updates alone. Or just wait for a notification and click on it! Not only does this quickly and easily update your system, it lets you update every program you have installed!
You'll be notified when updates are ready for download and installationYou can of course choose what you want updated, meaning you can postpone updating Ubuntu (if you're cautious from having grief with Windows updates) and just update your programs and "libraries" (dependent software). Forget lengthy visits to the Windows Update site (which can be "experiencing technical difficulties"!) - just run the Update Manager and let it install the list of recommended updates. And of course every 6 months you'll have the option to automatically upgrade to the latest version of Ubuntu, free of charge.

What Else Makes Ubuntu So Cool?

Thumbnails with Preview for everything in Ubuntu, including video clips and even DVD .vob files!Many standard features of Ubuntu are not found in Windows, so here are just a few of them. Ubuntu supports not only icons of up to 256 pixels in many formats (ico, gif, jpg, png), but also scalable vector graphics (svg) icons. Thumbnails are far advanced, with previews of videos shown within the icon (this includes even the individual vob files that make up a DVD title!). Many more options are available when you right-click things, like being able to burn an .iso image via "Write to Disc". Support for PDF viewing and creation comes as standard, as does being able to archive/compress files and folders to a number of formats, including 7z. In fact, you'll see that many basic tasks have been anticipated, with solutions available in the most standard of installs, while in Windows you have to go looking for software that either costs you money, is pirated (and hence illegal), or feature-disabled.
NTFS support in Ubuntu
Another great feature of Ubuntu and Linux in general is the fact that any drive can be read, while in Windows it just doesn't recognise other filesystems than its own. You can access Mac OSX, other Linux partitions, and of course Windows drives. This means that when your Windows installation is dying (yet again), you can still rescue your important files by copying them to your Ubuntu drive or another NTFS or Fat32 drive. Even the Live CD is good for this, as you can use that and a USB drive to recover files from a PC that only has one drive (with Windows on it).

Also, Ubuntu can be customised in so many ways, it really does make Windows look rather pale. You can change themes that not only alter colours, but change buttons, icons and window borders as well. You can change these individually, and many more are always available for download. You can add or remove panels, and customise them by putting handy little gadgets and your favourite shortcuts on them, and by making them opaque or transparent. You can switch boot "splash" screens and specify your own login window, and the list goes on. In just a few minutes you can transform your Ubuntu into something totally unique, but you can go even further.

Beryl's effects and animations are out of this world!"Window Managers" like the much-loved Compiz-Fusion (formerly Beryl) can put an absolutely stunning array of desktop effects at your fingertips (please note a standard install does not have desktop effects enabled by default, since it would be a drain on older computers (and many users actually prefer them disabled), so you will need to open Appearance and enable it there). Not only can they add transparency to windows or just their title bars, and add even better themes with shadows, glass-like finishes and animated buttons, but also eye candy beyond belief if you're used to Windows (and this includes Vista!). Not only is the vast amount of effects staggering, but so is the level of control you have over them. See your windows wobble like jelly as you drag them, or beam into existence like via a Star Trek transporter, or explode or burn up when you close them. Spin the desktop cube, have inactive windows go opaque, pick from a range of hilarious and cool animations for minimise and maximise, and even have it rain on your desktop or ripple like water (don't worry - you can turn the windshield wipers on!). No wonder so many people find it so hard to go back to Windows!

And eye candy aside, you can also pick between totally different "desktop environments", which range from very basic to very advanced. As you can see, the level of control you have over the look and feel of Ubuntu really is impressive.


Gnome? KDE? Xfce?
Choose your favourite desktop environment for Ubuntu
These three desktop environments are the most popular in the Linux world, and every distro has one of these as its base. Ubuntu, however, is different in that you can snap in all three and switch between them at will (you don't even need to reboot!). By default, Ubuntu comes with Gnome (or GDE - Gnome Desktop Environment), which is a sleek and powerful desktop that is nonetheless easy on system resources (ie: generally a lot faster than Windows).

Kubuntu ("koo-boon-too") is Ubuntu with KDE (K Desktop Environment), a very rich and flash-looking desktop that can make Windows look pretty pale in comparison! Its many "bells & whistles" are less of a drag on memory than those in Windows, and you can disable/enable most of them at will.

Xubuntu ("zoo-boon-too"), on the other hand, features the Xfce (XForms Common Environment) desktop which is great for older PCs or for those who find even Gnome to be too flash and prefer a minimalistic desktop. If you decide to install either Ubuntu, Kubuntu or Xubuntu, you can later download the other desktop environments or install them off "Alternate" CDs. You can even download and install other desktops like FVWM-Crystal, Enlightenment & Openbox (screenshots below).


Should I get Ubuntu, Kubuntu or Xubuntu?

As a rule, Ubuntu will work well on most computers, including older ones; Kubuntu needs more current hardware (ie: processor speed and amount of RAM), though certainly does not need the minimum requirements of Vista. Grab Xubuntu if you want to breathe life into an old PC, or get the most out of your current hardware.


Most of us have computers that will run all of these wonderfully, so it's really up to you which to choose. If you want a suggestion, however, my choice is to install Ubuntu then add in the KDE desktop via the Kubuntu Alternate CD or download. Then you can switch between Gnome and KDE to see which you like better, knowing your files and programs work in both. Most stick with the standard Ubuntu desktop, but if you decide to add Xfce (Xubuntu) or KDE, you will have a second desktop from which to troubleshoot/repair should you do something to Gnome through tinkering.
You can either get the Live CD or the Alternative (Text-based) Installer
"Live CD" or "Alternate" (Text-Based) Install?

You can install Ubuntu from the Live Desktop and even be playing games while it does so!The Live CD is the one you want if planning to test out Ubuntu before installing. Once you're ready to proceed, just double-click the "Install" icon on the desktop and follow the prompts. You can even play games or surf the web while you're waiting for the next dialog box to appear! Once the install is finished, your PC will reboot, and you'll be at your new desktop once you've logged in.

The Alternate CD is for a "text-based" installation rather than a "graphical" one, which means that it is better for older computers with not much RAM. It's also preferred by techs who don't need the Live environment, and would rather just start installing straight from the boot menu. Navigation through the simple "text-based" installer is via keyboard rather than mouse, and because it does not load a more resource-hungry "graphical" environment, installing this way on older computers with less than the recommended RAM is more likely to succeed than with the Live CD.

The Alternate CD also has a few more files on there, which is why you'd need one of these to install an alternative desktop environment (unless you plan to download it with other updates). So if you want to look at Ubuntu then install it, go for the Live CD; if you think you'd like to add KDE as an alternative to Gnome, then also get the Kubuntu Alternate CD to save you downloading the KDE desktop during updates (it's rather large!). I include directions on how to do this successfully.


What if I decide to Install?

Installation is in most cases quick, painless and without incident, and you can specify how much of your Windows drive you want to allocate for this purpose. While I've never heard of any data loss on the original Windows partition, needless to say backing up your data first will give you piece of mind. If you have a secondary drive, then you won't even need to get nervous about possibly losing data. If you want to totally get rid of Windows, then just tell Ubuntu to have the whole drive! If deciding to share a drive, Ubuntu will set up a boot menu (GRUB) that lets you either boot into Ubuntu or Windows.


Will Ubuntu support all of my hardware?

Then all you have to do is tell Ubuntu to enable your driversAs you probably know, even Windows doesn't support all hardware by default, since hardware drivers are the property of manufacturers. Remember when you installed Windows and couldn't even play a DVD without downloading something to make it happen? Or when you later added a new sound card and it wasn't even recognised till you ran the drivers install from the CD you got with it? Well, Ubuntu is really good at picking up hardware, and in many cases does so better than Windows.

For example, Ubuntu could easily detect and install both the built-in sound and the sound card I added, while Windows needed me to run the discs to make it happen. And I've seen TV cards that need software to run in Windows getting accessed upon reboot in Ubuntu by the installed media players without doing a thing! Look around the web and you'll see many stories of amazingly simple Ubuntu installs that have all the hardware up and running without hassle.


That said, because of the "restricted drivers" issue you may need to get Linux drivers for some pieces of hardware, which more and more manufacturers are now supplying. There are also "generic" drivers and workarounds that the community develops. And let's not forget that while these drivers are subject to copyright, Ubuntu can often detect what you need and let you install it with just a message about it being restricted.

You may be cautioned that the software is proprietary and "cannot easily be changed to fix any future problems", but all you have to do is click on the Enabled button and reboot. This approach to the restricted drivers issue has earned Ubuntu much praise.

If you want to make sure all your hardware will be easily set up in Ubuntu, do a Google search for the brand and model name/number beforehand.

Can I Import any Files, Settings or Programs from Windows?

All your files can quite easily be copied over to your Ubuntu partition, and even better news is that most common types will open in programs already installed. Your video clips and MP3s, your Office documents and PDF files, DVD and CD images, and much more will open with programs that are installed by default, or easily installed with your favourite package manager like Synaptic.

Open, Edit and Save files to and from your Windows drive!Also, you can open these files directly off your windows drive and enable write access to save to them as well. This way you can save having duplicates, and you can access and edit the same files from two different operating systems.

Using either the default Firefox browser or installing Opera can let you import bookmarks from their Windows counterparts and also Internet Explorer. If you're like more and more Windows users these days, you would have already switched to one of these browsers so know that importing Favourites from IE is simple enough.

Run Windows from within Ubuntu using Vmware!As for programs, of course you have to be realistic that Linux isn't Windows, and be ready to find replacements via Synaptic. That said, you'll be glad to know that many programs native to Windows will indeed run in Ubuntu with the help of Wine, which is basically an invisible layer of emulation or compatibility that runs .exe files. Results vary, and some small apps you would expect to run OK won't, but then programs like DVD Shrink, Mailwasher Pro, and even Adobe Photoshop can work flawlessly. Some people have found workarounds for some of the more popular apps, so you can always search for them or ask in the Ubuntu forums.

Also, you can actually run Windows from within Ubuntu, if there are one or two Windows programs you can't do without (or cost you so much you'd rather not). Simply install Vmware or Virtualbox through Synaptic and then install Windows into that, or even use your existing Windows installation!


In conclusion...
Is it just me, or do you also think Microsoft has noticed that Ubuntu is eating into its market share?
Ubuntu is a great operating system worthy of the attention it has received in the last year especially. However, if you're new to Linux you'll need a little patience while learning the ins and outs. This of course is no problem if you keep your Windows going while learning and setting up Ubuntu, and you'll join the ranks of "dual booters" who enjoy the best of both worlds. But even many novice computer users are actually finding Ubuntu more intuitive to use, so don't be surprised if you become one of the many who end up ditching Windows totally!


Disclaimer:

Just a reminder that I did not create Ubuntu nor force you to install it, so any headaches you may have with either setting it up or learning the ropes are not my fault. Believe it or not, I have actually seen negative feedback left for eBay sellers of Linux OSes from those who decided to try Linux without having the patience for it, which of course is an appalling misuse of the feedback system! Also note that I have no control over any potential installation problems due to your particular hardware configuration (this is rare though - most remark how easy and trouble-free their install was). I do, however, accept responsibility for CDs that fail the integrity test, so rest assured that to save us both the hassle, I will run the self-check on each CD before posting.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding Ubuntu.
Don't forget to check out my store to combine postage & packing with some of my DELICIOUS GOURMET FOODS! In most cases, these discs will ship for FREE when in a parcel with other goods!
 
Click here for the latest delivery rates

This ad was made entirely in Ubuntu!




Ubuntu - Linux for Human Beings!
Here are some Ubuntu screenshots that have been captured in 1024x768 and 1280x960 resolutions. Click on the thumbnails below to open 800x600 versions of these in their own windows (tell your pop-up killer to allow them):
You can check out the Live CD in Windows Panel applets let you populate your panels with useful widgets! Gnome Partition Editor setting up an Ext3 partition for Ubuntu
You can autorun the Live CD in Windows for a quick look (or to install open source software for Windows). Explore Ubuntu before you install. You can surf the web, play some games, or alter interface settings. The installer's partitioner will help you grab some free space from your Windows drive for your new Ubuntu.
Bring your favourite wallpapers with you to Ubuntu, or find more online! Compiz Desktop Effects, like Wobbly Windows Beryl's effects and animations are out of this world!
Then you can start adding your own desktop & panel icons and changing the visuals to suite your tastes. You can then enable desktop effects, like the popular Windows Wobble (not recommended for older PCs). We'll get to Compiz-Fusion's crazy effects later. Pictured is a minimise effect (similar to Mac OS X).
OpenOffice Writer - another quality but also FREE program to replace your costly Windows software! The Gimp image manipulation program PDF viewing and creation come as default in Ubuntu!
You can then start using great open source software like Microsoft Word's free alternative, OpenOffice Writer. Some programs take on the costly commercial ones, like Gimp (which is as full-featured as Adobe Photoshop). Some things about Ubuntu really are superior, like integration of PDF creation and viewing by default.
Many options are only a right-click away Many context-menu options are simply not available in Windows Thumbnails with Preview come standard
There are always plenty of choices available in Ubuntu - just right-click and view the context menu. The ability to do things like burn an .iso image to a CD with a right-click makes Windows look a bit outdated. You'll see thumbnails are much better than in Windows, with previews for fonts and video files (even DVD .vobs).
You can customise Nautilus, the default file manager You can customise so many aspects of Ubuntu Kubuntu's Konqueror file manager will run fine in Gnome
Customising the look and behaviour of the default file manager, Nautilus, is easy and often very practical. Of course, sometimes practical comes second to looking cool. Eye candy, after all, enhances computing. You can install other file managers like Konqueror, which has previews and comprehensive info in tooltips.
Recent Documents in the Places menu The Applications menu give you access to your installed programs Change your screen size or anything else quickly and simply
Your drives, folders, and recent documents are easily found in the Places menu. All your programs are easy to find as they placed in the sub-menu of the appropriate Applications category. All your settings are easy to get to in Ubuntu, from changing screen sizes to  changing your password.
Install all your updates in one with the Update Manager Install missing codecs and the like without too much hassle There are plenty of sites that offer free wallpapers
You'll never have to worry about looking for updates, as the Update Manager presents them to you. Downloading and installing updates, even video codecs and the like, is quick and painless in Ubuntu. Once you've set up Ubuntu and installed updates, why not grab some wallpapers from www.gnome-look.org.
Changing your wallpaper is a breeze in Ubuntu Install some Themes - there are plenty available online! You can also just change certain things, like icon themes
Changing your desktop background is as easy as right-clicking the desktop and choosing/importing one. You can also change all your default interface settings with themes, then customise individual aspects. For example, if you like the Edubuntu theme but prefer non-cartoonish icons, you can change just the icon theme.
You can either go for plain, cartoonish or super-sleek icons - it's up to you! There are also themes designed for a laugh, like Ubuntu Satanic Edition! Make your panels blend in with your wallpaper
Heaps of really nice icon themes out there, and all free and easily installed (just import the compressed file). There are also themes that transform your boot process and login as well, like Ubuntu Satanic Edition. If you want your panels and wallpaper to blend, you can choose a solid colour instead of the system theme.
Make your panels as opaque as you like You can even make your panels totally transparent! You can make some of your desktop icons stick out more by stretching them!
You have a lot of control over your panels, and can customise each one individually in a number of ways. You can make your panels as opaque as you want for a great look, or even make them totally transparent. Not only can you change the icons for more things in Ubuntu than Windows, you can even stretch them!
Compiz-Fusion/Beryl give you full control over effects like the Desktop Cube! Heaps of great animations to choose from! Burning Windows never fail to impress!
But if you really want to be impressed, enable Compiz-Fusion's desktop effects & play with settings. Vista has nothing on the stunning desktop effects of Compiz-Fusion, which you can customise. Yes, you can be forgiven (at first) for opening multiple windows to watch them burn up when you close them!
You can also plug in effects like rain and water on your desktop! Transparencies are second nature to Compiz-Fusion! Make your windows wobble with Compiz-Fusion!
Beryl/Compiz also accept plugins, and some of the effects include it raining on your desktop on call! Transparency is a mere trifle, if your video card is up to it. This window is actually "beaming up" ala Star Trek. Compiz not only has Wobbly Windows too, but you can control the level of movement and warp, etc.
You can peel back your windows when maximised! Compiz-Fusion makes Vista look so last century! Emerald Theme Manager gives you many stunning windows looks, and you can download plenty more!
And why minimise a window when you can just peel it back to take a look at what's going on behind it! Besides the wobble and the cool animations, you can apply themes with opacity & animated buttons. Emerald themes for Beryl/Compiz range from the subdued to the bizarre, with absolutely stunning in between.
Many popular programs are available for Linux, like the popular web browser, Opera You can even run some of your Windows programs using Wine! Synaptic Packager Manager for easy download and installation!
Back to productivity, there are many great Windows programs available for Ubuntu, like Opera web browser. You can also install Wine, which lets you install and run many totally Windows-native programs in Ubuntu. But there are just so many good programs available for Ubuntu that all your needs will certainly be covered.




Kubuntu - Linux for Human Beings!
Now here are a few screenshots of Kubuntu, which is Ubuntu running the popular KDE desktop instead of Gnome:
Kubuntu Live CD Desktop Kubuntu - Ubuntu with the K Desktop Environment (KDE) The Kmenu in Kubuntu
You can install from the Kubuntu Live Desktop or add the KDE desktop to Ubuntu as another option to Gnome. Kubuntu's interface is sleek and modern, is highly configurable, with a focus on style and user-friendliness. The KMenu has all your programs and settings, much like the Windows Start Menu (but less confusing!).
Graphic tooltips in Kubuntu Changing the Desktop Background in Kubuntu Change you Kubuntu eye candy with the Theme Manager
Kubuntu has a polished finish with lots of "bells and whistles", like animations and informative tooltips. Changing the Wallpaper is as easy as right-clicking the desktop (note you can have a background slideshow). Easily choose built-in Themes to alter the look of your windows. Many more great KDE themes available online.
There are so many things you can customise in Kubuntu! Kubuntu has built-in transparency abilities that are really awesome!

Kubuntu can be populated with cool gadgets & have Karamba themes applied to certain popular programs.

Or just alter individual aspects, like the font and size for icon captions, panels and title bars, etc. You can also apply as much Translucency to your inactive (or active) windows as you please. And let's not forget the hugely popular SuperKaramba themes & widgets. Mac OSX & Vista simply can't compare!
Kubuntu is easy to customise Konqueror - the default file manager for Kubuntu/KDE Kubuntu and Konqueror's tooltips are second to none!
You have total control over your menus & the shortcuts they contain, as well as panels and much more. You'll notice thumbnails in KDE preview not just images but also the content of text files! Tooltips are highly informative in Kubuntu, especially when hovering over image files in Konqueror.
Informative Tooltips in Kubuntu Image Preview in Konqueror

Kubuntu can also access your Windows files

Even tooltips for desktop icons are a cut above the ordinary, with heaps of info available under your cursor. Instant previewing of images in Konqueror is a great feature and showcases KDE's user-friendliness. You can access your Windows drive just like in Ubuntu, and of course edit files directly off it.




Xubuntu - Linux for Human Beings!
You might prefer to go with Xubuntu, which is Ubuntu with the popular and super-fast Xfce desktop environment:
Xubuntu desktop after installation Xubuntu is also highly configurable Xubuntu letting the XFFM file manager control things
Xubuntu's super-fast Xfce desktop is great for all PCs, including old Pentium IIs with not much memory. Note that Xubuntu is also highly configurable, with themes and really useful panel gadgets. You can totally change your Xubuntu in many other ways. Pictured is the XFFM file manager running things.




You can go your own way with other popular (and obscure) Desktop Environments and Window Managers:
AfterStep is another environment worth considering, even as a backup in case something goes wrong with Gnome AfterStep is only a small download and is installed automatically Openbox is only a small download and is installed automatically
AfterStep is fast and sleek interface that is colourful and fun, and can of course be configured to your needs. You can use Gnome and KDE apps in AfterStep (pictured is KDE's twin-panel file manager, Krusader). Openbox is a popular no-frills window manager that is plain by default, and driven by a right-click menu system.
Waimea is only a small download and is installed automatically FVWM-Crystal is a smooth looking environment to explore. FVWM-Crystal is only a small download and is installed automatically
Waimea is a simple (and hence fast) desktop great for those with modest needs and/or old computers. A desktop big on multimedia (not to mention transparencies and a stylish 3D look) is FVWM-Crystal. FVWM-Crystal has many themes to choose from, and Compiz-like opaque title bars are a default feature .
Another popular alternative is Enlightenment. Enlightenment is only a small download and is installed automatically Enlightenment & Gnome together
Enlightenment is the desktop of choice for many, being fast yet supporting transparency & opacity. You can run Gnome and KDE apps together without any problems in Enlightenment. E-Gnome is automatically installed with Enlightenment, and is basically a cross between the latter and Gnome.
Enlightenment & KDE together Blackbox is only a small download and is installed automatically Blackbox might be light-weight, but you can use it to do anything.
E-KDE is automatically installed with Enlightenment, and is basically a cross between the latter and KDE. Blackbox is another light-weight yet powerful environment (that is based on Openbox but more user-friendly). Blackbox is popular because it is fast and lets you use all your apps, whether they be KDE or Gnome-based.

 

Many thanks for checking out this item. But PLEASE only buy this if you actually intend to pay for it. Contact must be made within 2 days, and your new possession paid for within 7 days.

Upon receiving payment, you will be notified, and your item will be shipped within 2 working days (the following working day in most cases). I will endeavour to make sure it is securely packed and at your door as soon as possible.

Please note that recycled protective packaging may be used in the packing of this item, in an effort to lower the impact on the environment.

Also note that I assume no responsibility for items that don't show up. I will, of course, do my part in tracking down items that were Registered. However, I haven't had any lost mail coming or going internationally or within Australia (still, insurance and/or registering can be arranged for your piece of mind).

Thanks again, and HAPPY SHOPPING!

Ubuntu - "Linux for Human Beings" - is a Stable, Secure & Highly Customisable Operating System with THOUSANDS of FREE Software Titles & a HUGE Community (which is ready to help with the transition from Windoze)! Download & run the Live CD, which lets you boot into a working desktop without touching your hard-drives! If you install, you can "dual boot" between Windows and Ubuntu, and install software without even looking for it! Click this link and check it out...


Click here for the latest delivery rates

This ad was made entirely in Ubuntu!