Recently the computer manufacturer Dell hit the headlines when it announced that it would be offering buyers the choice of having Windows or Linux pre installed on their new computers. This was a major change for the computer world, and has led to enormous interest in the alternative operating system from people who are considering it as an alternative to Windows.

Dell have decided to offer the Ubuntu version of Linux to their users thanks to its reputation for being the most easy to use version of the free operating system. There are a number of advantages of having Linux on your new computer.

Firstly, because it is only in use by a very small minority of people, Linux has generally been ignored by computer virus writers, and as such it is considered more secure than other alternatives, however this could change if more people adopt it.

Ubuntu is also free to use, unlike Windows, which is proprietary software, Ubuntu does not cost anything to install on a computer, and much of the work done in developing the operating system is carried out by volunteers.

While Ubuntu will probably remain as a minority system, the very fact that a company as well known and respected as Dell is willing to offer it shows that Ubuntu has already got enough respect from business to be taken seriously by the world, and although it might not be as advanced as Windows Vista, many users never utilize the full power of their computer operating system anyway, meaning that it will serve the home user very well, as well as providing a cost effective solution for the business environment allowing companies to save money in acquiring the latest technology. Thanks to its security, stability, and low cost of use, as well as its reputation for being user friendly, perhaps 2007 could be the year when Linux really hits the mainstream.