is ubuntu an os or just a software programme?
 

When opening ubuntu live cd it appears to me as an operative system. Can it replace an os OR SHOULD IT BE USED ALONG WITH A SUITABLE OS? If it is the second option then what system to adopt? At present Ihave an XP prf.

Hello, welcome to LQ. Ubuntu is a full blown Operating System that uses the Linux Kernel and various softwares to create a distribution. Ubuntu does not require another OS to run and during the install process is even intelligent enough to keep other OSs around (if you so choose). If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.

Regards,

Alunduil

Hi,

Welcome to LQ.

Ubuntu is a GNU/Linux Operating system. It does not require any other OS to run. As long as your hardware supports you can run Ubuntu.

Hmmm... I would have said that Ubuntu is a Linux Distribution as is Red Hat, Suse, Mint, Mandriva, etc. The operating system is GNU/Linux. A distribution doesn't just have an operating system, it comes bundled with Applications to handle documents, spreadsheets, photo manipulation, presentations, drawings, you name the job, there'll be some application to do it.
The applications are common to most distributions and can be added to using package managers which may be particular to the particular distribution. Different distributions have different ways to manage them, different windows management, etc, you find one that you like and start there. :)
Note that an OS like Windows needs you to buy the applications and install them, on its own it's pretty useless and can't do much. Ubuntu, etc installs apps along with the OS, GNU/Linux.

Well, anyway, thats my :twocents:

Play Bonny! :hattip: