Please also see the Edubuntu FAQ Wiki page.

What is Edubuntu?

Edubuntu is a free/libre/ open source GNU/Linux operating system. And if that didn't make any sense to you, we hope that it soon will. In simpler terms, Edubuntu is a free software system designed for school environments, and should be equally suitable for kids to use at home.

Edubuntu is based on the "ever-popular" Ubuntu operating system, and has many contributors, many being volunteers.

Are Edubuntu CDs available?

As of version 8.10 we are not shipping Edubuntu CDs. You can either download Edubuntu or request an Ubuntu CD instead.

How often is Edubuntu released?

Edubuntu is released in parallel with Ubuntu. Ubuntu and Edubuntu both have a 6 month release cycle, with regular releases, usually in April and October. The first release of Edubuntu was on 13 October 2005, and the 6.06 release in June 2006. Dapper was originally scheduled for April, although a delay was agreed upon to ensure top quality, since it was an enterprise release.

How do the Edubuntu versions work?

Edubuntu versions work exactly like Ubuntu versions. The first Edubuntu release is Edubuntu 5.10, "The Breezy Badger". The 5.10 indicates the release date (2005-10), and the "Breezy Badger" is the nickname for this release, often refered to as just "Breezy". The nicknames came from the first versions of Ubuntu, which started out rough and new (the first version was called "Warty Warthog"). As Ubuntu and Edubuntu evolve, the names will get more refined. There's also an explanation on the MarkShuttleworth page.

The current version of Edubuntu (and Ubuntu and Kubuntu) was released on October 30th 2008, and is known as Edubuntu 8.10. The current LTS (Long Term Support) version was released in April 2008 and is known as Edubuntu 8.04.1 LTS.

What is the "Enterprise" release? How much does it cost?

The Enterprise version has no cost associated with it. The Enterprise release has a longer support cycle, which is 3 years, as opposed to the standard Edubuntu versions that are supported for 18 months. The Enterprise release focuses less on features, and more on quality and polish. This is the recommended release for use in large deployments. The first Enterprise release was Edubuntu 6.06, launched in 2006. The current Enterprise release is Edubuntu 8.0.4.1, launched in April 2008.

What are the differences between Ubuntu and Edubuntu?

Take the tour of Edubuntu. There are many school-related applications installed by default, including TuxPaint, TuxMath, and TuxTyping, among others. Edubuntu can also refer to the Classroom LTSP server, which is a thin client based system.

How is Edubuntu related to Ubuntu?

With the release of Edubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron, the way edubuntu is defined and packaged changed. Edubuntu is now the normal ubuntu installation base, and an extra cd comprised of the add-on packages.
Edubuntu and Ubuntu both have the same release cycle, which occurs roughly every six months. You will find that many Edubuntu developers are also developers for Ubuntu.

I don't know much English, can I also get help in my language?

Of course you can. Besides this document being translated into several languages, there are also a larger number of Edubuntu and Ubuntu localisation teams around the world. If you think you can help, why not join your local team?

How can I get involved?

Edubuntu is built by a community of people, most of whom are volunteers. Edubuntu welcomes the advice and feedback from as many different people as possible. It's what makes this project work. There is a need for help in every area - documentation, developing, testing, advocacy, support - so if you want to get involved, please do. click here to learn more about getting involved.