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?
Yes, Edubuntu CDs are now available for PC (Intel processors) from https://shipit.edubuntu.org. For more information see the Ubuntu Shipit FAQ.
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 is 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 this is 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) has been released in June 2006, and is known as Edubuntu 6.06 LTS (Long term Support).
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 focusses less on features, and more on quality and polish. This is the recommended release for use in large deployments. The first Enterprise release is Edubuntu 6.06, due for launch in June.
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.
How is Edubuntu related to Ubuntu?
Edubuntu is based on, and is indeed dependent on Ubuntu. As packages are updated in Ubuntu, they are also updated in Edubuntu, as they share the same repository. This also means that they 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. Just email the Edubuntu mailing list or join the #edubuntu IRC channel on irc.freenode.net.
