Goobuntu

Google and Linux! What a holy combination! I love them both. Linux's Ubuntu is used on Google's servers and internal users desktops. Why? No one had a clue. But last week at LinuxCon, a term 'Goobuntu' has been spoken. Well, what is it? Let's see:

The Ubuntu Desktop

According to Thomas Bushnell, an Engineer at Google who heads the team that handles and distributes Ubuntu to the corporate desktops of Google, 'Goobuntu' is just a light skin over the good old Ubuntu that we are familiar with. Google basically utilizes Ubuntu's LTS (long term support). But what does it mean for the everyday user? It means if they download Ubuntu's latest version, they will probably be using 'Goobuntu'.  

When asked whether anyone can use 'Goobuntu', Bushnell's reply was a yes and no.

Loyal users of Windows and Mac may get a little irritated at Google's affinity for Linux. Please don't be. Mr. Bushnell has confirmed that Google can use Windows and Mac too. They are emphasizing on Ubuntu because their development tools have been created keeping Ubuntu in mind.

The Goobuntu Desktop

The reason why Google has selected Ubuntu is that it offers great performance, flexibility to fulfill the requirements of everyone from a seasoned developer to the new sales guy, and of course, unbeatable security.

'Goobuntu' already has several thousand users inside Google's employee base such as management personnel, graphic designers, sales professionals, software engineers and system engineers.