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Why is it free?

Ubuntu is brilliant. It's no wonder our users ask how all this can be free. The answer is simple.

  1. It’s open source.

    Our global community is made up of thousands of people who want to help build the best open-source operating system in the world. They share their time and skills to make sure that Ubuntu keeps getting better and better. From IBM to Google, Firefox to Wikipedia — some of today's best software is based on an open-source model. Shared efforts. Shared principles. No cost.

    Find out more about open source

    “#iuseubuntubecause I stand for freedom, but require a working desktop environment. Ubuntu has the best of both.”

    Jeffrey Bouter, via Twitter

  2. It’s managed and funded by Canonical.

    Canonical is the number-one Ubuntu services provider. Companies can choose to receive expert training, support or consultancy for a fee that goes towards the continued development of Ubuntu.

    Canonical and Ubuntu

Take the tour

Want to take Ubuntu for a test drive? Check out our online tour before you download the real thing!

Features

Whether you want to browse the web, email and chat, create documents or edit videos, Ubuntu's got it all.

Download

Ready to choose Ubuntu? You can download Ubuntu, completely free. Simply install it alongside or instead of your current system.

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