Ubuntu is a free and open - source Linux distribution based on Debian. Ubuntu is officially released in three editions: Desktop, Server, and Core for the internet of things devices and robots. All the editions can run on the computer alone, or in a virtual machine. Wikipedia Initial release date: October 20, 2004 License: Free software + some proprietary device drivers Developed by: Canonical Latest release: Ubuntu 20.04 / 23 April 2020 (1 day ago) Developer: Canonical Ltd. Package managers: GNOME Software, APT, dpkg, Snappy, Flatpak