# Gobuntu > Linux distribution **Wikidata**: [Q375150](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q375150) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gobuntu) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gobuntu ## Summary Gobuntu was a Linux distribution developed by Canonical Ltd. as a fully free software version of Ubuntu. It was officially released in October 2007 and discontinued in April 2011, with its final stable version being 8.04.1. ## Key Facts - Gobuntu was an official Ubuntu derivative that aimed to be fully compliant with the principles of free software. - It was based on the Linux kernel and used the GNU General Public License (GPL) exclusively for its components. - The project was developed by Canonical Ltd., the same company behind Ubuntu. - Gobuntu ran exclusively on the IA-32 platform. - The first version of Gobuntu was released on October 18, 2007, with version 7.10. - Its final stable version was 8.04.1, released on July 1, 2008. - The project was officially discontinued on April 24, 2011. - It used the dpkg package management system. - Gobuntu was distinct from Goobuntu, which is a different project. - The project was available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and others. - It was categorized as both a Linux distribution and a free operating system. ## FAQs **What is Gobuntu?** Gobuntu was a version of the Ubuntu operating system that consisted entirely of free software, adhering strictly to the principles of free software licensing. It was developed by Canonical Ltd. and aimed to provide a fully free software experience. **Who developed Gobuntu?** Gobuntu was developed by Canonical Ltd., the same company behind Ubuntu. It was introduced to offer users a fully free software alternative to the standard Ubuntu distribution. **What platforms did Gobuntu support?** Gobuntu was designed to run on the IA-32 (x86) architecture. **What license did Gobuntu use?** Gobuntu used the GNU General Public License (GPL) for its software components, ensuring compliance with free software principles. **When was Gobuntu discontinued?** Gobuntu was officially discontinued on April 24, 2011. **What was the last version of Gobuntu released?** The final stable version of Gobuntu was 8.04.1, released on July 1, 2008. **How does Gobuntu differ from Ubuntu?** Gobuntu was a fully free software version of Ubuntu, meaning it excluded all proprietary components, unlike standard Ubuntu which included some non-free software and drivers. **What package management system did Gobuntu use?** Gobuntu used the dpkg package management system, consistent with other Debian-based Linux distributions. ## Why It Matters Gobuntu played a significant role in the free software community by offering a version of Ubuntu that strictly adhered to the principles of free software. It provided users with an operating system that ensured all components were free and open-source, addressing the needs of users who prioritized software freedom and compliance with open-source licenses. Although short-lived, Gobuntu demonstrated the feasibility of a fully free software desktop environment and contributed to the broader conversation about software freedom in Linux distributions. ## Notable For - Being a fully free software version of Ubuntu. - Strict adherence to the GNU General Public License and free software guidelines. - Use of the dpkg package management system. - Short lifespan, with development ceasing in 2011. - Being distinct from Goobuntu, despite the similar name. ## Body ### History Gobuntu was introduced as a variant of Ubuntu that strictly followed the principles of free software. It was developed by Canonical Ltd., the company behind Ubuntu, and released on October 18, 2007, with its initial version 7.10. The final stable version, 8.04.1, was released on July 1, 2008. Despite its initial promise, Gobuntu was officially discontinued on April 24, 2011, due to limited adoption and the challenges of maintaining a fully free software stack. ### Architecture and Platform Gobuntu was built to run on the IA-32 (x86) architecture. This platform choice limited its use to older or specific hardware but ensured compatibility with a wide range of systems available at the time. The operating system used the dpkg package management system, aligning it with Debian-based distributions. ### Licensing and Compliance Gobuntu was notable for its strict adherence to free software principles. All components of the operating system were distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), ensuring users' freedoms to use, modify, and redistribute the software. This made it distinct from standard Ubuntu, which included some proprietary drivers and applications. ### Relationship to Ubuntu and Canonical Gobuntu was developed by Canonical Ltd., the same organization behind Ubuntu. While Ubuntu aimed for broad usability and included some non-free components, Gobuntu was designed for users who required a fully free software environment. Despite sharing the Ubuntu base, Gobuntu was a separate project with its own release cycle and support timeline. ### Community and Language Support Gobuntu was supported in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Bengali, and others, as indicated by its presence on various language versions of Wikipedia. This multilingual support reflected Canonical's effort to make the distribution accessible to a global audience. ### Discontinuation and Legacy Gobuntu was discontinued on April 24, 2011, due to low adoption and the difficulty of maintaining a fully free software system. Its legacy lies in demonstrating the feasibility of a fully free software desktop environment, influencing later efforts in the free software community. ### Distinction from Goobuntu Despite the similar name, Gobuntu was not related to Goobuntu, which is an unrelated internal tool used by Google. This distinction is important to avoid confusion between the two projects. ### Related Projects and Ecosystem As a Linux distribution, Gobuntu was part of the broader ecosystem of open-source operating systems. It was classified under both "Linux distribution" and "free operating system," reflecting its dual identity as a technical platform and a philosophical project. Its adherence to the GPL and use of dpkg linked it closely to Debian and other free software projects. ### Visual Identity and Presence Gobuntu had its own logo and screenshots available through Wikimedia Commons, indicating an effort to establish a distinct visual identity. The project also had a dedicated website, though it is now archived, reflecting its historical presence in the open-source community. ## References 1. [Source](https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Gobuntu) 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013