# nUbuntu

> discontinued security focused Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q899396](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q899396)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NUbuntu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nubuntu

## Summary
nUbuntu is a discontinued Linux distribution designed for security professionals, focusing on penetration testing and network security. Based on Ubuntu Live, it provided tools for vulnerability assessment and system auditing. The project is no longer maintained, with its last release in 2008.

## Key Facts
- **Discontinued**: nUbuntu is no longer actively developed or maintained.
- **Primary Use**: Built for penetration testing and security auditing.
- **Based On**: Derived from Ubuntu Live, a live CD version of the Ubuntu operating system.
- **Key Versions**: 
  - 8.12 Beta (released October 30, 2008)
  - 6.10 (released November 21, 2006)
  - 8.12 (released December 16, 2008)
- **Aliases**: Known as "Network Ubuntu" and translated names in multiple languages (e.g., "ان أوبونتو" in Arabic).
- **Classification**: Categorized as a Linux distribution with a focus on security tools.

## FAQs
### Q: What was nUbuntu primarily used for?
A: nUbuntu was designed for penetration testing and security auditing, providing tools to identify and exploit system vulnerabilities.

### Q: Is nUbuntu still supported today?
A: No, nUbuntu is discontinued and no longer receives updates or support.

### Q: How does nUbuntu relate to Ubuntu?
A: nUbuntu was based on Ubuntu Live, a live CD variant of the Ubuntu operating system, but specialized in security-focused tools.

## Why It Matters
nUbuntu played a role in the early adoption of Linux-based security tools, offering a portable platform for ethical hackers and security researchers. By bundling tools like Metasploit and Nmap, it streamlined penetration testing workflows, reducing the need for manual tool installation. Though discontinued, it influenced later security-focused distributions such as Kali Linux. Its Ubuntu foundation made it accessible to users familiar with the Debian ecosystem, highlighting the versatility of Linux in niche applications like cybersecurity.

## Notable For
- **Security Tool Integration**: Pre-installed with frameworks like Metasploit and tools such as Nmap and Wireshark.
- **Lightweight Portability**: Designed as a live CD for booting on target systems without installation.
- **Ubuntu Foundation**: Leveraged Ubuntu's popularity and package management while specializing in security tasks.
- **Early Adoption**: One of the earlier Linux distributions tailored specifically for penetration testing.

## Body
### Development History
nUbuntu was first released in 2006 with version 6.10, followed by updates in 2008, including a beta version (8.12 Beta) and a final stable release (8.12). The project aimed to simplify security assessments but was eventually discontinued.

### Key Features
- **Toolset**: Included Metasploit, Nmap, and Wireshark for vulnerability scanning and network analysis.
- **Live Environment**: Allowed users to boot from CD/DVD for non-persistent security audits.
- **Ubuntu Compatibility**: Utilized Ubuntu repositories for package management while adding custom security software.

### Version Timeline
- **6.10**: Initial stable release (November 21, 2006).
- **8.12 Beta**: Pre-release version (October 30, 2008).
- **8.12**: Final stable release (December 16, 2008).

### Discontinuation
The project halted updates after 2008, with no official announcements on revival. Its discontinuation coincided with the rise of alternatives like BackTrack (later Kali Linux), which expanded on the concept of security-focused live distributions.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013