Ubuntu

Welcome to the Dapper Drake edition of Ubuntu, the first ever LTS (Long Term Support) release of the world's most popular free operating system, using GNOME 2 as its default desktop environment and the stable base of the Debian GNU/Linux distribution.

Availability, supported architectures and boot options

This Ubuntu edition was supported by Canonical from June 1, 2006 until July 14, 2009 on the Desktop edition, and from June 1, 2006 until June 1, 2011 for the Server edition. During this time, it received two maintenance releases, the Ubuntu 6.06.1 (for both Desktop and Server) and 6.06.2 (Server edition only).

It can be downloaded as Desktop CDs, Alternate CDs, as well as Servers CDs. While the Desktop and Alternate CDs are supported on the 32-bit, 64-bit and PPC architectures, the Server flavor also supports the Sparc hardware platform.

The boot menu of the Desktop CD edition allows users to start or install the operating system, start the live environment in safe graphics mode, run a system memory test, check the disc for defects, and boot an existing OS from the first disk drive.

Traditional graphical session with top-notch apps

The Ubuntu 6.06 desktop environment is a traditional one, powered by GNOME 2 and using a two-panel layout. While the top panel offers instant access to installed apps, the bottom panel can be used to interact with running programs, as well as to switch between virtual workspaces.

Default applications include the GIMP image editor, gThumb image viewer, XSane image scanner, Mozilla Firefox web browser, Evolution email and calendar client, OpenOffice.org office suite, Ekiga softphone, Gaim IM client, Totem video player, Rhythmbox audio player, and Serpentine Audio-CD creator.

Bottom line

In conclusion, Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake) was a great operating system for both desktop and server environments, used on thousands of hundreds of computers worldwide. Today it is deprecated, therefore users are urged to use it only for historical purposes.