Goobuntu was a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS (long-term support). It was used by almost 10,000 Google employees. [1] It added a number of packages for in-house use, including security features and disabled the installation of some applications, but was otherwise similar. Thomas Bushnell, a Google technical leader for the company's Linux desktops, displayed Goobuntu at LinuxCon 2012. Bushnell explained that "Goobuntu is simply a light skin over standard Ubuntu." [2]
Some suggested Google might plan to market the distribution more widely, but Goobuntu was never officially released. [3] [4] [5] While both Google and Mark Shuttleworth, who spearheaded the development of Ubuntu, confirmed the existence of Goobuntu, [6] both denied that Google had any plans to market the operating system. [7]
Mark Shuttleworth confirmed that Google has contributed patches to Ubuntu. [6]
Google used Puppet to manage its installed base of Goobuntu machines. [2]
In 2018, Google replaced Goobuntu with gLinux, a Linux distribution based on Debian Testing. [8]
See also
References
- ^ Vance, Ashlee (2009-01-11). "A Software Populist Who Doesn't Do Windows". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-02-22.
- ^ a b Vaughan-Nichols, Steven J. (2012-08-29). "The truth about Goobuntu: Google's in-house desktop Ubuntu Linux". ZDNet. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
- ^ King, Ben (2006-01-31). "Google at work on Linux". The Register. Retrieved 2015-02-05.
- ^ "GoogleOS Scenarios". Slashdot. 2006-11-22. Retrieved 2015-02-05.
- ^ "Google Working on Desktop Linux". Slashdot. 2006-01-31. Retrieved 2015-02-05.
- ^ a b Shuttleworth, Mark (2006-02-13). "Absolutely no truth to the rumour". Retrieved 2015-02-05.
- ^ Bylund, Anders (31 January 2006). "Google denies plans to distribute OS based on Ubuntu". Ars Technica.
- ^ Prakash, Abhishek (17 January 2018). "No More Ubuntu! Debian is the New Choice For Google's In-house Linux Distribution". it's FOSS.
External links
- A screenshot of the login screen in Goobuntu, snapped at an officewarming party held for Google's newly inaugurated Tel Aviv offices (Yaron Orenstein).
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