Ubuntu (32-bit) for Linux

Used Ubuntu (32-bit) for Linux?

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Ubuntu (32-bit) Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Ubuntu (32-bit) is a free operating system designed for Linux users, offering a user-friendly interface and a robust set of features. Built on the Linux kernel, it provides a stable environment suitable for both personal and professional use. The distribution includes a variety of pre-installed applications, making it easy to get started with essential tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback. Ubuntu (32-bit) is particularly suitable for older hardware, ensuring compatibility with systems that may not support 64-bit architectures.

Top Recommended Alternative

Fedora Desktop Edition (32-bit)

Free

The system is known for its strong community support and extensive documentation, which can assist users in troubleshooting and optimizing their experience. Security features, regular updates, and a wide range of software available through the Ubuntu Software Center further enhance its appeal. Overall, Ubuntu (32-bit) serves as a versatile operating system that caters to a diverse range of user needs, from casual computing to more advanced programming tasks.

Ubuntu (32-bit) for Linux

Used Ubuntu (32-bit) for Linux?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: June 29, 2018

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 16.04.4-lts-xenial-xerus

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Linux

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 483,934

Downloads Last Week: 127

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.3/5

79 User Votes

Perfect alternative to Windows
chandlerbailey_April 21, 2013
Pros
Free. Fast. Open. SAFE (no worries about viruses). Completely customizable to how I want. Very often updated. Supports all my hardware (including HP printer). Plenty of viable alternatives to commercial and proprietary software. Lots of help online when needed. Decent boot/shut down speeds (I dont have the best hardware)
Cons
The odd program may not have a good alternative. Still a few notifications about errors but those are getting more and more seldom seen. Some drivers of cheaper devices (i.e. a Lexmark printer) may not be easily compatible.
Summary
Switched from Windows in September 2012 and never looking back. I tried Windows 8 but my graphics card wasn't supported so I couldn't play some games. This works great, especially with LibreOffice, Firefox, Skype, and Java (games like Minecraft).
best os i have ever seen or used
harshgsxrFebruary 23, 2012
Pros
free,no antivirus neede,no office software needed (pre installed)can run on older hardware 256 mb neededthough lubuntu and some other can run on 64 mb even i use it for my daily life such as fb ,email ,net banking ,online shopping ,it does not crashes like windows and does not have a back door like windows
Cons
only one that it has no problems at all
Summary
made on the architecture of Linux there are many others too but this one is great no virus free more stable than windows no need of drivers for hardware a update manager updates everything from OS to browser to mp3 players , the bugs are tried to be removed asap but if not able they are removed in the next release it also a release cycle of 6 months much faster than windows it saves you too much firstly you don't have to pay for it just like windows then no anti virus saved money here and it also comes pre loaded with Libre office which is as powerful as office it has Mozilla Firefox as standard browser and Thunderbird as default e-mail client means it is pre loaded with everything you need for home use or office ,business use it is highly customizable check out official facebook page and there is wide community support and you can buy support too that too for a low price if you can modify it modify it and publish it no one will sue you in short one just give it a try it will make your computer experince lot more happier even i learnt more about computer after i started using ubuntu i came in to contact with many ubuntu users from engineers to doctors to kids to studentsmust give it a try
Not perfect but best I've seen in a long time.
blacksheepchrisDecember 27, 2011
Pros
Fast. My sister called complaining about her Windows 7 computer being slow. I convinced her to give Ubuntu a shot and a week later she was asking me how to take Windows off completely. It's easy enough that even my mom who thinks computers are intentionally trying to make her life harder is using it happily. The reports is that her Farmville loads much faster than before. The software center is what I hope will be the norm for purchasing and downloading software. There are several very addictive and challenging games for free as well. I honestly can't believe after installing it on two of my own computers as well as computers from a host of family and friends I convinced, I haven't had one install issue. It even automatically detects little things like my laptops webcam.
Cons
To get it the way I like to have it set up it did take basic to moderate computer skills. I took the time to personally for others set up features that were not present after its initial installation. I would like to see a simple program built by Canonical to offer personalization features. If Ubuntu is able to do it ... there should be a way to easily change it. There were so many little things that I changed that I had to look on some internet forum to find a third party app or terminal code to figure out. Things my mom will never ever ever do. A lot of people I know wont. Also there are some games I have that were just meant for Windows ... it's not Ubuntu's fault. There are several Windows games I've tried that have worked with third party software.
Summary
I've been able to sell this product to other computer users in my life because of one word ... free. It's an amazing concept to them that this software that is making their computers faster is free. And that the software center has so many free options. For the average computer user Ubuntu can be used and they will never have any problem with it. They get on the internet maybe play a game or two ... write a resume with the included office-like software. Gamers however it's a good idea to keep a Windows partition on your hard drive. I switched from Windows to Ubuntu when both my Windows 7 laptop and desktop crashed separately within a week of one another. I feel like I have two new computers. They are both much faster on startup. People I show my laptop startup time to are always impressed. Once your desktop loads you're off and running. No need to wait for 25 programs and an anti-virus to load before even thinking about clicking anything. That said I have ran into little annoyances and some "I wish it wasn't like that" sort of moments, but far less than with other operating systems.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Dec 27, 2011<p/>Honestly I meant to give it 4.5 stars ... like I said it's not perfect.
The Best OS
Vibhum_BhardwajDecember 7, 2011
Pros
Just swtched to ubuntu few maonths ago.... and its just flawless. And terminal was first looking to be a difficult task, but now I love using things with it.
Cons
None...... The only flaw was covered by Wine!
Summary
It's not perfect but it works
rainspider21November 23, 2011
Pros
Very stable good graphics very good on memory
Cons
no support for Windows Media audio files, and possibly some video formats
Summary
Ubuntu is a great OS if you're a programmer, or just someone looking for an alternative to windows. The only gripe I have with it is it's anti-windows stance when it comes to it's files. For instance there is almost no support for wma files when it comes to playing them and burning them to CD. The files may work and they may not. Depending on the player and if you have a whole lot of them ( like I do ) converting them can be a pain. The plugin to correct this problem ( windows media audio decoder ) is 29.95 (39.95 if you go for the pack to correct the problem with wma video decoding ) . And I think that it is a little unfair that you have to pay for something, that is obviously needed to correct a major hole in the software. But, perhaps im just spoiled by windows after all their updates are free. All in all I like ubuntu, but I don't like how some developers have used it to make money by exploiting holes in the OS. I would recommend it as a secondary operating system, but I wouldn't make it my primary OS it would just be too much work.
Just perfect. A Windows alternative
October 16, 2011
Pros
Quick booting, Fast, Compatible with most hardware, good looking, Easy too use, Minimum hardware requirements, easy dual boot installation with Windows.
Cons
Some WiFi configurations difficulties in rare occasions.
Summary
Recommended alternative Operating System for older hardware or just experimenting side-by-side Windows 7.
Its alright.
shayne255September 17, 2011
Pros
Its secure nice neat and has no problems with security what so ever. I like the fact that its different from windows. It has a nice looking unity and gnome interface.
Cons
I started not liking this operating system after a while and it is because well its slow memory hog and unity is just plain buggy and slow. I would not recommend this on a netbook. If you want Ubuntu on a netbook go with 10.10 or 10.04.
Summary
Over all alright operating system. I have linux mint on my netbook and old computer now. I like Ubuntu I do but they screwed up big time by adding unity in Ubuntu now. Its slow the operating system is a complete memory hog and is slow on boot up. It is secure and nice looking but has problems just trying to keep the memory in good shape. I would recommend kubuntu but kubuntu is just as slow and yes it does look like windows which is why some people recommend this to windows users. I am gonna still stick with Linux mint. Mint has all the nice features like Debian kde lxde and xfce along with gnome and is not slow and does not have memory problems.
A fast reliable OS its free with MP3 iPods compatible
killfestSeptember 5, 2011
Pros
Fast startup Firefox as default Email setup form the desk top Ubuntu software center free automatic up dates no restart computer every time you install a new program all the same thatchers as win7 from alternative programmers.
Cons
NO real Cons with this OS only thing I can think could improve would be a Manuel to guide the user rond the siystom
Summary
The bottom line: Ubuntu 11.0.4 Desktop Edition easily ranks higher than any other Linux desktop OS on I HAVE RAN IT SIDE BY SIDE WITH WIN 7and Based on performance numbers, its Ethernet and wireless management and zero licensing cost, this is an operating system I can recommend to anyone - - not just as an alternative to Windows but as a strong OS in its own right. that is in my opinion better than win 7 its faster more reliable OS . so much so i uninstantiated windows .NO
Easy fast and secure
fastmcAugust 14, 2011
Pros
Love it . If you have vista I suggest that you replace it with Ubuntu 11 now. I have several machines with windows 7 and I like ubuntu better. The only thing holding be back from dropping 7 is just a few programs that I enjoy on 7 . 1 is beyond tv.
Cons
No talking email .. I use this program every day when running 7 . Ubuntu has a robot voice hard to understand that can read web pages ..cannot get hd homerun to work without install firmware don't know if it will mess up windows machines using hd HR.
Summary
I started with computers running in dos . You had to write simple commands to do everything . Brought back the old days when getting apps in the terminal . I actually feel involved with the computer again . Windows is a click and be stupid experience . Ubuntu is fast like starts up in about 10 seconds on a netbook shuts down in about 5 seconds . Even faster on my asus dual core 2.53ghtz . Its just a joy not having to worry about viruses . I fix friends and family's computers that is a job in its self. Install ubuntu on 3 of their computers where they can dual boot .. My goal is to install it on all of their computers to make my life easier and theirs too.
After getting used to it, Unity grows on you.
tm_anonAugust 8, 2011
Pros
Fast boot times. Quick install (20 minutes max). Everything you need to start out. Highly stable. Works well with Android phones (Shotwell and Banshee sync perfectly). Integrated menus in the top bar save screen real estate if needed.
Cons
Only one con. If using a Belkin card, you have to do a little searching to get it working. After installing the proper driver from Ubuntu Software Center, it works perfectly.
Summary
If you've been looking for a way to get off Windows without paying tons of cash, give Linux a shot. Personally, I chose Ubuntu. There are other options available but the Ubuntu forums are very friendly and a good way to find information you're curious about. I've been using Ubuntu since 8.04 and haven't looked back. 11.04 is a very worthy addition to the line.

Developer’s Description

By Canonical Ltd.

Run an operating system that is based on community development.

Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a Web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and other applications.