Canonical to Offer Ubuntu Desktop Support and Services
New offerings to individuals and small businesses to ease transition to fastest growing Linux desktop

London, July 31, 2009: Canonical, the founder of the Ubuntu project, announced today it has launched new support services for individuals using Ubuntu desktop – and small businesses looking for cost effective alternatives to Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac.

Ubuntu is the fastest growing open source desktop – with millions of users around the world using it at home and work. Support from Canonical's team of experts enables users to take full advantage of the powerful Ubuntu operating system. The services include installation support, as well as ongoing assistance with configuration and applications.

“Canonical's Desktop Support Services (http://www.ubuntu.com/services) provides an easy, inexpensive way to get Ubuntu up and running in the home, home office and small business – reaching the vast majority of computer users,” said Steve George, director of Canonical's Corporate Services division. “With our team supporting them, Ubuntu is ideal for people who just want their computer to work, where the goal is to get up and running with no fuss, focusing on the things they want to accomplish.”

Canonical's Desktop Support Services includes three offerings: Starter, Advanced and Professional:

• The Starter Desktop Service provides support for installation, set-up and basic functionality – such as Internet, creating documents and playing music and videos.
• The Advanced Desktop Service is for more experienced users who need help migrating files and settings from a previously used operating system or assistance with desktop publishing and personal accounting.
• The Professional Desktop Service is for the business user who uses Ubuntu as their main environment. Installation support ensures the Ubuntu machine is set up on the corporate network and integrated into existing IT services. The Professional Desktop Service also helps set up desktop virtualization and ongoing support provides professional users with quicker access to support personnel.

Pricing and availability

Canonical’s individual and small business Desktop Services are available now and can be purchased from the Ubuntu shop at https://shop.canonical.com/.

For details, prices and what to expect from these services visit http://www.ubuntu.com/services

Announcement:
http://www.ubuntu.com/news/canonical-ubunt...upport-services

Advanced Service
If you know your way around your O/S and are more than beginner, this sounds like the right plan:

Operating System: Free!
Programs & Tools: Free!
Cost: $ 114.98 (1-yr) 293.23 (3-year)

Includes:

• Live phone support 9x5
• Email support
• Security upgrades
• Product [all] upgrades

Advanced service highlights
Migrating to a new desktop isn't about starting out all over again. Our support team can help you preserve your existing files and settings as well as maintain your existing operating systems through specific partitioning schemes.

Here are some of the services you can expect from the Ubuntu Advanced Service.
Windows migration

• Help with partitioning to preserve an existing Windows installation
• Help with resizing the file system to provide free space for the Ubuntu installation
• Help with transferring and configuring settings from the legacy Windows environment to Ubuntu

Advanced file system set-up

• Recommendations for specific partitioning schemes depending on your systems tasks
• Help setting up logical volume management and encryption using the alternative installer
• Help with creating and formatting file systems to optimise the performance of Ubuntu for your needs

Desktop security

• Installing the appropriate firewall application and kernel support
• Help with configuring the firewall to protect and alert against external intrusion
• Checking for compromise and recovering the system from backup following a security breach

Hardware management

• Help with configuring certified and compatible systems, devices and peripherals
• Help with removing hardware and reconfiguring Ubuntu
• Optimising Ubuntu performance with specific hardware
• Debugging and resolving hardware issues

.Quality support guarantee
As the sponsor of Ubuntu, Canonical aims to ensure that users get the most out of every Ubuntu technology. We provide the same high-quality service to all of our customers, whether they are individual users or corporate customers. We want you to be thrilled with both our service and your use of Ubuntu every single time. Some of the service advantages you'll receive with our Advanced Service are:

• Phone and online support during standard business hours
• Access to the online Canonical Support Portal to track your support requests
• Support from a qualified Ubuntu support engineer
• Continuous effort during support hours for severity 1 issues

Check it out at Ubuntu:
http://www.ubuntu.com/support/services

Ubuntu Starter Desktop Service
Okay, let's say "I don't know alot about my O/S and don't want to..just get me up and running!"

If you are new to Linux or Ubuntu, Canonical's Starter Service will help you get comfortable with your new desktop environment. We'll share a range of tips and tricks, and provide you with valuable advice on how to get started. We can also help you resolve any issues you may encounter and provide guidance on how to avoid future problems.

Operating System: Free!
Programs & Tools: Free!
Support: $ 54.99 (1 yr) - 140.22 ( 3 year)

The Starter support service for Ubuntu Desktop Edition is for those just getting started with the operating system who need basic assistance installing, configuring and using it. Ubuntu Desktop Edition is a computer operating system made available free of charge every six months for use with PCs. The Starter service enables a new Ubuntu user to explore and use the environment with confidence, safe in the knowledge that the Canonical team is available to help.

Includes:

• Live phone support 9x5
• Email support
• Security upgrades
• Product [all] upgrades
• Duration: 1 year or 3 years

Quality support from Canonical
As the sponsor of Ubuntu, Canonical is passionate about bringing the benefits of Ubuntu to everybody. We bring that same passion and high-quality service to all our customers whether individuals or businesses. Some of the service advantages you'll receive with our Starter Service are:

• Telephone support for installation enquiries during business hours
• Online support for configuration and application questions through the Canonical Support Portal
• Around-the-clock access to our online knowledge-base of articles on common issues
• Support from a qualified Ubuntu support engineer

Check it out at Ubuntu:
http://www.ubuntu.com/support/services