Editing COMP 3000 2011 Report: Ubuntu Studio

Part I

Background

Initially released in May 10, 2007, Ubuntu Studio is an officially recognized derivative of the Ubuntu (based on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution) and, like Ubuntu, is developed by Canonical Ltd. and the Ubuntu Foundation and follows the same release schedule.

Focusing on audio, video and graphic enthusiast and professionals, the goal of the distribution is two-fold; to showcase the available tools Linux has to offer in multimedia production, and to provide an ehanced and streamlined environment for those tools.[1]

Although based on Ubuntu, Ubuntu Studio contains additional configurations and software that results in the distribution being nearly twice as large as standard Ubuntu. The iso download image is 1.5 GB and does not fit on a standard CD, although it can be installed using a DVD or USB drive. Ubuntu Studio’s current and archived releases are available from their official website.

Basic Operation

A nice feature offered in was the ability to easily view the software already installed on the system. Also available was a full list of software that can be easily installed should the user desire it. Under Get Software there are 312 items, ranging from an adobe flash plug-in to a guitar effects processor, available to install at the users convenience.

Ubuntu Studio typically uses a real-time kernel that has been modified to handle intensified audio, video or graphics works. This can be achieved since applications are able to request immediate CPU time reducing audio . The file system in this distribution is identical to that of the vanilla Ubuntu which makes it easier for those already familiar with Ubuntu to use.

The Kernel

In the 10.x version of they offered three different kernel options: The generic kernel, preempt kernel and rt kernel. They’re recommendations on chosing the right kernel for that user are: If low is not a must for the user’s needs with the Ubuntu Studio then they recommend getting the generic kernel. However, if the user needs a system with low and has a 64-bit machine, then the recommendation is to use the preempt kernel. The preempt kernel is a soft real-time kernel which means that not all deadlines may be met (as with a hard real-time kernel) but a certain portion of deadlines will be met with the goal of optimizing some application-specific criteria. And if the preempt kernel is not enough for the user’s needs the last option is the rt kernel. The rt kernel is a hard real time kernel. Hard means that if the system were to miss a deadline it would result in a total system failure. Therefore, the goal is to have every deadline met. [2]

Ubuntu Studio uses a real-time kernel that has been modified to handle intensified audio, video or graphics works. This can be achieved since applications are able to request immediate CPU time reducing audio. The file system in is identical to that of the vanilla Ubuntu which makes it easier for those already familiar with Ubuntu to use. An important factor for is lowest possible. For all the audio, video and graphic capabilities it offered, it would be futile if there were high delays. For this reason, offers different Kernel’s that suites the need of what the user plans to do on Ubuntu Studio.

Unfortunately, with the 11.04 release of Ubuntu Studio the generic kernel is the only option offered. This kernel is usually recommended if low is not a most of the user’s need however at this time there is no other option. There is a note informing users that they eventually plan on offering a low- kernel with the 11.04 release. [3]

[1] https://help.ubuntu.com/community//RealTimeKernel [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Studio#Real-time_kernel