About Ubuntu:
Versions are named by a number and a label. The number follows the pattern Y.MM for Year and MMonth. So, as today (aug-07) the latest version is 7.04. They release a new version each six months, so the next expected release will be in october, i.e. 7.10.
7.04: Feisty Fawn (current version)
7.10: Gutsy Gibbon (currently beta, until october)
The difference between Ubuntu and Kubuntu is just the desktop environment. Ubuntu uses Gnome, while Kubuntu uses KDE (I personally prefer KDE).
Ubuntu is a distribution based on Debian, so installing applications (like apache, mysql and php) in Ubuntu is as easy as in Debian. I find the easiest way is typing some command lines in the command prompt. Installing and configuring an Apache, mysql and php server takes about 6 commands and about 15min (depending on connection speed). Curious about the 6 lines? take a look to them
Code:
sudo apt-get install apache2
sudo apt-get install php5
sudo apt-get install libapache2-mod-php5
sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 restart
sudo apt-get install mysql-server
sudo apt-get install libapache2-mod-auth-mysql
Are you a lazy person?, do you get tired by typing 6 lines? well, type only one to setup a LAMP server:
Code:
sudo tasksel install lamp-server
or
Code:
sudo apt-get install apache2 php5-mysql libapache2-mod-php5 mysql-server
Well, im trying to explain things I've been done for only 3 months (and now using ubuntu 90% of the time). Better let the experts explain it
An extensive guide
Ubuntu:Feisty -
An explanation about how to install anything in ubuntu (and how it works)
How to install ANYTHING in Ubuntu!
The official help
https://help.ubuntu.com/
If you google for some help about ubuntu, you will rather end up in the ubuntu forums. They are very helpful.
And about the shipit.ubuntu.com stuff, they will not hesitate about sending you the cds. They even send the cds to irresponsible people that request the cds only to play frisby. So, why will they hesitate for sending the cds to a really interested person?
You can request 1, 2, 10, 20... All you have to do is create an account in launchpad and use that account to request the cds.
http://shipit.ubuntu.com
