interface design as well as lots of computing power and sophisticated
networking of all that power. But most users really appreciate Google’s
uncanny capability to provide links to what they are looking for in the first
page of search results. Google’s early success was also assured because the
site ran its search engine on clusters of thousands of PCs running a version of
Red Hat Linux. It is also rumored that an Ubuntu-based distribution was seen
in use on desktops at Google, with the informal moniker of Goobuntu.
Google has the largest database size of any search engine on the web, with
many billions of web pages searched and indexed. The database size is
important because empty search results are useless to online users, and the
capability to return hits on esoteric subjects can make the difference between
success and failure or satisfaction and frustration.
To get a better idea of what Google can offer you, browse to
[http://www.google.com/options/. You will find links to many services and tools](http://www.google.com/options/. You will find links to many services and tools)
covering specialized searches, databases, information links, translators, and
other helpful browsing tools.
Ubuntu Package Listings
You can quickly and easily view a list of the installed packages on your
Ubuntu system, along with a short description of each package, by using the
Ubuntu Software Center or Synaptic. Each of these also shows you
descriptions of each package so you can decide whether you want it installed.
For more information, see Chapter 9, “Managing Software.”
Commercial Support
Commercial support for Ubuntu is an essential part of the success of Linux in
the corporate and business community. Although hundreds, if not thousands,
of consultants well versed in Linux and UNIX are available on call for a fee,
here is a short list of the best-known Linux support providers:
http://www.ubuntu.com/support—Go straight to the source for a range of
support options. You can get help on Ubuntu directly from Canonical or
from a local support provider.
http://www.dell.com/linux—Dell offers Linux services on a wide range of its
hardware.
http://www.ibm.com/linux/—Linux services offered by IBM include e-
business solutions, open-source consulting, database migration,
clustering, servers, and support.