Ubuntu is a free and open-source Linux distribution sponsored by Canonical Ltd. It includes the GNOME desktop, various pre-installed applications like LibreOffice and Firefox, and uses the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) for managing software packages. The document provides step-by-step instructions for installing Ubuntu alongside Windows using a dual-boot setup, getting started with the Unity desktop environment, and managing software packages with APT commands like apt install, apt upgrade, and apt remove.