This document provides an overview and introduction to Getting Started with Ubuntu 18.04. It discusses the Ubuntu philosophy of connecting users in a global community. A brief history outlines how Ubuntu was created by Mark Shuttleworth in 2004 to create an easy to use, free operating system based on Debian Linux that could compete with other mainstream systems. It has since grown significantly in popularity and is now installed on nearly 20% of the world's computers. The document provides context on what Linux is and how Ubuntu builds upon the foundation of the Linux kernel.