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At heart the variants are all the same. The difference comes from what components are delivered. The benefits of the desktop type applies to all types. There are other variants but these are the ones most used.
ubuntu desktop
Standard one for a single personal computer
Highly efficient operating system
Windows-like graphical user interface
Built-in applications that meet most people's needs
Large software repository for download
Can use RAID
Full power of the terminal command line and shell scripts if you want
Relative immunity from viruses
Each user can have a different shell to match the intended use
lubuntu
Cut down version of the desktop
For low-power computers
For people who don't need the command line power
ubuntu server
Used on a server that will support several computers
No graphical user interface
Different kernel adapted to needs of server
Different default software
Needs more knowledge
Has to be set up manually
edubuntu
Designed for a low-cost network for education
Uses very simple computers as thin client terminals
It is easier to manage software and users
Allows students to hack
Gives students a flexible and powerful environment
ubuntu media
Optimised for multimedia production
ubuntu cloud
Enables local or wide cloud networks to be set up
Mobile and tablet version
It is not clear where the development of these versions has reached. In 2013 Canonical tried to raise money to develop a mobile phone through crowd-sourcing but didn't reach the (very large) target figure. It is now working in partnership with an existing phone company. You can't buy the phone yet but there is information about it on the ubuntu site and you can register your email address to get information about progress.
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(C) Peter Scott 2013
Last edit 26 December 2015