Canonical, the founder of the Ubuntu project, has launched new support services targeted at individuals and small businesses to ease transition to the Linux desktop. The services, which include installation support, as well as ongoing assistance with configuration and applications, are intended to provide provides an easy, inexpensive way to get Ubuntu up and running in the home office and small business.

Canonical's Desktop Support Services includes three offerings: Starter, Advanced and Professional. The Starter Desktop Service provides support for installation, set-up and basic functionality-such as Internet, creating documents and playing music and videos. The Advanced Desktop Service is for more experienced users who need help migrating files and settings from a previously used operating system or assistance with desktop publishing and personal accounting. The Professional Desktop Service is for the business user who uses Ubuntu as their main environment. Installation support ensures the Ubuntu machine is set up on the corporate network and integrated into existing IT services. The Professional Desktop Service also helps set up desktop virtualization and ongoing support provides professional users with quicker access to support personnel.

For more information on Canonical's individual and small business Desktop Support Services, go here.