Ubuntu vs CentOS – What’s the Difference (Pros and Cons)
Ubuntu vs CentOS – What’s the Difference (Pros and Cons). It can be confusing to choose an operating system for your server since there is such a large list of options; this is particularly true for Linux distributions. Although there are a number of options, none are as popular as Ubuntu or CentOS.
CentOS vs Ubuntu are the two well used operating systems for the web servers. Ubuntu is free Linux distribution system based on Debian. A popular operating systems for the cloud. Most often is deployed and runs from the desktop to the cloud. CentOS is a Linux framework and distribution, also free with great community support computing platform. In this article we will compare CentOS vs Ubuntu to determine which is the best option for server setup.
What is Ubuntu?
Developed by Canonical as well as the open source developers across the World, Ubuntu was released in 2004. Ubuntu, a Debian based system has proven to be an ideal choice for both personal and professional purposes. This operating system is open source and updated regularly to address any identified problems or bugs.
Ubuntu is one of the easiest Linux distributions to use, even for a beginner. Plus, it is well supported by its developer’s community, so almost any issue you encounter is likely to be resolved online.
Features of Ubuntu
- Ubuntu is Debian based.
- Updates are available frequently to keep you stay updated.
- Containers and cloud deployments are well supported by the Ubuntu server.
- A larger community of users and developers.
- No cPanel support (there are alternatives).
- Beginners with prior experience with Ubuntu desktop will find it easier to learn.
- You can install .deb packages by using the apt package manager.
- It involves a learning curve for those who are not familiar with RHEL. Some level of technical expertise is required.
Pros of Ubuntu
- Ubuntu is open source and freely available Linux distribution.
- Strong community support.
- A large amount of online help is available in the form of free guides and tutorials.
- Ubuntu offers a wide range of user specific features such as driver allocation and storage management to the end users.
- It is compatible with USB ports, external drives, and external storage.
- It provides a wide variety of pre installed software for a better user experience.
Cons of Ubuntu
- As Ubuntu is not pre installed on newer PCs, it needs to be installed separately.
- Ubuntu system is vulnerable to web threats due to frequent updates.
- It has limited hardware support that leaves end users with many questions.
- Sometimes it is unstable due to hardware faults.
- MP3 Format Is Restricted
- Appear to be too commercialized. Problem With OpenVPN Vs Commercial Source.
What is Centos?
Based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux or RHEL, CentOS is a popular open source Linux distribution. Red Hat is a well known name in the industry and many corporate IT applications support the distribution.
Originally released in May 2004, CentOS has since grown into a community driven operating system that provides robust features and outstanding support. Since it is closely related to RHEL, it has access to even more impressive features of Red Hat.
CentOS offers high stability and security, thanks to its official support from Red Hat. It can also be highly customized to meet your needs.
CentOS is for the user a consistent manageable platform for variety of deployments. For open source communities it offers a solid base that you can build on, with variety of resources to test, release and maintain the code.
Features of Centos
- RHEL based
- High availability clustering due to native packages for DRBD.
- Web and Database Server.
- Speed- dedicated to running the most basic and stable versions of the software.
- Updates are rare.
- cPanel/WHM support.
- Base image for virtual machines.
- Great OS for running Docker.
- For download and installation of RPM packages from central repositories, you will need to use the yum command.
- It is very straightforward and easy to use. Perfect for new users and those without much experience.
- Web Hosting Management.
Pros of Centos
- It is based on the Linux framework.
- This is a free and open source version of RHEL. Each of its versions lasts up to 10 years while also providing security updates for 7 to 10 years.
- Less vulnerable to cyber threats.
- It is reliable for enterprise workloads.
- It also provides system administration support.
Cons of Centos
- It is difficult to learn for beginners because RHEL does not release many desktop distributions.
- As compared to other Linux distros, it isn’t as user friendly.
- It offers less technical support in comparison to Ubuntu.
- CentOS is not a good desktop solution.
- Drive compatibility – CentOS lacks as robust driver support as other distributions.
- It doesn’t offer much help when it comes to the creation of drives and storage management.
Let’s start our comparison Ubuntu vs CentOS – What’s the Difference.
Ubuntu vs CentOS vs Comparison Table
Ubuntu vs CentOS Feature Comparison
Ubuntu vs Centos - 7 Key differences
1. System differences ubuntu vs CentOS
Ubuntu System
Ubuntu and CentOS are both based on Linux, so they differ primarily in their system core. Ubuntu is based on Debian and is developed and supported by Canonical.
Centos System
The core architecture of CentOS is based on the source code of Red Hat. CentOS is considered more stable than Ubuntu from the perspective of system stability. Mainly because of less frequent package updates.
2. Repositories Ubuntu vs CentOS
Ubuntu Repositories
Ubuntu has a large software repository. It also serves a wide range of audiences and use cases, which also contributes to its popularity. Furthermore, it offers excellent third party and community support. Also, there is a large number of additional repositories available for Ubuntu.
CentOS Repositories
There are fewer repositories targeted at CentOS. Thus, you will encounter difficulties setting up a desktop computer with CentOS, but it’s easy to set up a CentOS server.
3. Packaging in Ubuntu vs CentOS
Ubuntu Packaging
As Ubuntu is based on Debian, it uses Debian’s package manager as well. It uses a stable software management tool called APT (Advanced Package Tool) for managing DEB packages. Installing software from online repositories and DEB packages is handled by the APT package manager in Ubuntu.
CentOS Packaging
On the other hand, CentOS uses YUM (Yellowdog Update Manager). It has been developed for managing network repositories, monitoring updates, performing installs, addressing dependencies, and other action combinations. YUM can automatically handle the updates when any new software is installed. That is the simplest and most straightforward method to install the software. DEF package manager is an upgraded version of Yellowdog, which is also included in CentOS and RHEL.
4. Community Ubuntu vs CentOS
Ubuntu Community
Ubuntu has an active community, which provides assistance, support, and tutorials on various forums including community forums and small discussion groups. This makes Ubuntu more suitable for newcomers since having a large and enthusiastic community makes it easier to resolve issues.
CentOS Community
Since it’s developed for enterprise use, beginners may have difficulty understanding this Linux distribution. Although there are several active community forums, they all exist independently and are not managed or owned by the government. This makes it difficult for individuals to find online assistance and tutorials.
5. Release Cycle in Ubuntu vs CentOS
Ubuntu Release Cycle
A new version of Ubuntu is released about every six months. This version is aimed at desktop users, and it is not designed to be supported in the long run. Moreover, in every fifth release, long term support is also released. Also, there is a support contract that Canonical offers every five years.
CentOS Release Cycle
Frequent updates are not released by CentOS. This feature is justified by the fact that updating and testing new CentOS version releases takes a long time. Therefore, their new versions are more stable and safer as they adhere to their methodology.
There is a new CentOS version released approximately every three to four years. As these versions are regarded as clones, they follow the release schedule of RHEL. Additionally, the CentOS version is released immediately after the release of the RHEL version. All these releases come with long term support of around 10 years. Furthermore, most control panels support CentOS only.
6. Performance Ubuntu vs CentOS
Ubuntu Performance
Both CentOS and Ubuntu are suitable for web hosting, business websites, and corporate servers. Yet CentOS offers many advantages because of its excellent performance. It is more competent than Ubuntu when it comes to handling multi clients and control panels in hosting.
CentOS Performance
Suitable for enterprises, CentOS is a free distribution that combines RHEL’s strong support, which means that CentOS is dedicated to maintaining stable performance no matter what the situation may be. That’s why many hosting companies prefer it.
7. Ease of use in Ubuntu vs CentOS
Ubuntu Ease of use
Alternatively, Ubuntu is one of the most straightforward and user friendly Linux distributions available. It is so because Canonical, the team responsible for its development focuses more on its usability. The Ubuntu Server comes with a graphical user interface that can be installed later to provide you with more control. In addition, you can run other programs through the Terminal.
CentOS Ease of use
CentOS has only a small number of online guides and tutorials, making it overwhelming to use for those new to Linux. In spite of this, most experienced Linux users choose CentOS over other distributions, specifically those who are familiar with Red Hat Linux’s architecture. Also, the majority of web servers run on CentOS. CentOS also supports control panel tools, such as cPanel, which is important for hosting services.
CentOS vs Ubuntu summary
- CentOS is a Linux framework and a Linux distribution, where Ubuntu is an open sourced Linux distribution based on Debian.
- With CentOS, the yum command can be used to download and RPM packages from the library. With Ubuntu DEB packages can be downloaded using an apt-get package manager.
- Stability with CentOS the system is more stable than Ubuntu.
- Ubuntu is best for people who require more and latest features. Centos is does not offer frequent updates.
- Ubuntu always has newer packages, whereas Centos does not have new packages.
Great effort! We have learned Ubuntu vs CentOS – What’s the Difference (Pros and Cons). Let’s conclude.
Ubuntu vs CentOS - What's the Difference (Pros and Cons) Conclusion
Our comparison of Ubuntu vs CentOS we can summarize that the two operating systems have their own pros and cons. It is really based on the type of project need, how long you have for the project management and any other aspect you might have.
Businesses and developers who don’t care about the latest releases will find CentOS to be a great choice. Since CentOS always use the stable version, which is its older versions, it is more robust and secure.
But if you always need the latest features of software and apps, then it’s better to go for Ubuntu, since it uses the latest versions (non beta). In case you have used the Ubuntu Desktop, you should get an Ubuntu Server as it’s easy to use. Also, don’t forget Ubuntu’s huge community support (forums, tutorials, etc.) that makes it great for beginner users.
