Debian is the rock on which Ubuntu is built
Ubuntu builds on the Debian architecture and infrastructure and collaborates widely with Debian developers, but there are important differences. Ubuntu has a distinctive user interface, a separate developer community (though many developers participate in both projects) and a different release process.
About Debian
Debian is a volunteer project that has developed and maintained a GNU/Linux operating system for well over a decade. Since its launch, the Debian project has grown to comprise more than 1,000 members with official developer status, alongside many more volunteers and contributors. Today, Debian encompasses over 50,000 packages of free, open source applications and documentation.
About Ubuntu
Ubuntu develops and maintains a cross-platform, open-source operating system based on Debian, with a focus on release quality, enterprise security updates and leadership in key platform capabilities for integration, security and usability. Ubuntu milestone releases are made every six months, Long Term Support releases are made every two years. Enterprise maintenance and support are guaranteed by Canonical for five years with optional Extended Security Maintenance available to Canonical customers. Canonical also provides commercial support for Ubuntu deployments across the desktop, the server and the cloud.
Canonical leads the Ubuntu ecosystem, partnering with public cloud and hardware providers to enable a high-quality platform that can be used free of charge, anywhere. Canonical also offers a range of services for enterprises, partners and individuals that help them manage Ubuntu.
Learn more about how Debian and Ubuntu fit together.
FAQs
Ubuntu and Debian are both excellent choices for servers. The two, however, cater to different use cases: Choose Debian if stability and security are critical to your server environment. Opt for Ubuntu if you prefer a balance between stability and access to newer features or cutting-edge software.
Which is faster Debian or Ubuntu? ›
Debian is more lightweight, so that (at least on paper), makes it a faster distro as compared to Ubuntu. When the distro itself doesn't require many resources to run, it leaves more resources to be used by other processes and software.
Why is Ubuntu popular? ›
Ubuntu is so popular mostly because of historical reasons. When other GNU/Linux operating systems were quite hard to set up (during early 2000s), Ubuntu appeared as an operating system with convenient default settings. It was relatively easier to install than most other GNU/Linux OS.
What is Ubuntu based on? ›
Ubuntu develops and maintains a cross-platform, open-source operating system based on Debian, with a focus on release quality, enterprise security updates and leadership in key platform capabilities for integration, security and usability.
What are the weakness of Debian? ›
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Debian? ¶
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Excellent stability | Fewer releases and as a result partly outdated software |
| Plenty of software options | No regular updates |
| Engaged community | No support for many commercial programs |
| Fewer hardware demands | |
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Both installation and handling of Ubuntu are much easier. This is where the main difference between the two becomes apparent: Ubuntu is an operating system for novices and experienced users alike. Debian, on the other hand, is better for professional users. Installation and setup are much more complex.
What is the hardest Linux to use? ›
In fact, even those with a modicum of Linux experience would be challenged by any one of these. Those distributions belonging to Tier 3 include: Gentoo - the most challenging Linux distribution on the market. It's hard.
Why is Ubuntu criticized? ›
According to Metz (2011), there are three main reasons why Ubuntu receives criticism: firstly, it is considered vague as a philosophical thought and does not have a solid framework; secondly, it is feared that due to its collectivist orientation there is a danger of sacrificing individual freedoms for the sake of ...
Which country uses Ubuntu the most? ›
Global popularity of the different Linux distributions
- Ubuntu is most popular in Italy and Cuba.
- OpenSUSE is most popular in Russia and the Czech Republic.
- Red Hat is most popular in Bangladesh and Nepal.
- Debian is most popular in Cuba.
Ubuntu is the best OS for developers because of the various libraries, examples, and tutorials. These features of ubuntu help considerably with AI, ML, and DL, unlike any other OS. Furthermore, Ubuntu also provides reasonable support for the latest versions of free open source software and platforms.
Stable and Reliable: Debian's stability ensures a smooth experience for anyone diving into Linux. Graphical Interface: Debian's user-friendly graphical interface feels familiar and reduces the learning curve. Tools like GNOME, KDE, and XFCE make navigation intuitive.
What is Debian mainly used for? ›
Debian offers over 59,000 packages that support a wide range of capabilities. For example, Debian provides packages for editing documents, developing software, administering systems, connecting to networks, debugging packages, mixing sound, routing email and playing games.
Why Ubuntu is free? ›
Open source
Ubuntu has always been free to download, use and share. We believe in the power of open source software; Ubuntu could not exist without its worldwide community of voluntary developers.
Is Debian good for Web hosting? ›
Yes, Debian Linux is a great choice for web development. Debian is a stable and reliable distribution that is widely used in server environments, including for web servers.
What version of Linux is best for servers? ›
Now that we've outlined the key factors to consider, let's explore some of the best Linux server distros in 2024:
- Ubuntu Server. Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation, Ubuntu Server is a popular choice for beginners. ...
- CentOS. ...
- Debian. ...
- Zentyal.
The Debian Stable branch is the most popular edition for personal computers and servers. Debian is also the basis for many other distributions that have different purposes, like Proxmox for servers, Ubuntu or Linux Mint for desktops, Kali for penetration testing, and Pardus and Astra for government use.
What is Debian best used for? ›
Debian offers over 59,000 packages that support a wide range of capabilities. For example, Debian provides packages for editing documents, developing software, administering systems, connecting to networks, debugging packages, mixing sound, routing email and playing games.
