One of the most widely used and popular server operating systems is Linux, which currently has nearly 600 different distributions. For this reason, choosing the best Linux distribution is not an easy task due to the many options that exist. But if you are looking for a suitable version for web servers among different distributions, you must have heard the names of CentOS and Ubuntu distributions.
But in your opinion, which is a better option, Ubuntu or CentOS? If you are still hesitant to answer this question, stay with us in this article to fully understand the features and differences between these two versions.
What is CentOS ?
CentOS is an open source Linux distribution and stands for Operation System Community Enterprise. The first version of CentOS Linux was released by Red Hat in 2004 and now the latest version of this distribution has been released in September 2019 with the name CentOs 8.
Many people consider Linux CentOS as a copy of Redhat Enterprise Linux and it is widely used in the world of IT and organizations.
Also, tradition OS is supported by the general community, meaning that no specific company supports this version for free, and you should go to people who use this Linux distribution to solve problems and answer your questions.
Features of CentOS
- CentOS high security
One of the most important concerns of high security people is that different Linux distributions have succeeded in meeting the needs and expectations of their users regarding security. But among different distributions, CentOS Linux protects against unauthorized access by having several built-in security features such as SELinux kernel (Security-Enhanced Linux).
On the other hand, the presence of the security team in Red Hat plays an important role in identifying threats, damages, and thus ensuring high-level security.
- Extensive updates and support
Traditional OS versions are updated regularly and its original versions are supported for 10 years. For example, CentOS 7 was released on July 7, 2014 and will be supported until June 30, 2024, receiving security updates as needed. Therefore, this version is the best choice for people who are looking for support and stability of their platform in the production and development of applications.
- CentOS is free!
CentOS is a free distribution and therefore everyone is invited to use it to enhance the performance of different Linux distributions. It is also better to know that Sunt OS has different options for downloading its software, such as Amazon Web Services, torrent, DVD ISO.
- The flexibility of tradition OS
The dough of this operating system is in your hands! This means that you can configure your operating system by making changes and adding desired features for any software and functionality. In fact, in this distribution, the hands of users are completely open in its efficiency and use.
- Support through forums and a growing community
CentOS has many fans in the world and its widespread use connects you to a large amount of documents and information. The CentOS community consists of various members and teams from different communities, and all these people are trying to improve and grow this distribution.
Therefore, there is a wide and growing community to solve problems, errors and issues, you can refer to these forums and find the answer to your question if you encounter any problems.
What is Ubuntu ?
The word Ubuntu is an African word meaning “humanity towards others”. The Ubuntu project was started by Mark Shuttle in South Africa and currently Ubuntu is the most popular version for laptops and desktop computers. Ubuntu distribution is free and open source and is available to millions of people.
In fact, the reason for the name Ubuntu is that unlike Mac and Windows operating systems that profit from the sale of their operating systems, the primary purpose of this Linux distribution is to bring the spirit of humanity to the computer world. Everyone should be able to use Ubuntu, regardless of language, ability, or income.
Features of Ubuntu
- Ubuntu is user friendly!
Ubuntu space is the best option for beginners who do not have much experience with Linux. Although the Ubuntu environment has significant differences with Windows and Mac, it is very easy to learn. In fact, the Ubuntu operating system uses GNOME as one of the most popular desktop environments (DE) in Linux.
- Free to use Ubuntu
As we said, unlike Windows and Mac, Ubuntu is free and you can easily download and use it from the Ubuntu website.
While for Windows, you have to buy the computer that comes with it or pay a fee for each Windows license. Also, macOS operating systems are pre-installed on Mac systems and are not available for purchase.
- Some flavors of Ubuntu are lightweight
A little while ago, we introduced the GNOME desktop environment, but this is not the only desktop environment that you can get with Ubuntu. These distributions are available in the market in different types with the name “flavor”. If you have an old system and cannot use new versions of Windows, it is better to go for the MATE flavor.
Also, some other flavors of Ubuntu such as Ubuntu MATE, Xubuntu and Lubuntu are lightweight operating systems that are easy to install on older systems.
- Access to software
You can easily install the software you want by searching for “Ubuntu Software” in the Ubuntu Store with just a few clicks. If the programs you want are not found, you may be faced with alternative programs. Of course, it is better to know that Ubuntu software only allows you to install applications as Snaps.
Comparison of two distributions, Ubuntu and CentOS Ubuntu or CentOS
- Updates and stability
Due to less package updates in Cent OS, Cent OS distribution is more stable than Ubuntu. Of course, this feature can be seen as a weakness because if you need the latest version of a program, you have to manually install the software yourself. In any case, CentOS is more stable than its Ubuntu counterpart.
- Ubuntu or CentOS support
If you’re looking for better support, Ubuntu is a better choice than traditional OS. Because the Ubuntu community is larger and more resourceful than its traditional OS counterpart, it’s easier to find solutions to problems you encounter. In fact, Ubuntu has a better place than traditional OS when it comes to books, forums, and tutorials. Also, Ubuntu Server has more and better support than traditional OS.
- The biggest difference between Ubuntu and traditional OS
It is enough to know a little about Linux to know that there is no single architecture in Linux distributions. For this reason, the biggest difference between traditional OS and Ubuntu is in their architecture. The traditional architecture of OS is based on RHEL and Ubuntu is based on Diban. For this reason, there are many differences between these two distributions, and migrating from one distribution to another is not easy.
- Usability and ease of use
If you are a beginner, it is better to go with Ubuntu because running CentOS on a server is a bit difficult. In fact, RHEL-based desktop distributions are not widely used in the OS tradition. Also, on the other hand, the Ubuntu desktop is much more popular and it doesn’t take much time to learn.
- Speed of Ubuntu or Cent OS
Of course, the issue of speed depends to a large extent on the hardware, but in general, the speed of Ubuntu and traditional OS have almost the same performance. Therefore, there is not much difference between the two in terms of speed.
Application review Which distribution to use? Ubuntu or CentOS
If you are a beginner:
- As we said earlier , the best distribution for beginners is Ubuntu. Ubuntu provides a larger repository of free tutorials. Also, Ubuntu has a more active and larger community than its predecessor. This means that thousands of users in online forums help you to get answers to your questions sooner.
- For home users, the desktop version of Ubuntu is much more popular than other Linux distributions. Also, Ubuntu virtual servers are easier to use for people who have had the experience of using the desktop version of this distribution before.
If you are a business owner:
The answer to this question depends on your needs, but if you are looking for the best distribution for your company’s website or internal servers, it is better to use Traditional OS because
- Traditional OS is more stable and secure than Ubuntu. Since software updates are less frequent in Traditional OS than in Ubuntu, you can use software for longer periods of time and only use the safe versions that are released.
- It is better to know that popular control panels such as Direct Admin and CPanel have introduced Cent OS distribution as their main test and distribution operating system and the main suggested platform. Therefore, if you have a hosting company or work with different people as a website design company, it is better to use the CentOS distribution for your dedicated and virtual servers.
The last word
The Linux operating system has many distributions, but two distributions, Ubuntu and Cent OS, are among the most popular and popular versions of Linux. For this reason, in this article, we tried to talk about the features, differences between Ubuntu and traditional OS, and finally the use of each