Ubuntu vs Debian – Which One Should Opt For

But Linux operating system works different because multiple organizations distribute it. Because Linux is an open-source and available free across the world, different companies and persons are part of this distribution across the globe.
For example, some X server distribution will provide graphical desktop and GUI tools. And other different servers will give Graphical programs. And unlike servers will provide Graphical programs, system services and terminal commands. Various resources across the world produce these all.

Ubuntu and Debian are the most famous Linux distros are available in the market.

There are nearly 290 Linux distros available in the world. Out of these, 131 are produced by Debian, and Ubuntu developed 58. Now, these statistics clearly say that these distros have a significant dominant in the Linux Community.

Now today we are going to discuss the comparison between Debian and Ubuntu.

So, let’s deep dive into the Linux Distros world.

What is a Distro?

A Distro is an operating system made from a software collection, which depends on Linux Kernel and packages management system. The software packages are accessible throughout the internet called Repositories; these all stored in different locations across the world. Most likely Distro is also defined as a Linux operating system including some additional applications.

Ubuntu vs Debian

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a freely available and a complete Linux operating system. It has excellent professional and community support built with enhanced Ubuntu developers. Ubuntu completely follows the principles of open-source software development.

What is Debian?

Debian is an open-source and Unix like operating system. It was introduced in 1993, and individual programmers developed it. Linux kernel is used to build Debian, which includes a lot of advanced utilities.

Debian systems currently work with FreeBSD kernel, and it is the part of Linux kernel.

Basic information

Debian kernel is an oldest operating system distribution based on Linux kernel, initially released in 1993 by the United States. It has become the base of many of the latest Linux distributions, which includes Ubuntu also, and it was released in 2004 by UK based software company.

Debian and Ubuntu are share base of architecture, but they differ from their offerings.
Debian can develop an operating system freely concerning with the Debian Social Contract. This contract defines that it is free forever, and Linux community support is available indefinitely, including Ubuntu also.

Release information

There are three branches in Debian distribution, such as testing, unstable, and stable. Stable branch only has a specific release date. Remaining two chapters are continuously updated till they become a stable branch.
Debian users typically select the testing branch for their needs.

Ubuntu distribution has a specific set of the release cycle, and a new version release frequency is six months. The long term version released every two years. Each release version of Ubuntu starts from the testing version of Debian branch.

Installation process of Ubuntu vs Debian

Debian supports multiple architectures including i386, ia64,ppc64, amd64 etc. Consider another side, and Ubuntu is also supported different types of structures includes arm and ppc64, and amd64.

Both Ubuntu and Debian provides a Graphical User Interface for its installation process. But the Debian installation process is a bit complicated compared to Ubuntu installation. Ubuntu uses UBIQUITY installer, and Debian uses nCurses.

One significant difference will you face after the installation process is that SUDO(authority and having an ability to control the commands). And it is installed by default in Ubuntu but not in Debian.

Package management

Debian and Ubuntu both distros use the same type of software packaging management system but provides various sets of software extensions. Debian has provided freedom choice for selecting software extension compared to Ubuntu.

Perhaps Ubuntu focuses on flexibility and usability that to include free and paid software. And it is also introduced SNAP(universal package management system). It will be used in the distros to prevent software fragmentations. Debian users also use snap for their repo software fragmentations.

Utilities and Drivers

Debian distribution has some trouble with utilities and drivers. And Debian kernel did not contain any additional software extensions, and it clearly shows that lacking in firmware by default.

Ubuntu contains firmware, drivers who are readily available for automatic updates. Debian distribution doesn’t perform automatic updates.

Support and Community Comparison – Ubuntu vs Debian

Community support plays a vital role in any open-source application or software industry to be a successful one. Have you ever wondered about Microsoft acquires Github open-source hub, what Microsoft will get from this, it is nothing right? .But it may enable that same open-source community for their app store, primarily to compete for its rivals like Google play store and Apple app store.

So now let’s talk about community support for Debian and Ubuntu.

Both Linux distros are extremely popular with their active community support. But Debian has a large community of volunteers support than Ubuntu. Perhaps Debian is more focusing on only technical oriented support, while Ubuntu is mainly for beginners and newbies.

So for community support, Debian wins with the less margin I think so.

Conclusion – Ubuntu vs Debian

Both Linux distributions developed with the intention of different reasons, perhaps both sharing some similarities. Whereas Ubuntu provides a great desktop experience and provides regularly updated packages, Debian offers fantastic stability while developing and performing tasks.

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