Ubuntu and CentOS are popular Linux distributions but differ in many ways. Ubuntu, based on Debian, is known for its easy-to-use interface, regular updates, and wide range of software. It has Long Term Support (LTS) releases every two years and uses the apt package manager. Conversely, CentOS is a free alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), which is run by the community. It focuses on stability, security, and business use and has long support periods and slower update cycles. The yum package manager is used by CentOS (now replaced by dnf). Whether a user chooses Ubuntu or CentOS depends on how they like their software updated, how much help they want, and what they plan to do with the computer.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that is widely used and is based on Debian. Ubuntu is an operating system for desktops, servers, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices made and kept up to date by Canonical Ltd. It has become popular because it is easy to use, has a lot of software, and has strong community support.
Ubuntu has a regular release cycle; a new version comes out every six months. Ubuntu releases a Long Term Support (LTS) version every two years. This version gets updates and security patches for five years, giving users who like longer support periods stability and reliability.
The Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) package manager makes installing and updating the software on Ubuntu easy. It also has a large software repository that makes it easy for users to find and install many different programmes.
The Ubuntu ecosystem has many different flavours, such as Kubuntu (KDE), Xubuntu (XFCE), and Lubuntu (LXDE), and each has its desktop environment. This variety meets the needs of different users and their systems.
In conclusion, Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution known for its easy-to-use interface, regular updates, and wide range of software. It is suitable for both new and experienced Linux users. It can be used on desktops, servers, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
What is CentOS?
CentOS, which stands for “Community Enterprise Operating System,” is an open-source Linux distribution made from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)’s source code. It is meant to give servers, workstations, and other applications a free, enterprise-class computing platform that is supported by the community.
CentOS is popular for enterprise environments and mission-critical systems because it focuses on stability, security, and long-term support. CentOS gets its development, testing, and updates from RHEL. It stays compatible with RHEL, so software made for RHEL can run without any problems on CentOS. CentOS is known for its slower release cycles and longer support periods compared to other Linux distributions.
For software management, the CentOS project uses the yum package manager, which has been replaced by dnf. This makes it easy for users to install, update, and remove packages. CentOS also has access to and benefits from RHEL’s large software repository and strong ecosystem.
In 2020, CentOS announced CentOS Stream, a rolling-release distribution that works as an upstream development platform for RHEL. This change shifted the project’s focus, and some users have moved on to other RHEL alternatives like Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux.
In short, CentOS is a free alternative to RHEL that is run by the community and focuses on stability, security, and long-term support. It is used a lot in business settings and can be used in servers, workstations, and other places where reliability is essential.
Difference Between Ubuntu and CentOS
While Ubuntu and CentOS are widely adopted Linux distributions, they differ critically and serve different types of users. Ubuntu and CentOS diverge significantly in key respects, including design ethos, release cycle, package management, and intended user base.
Design Philosophy
Ubuntu is an operating system based on Debian and prioritises a simple and accessible desktop environment. Based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS is a stable, secure Linux distribution designed for use in production situations.
Release Cycle
Ubuntu has a predictable release schedule: every six months for regular releases and every two years for Long Term Support (LTS). CentOS’s emphasis on reliability and compatibility with RHEL means it has slower release cycles.
Package Management
The Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) handles package management in Ubuntu, while in CentOS, it is handled by yum (now replaced by dnf). It is simple to install updates and remove packages on either system.
Target Audience
With a more extensive software library and a selection of desktop environments, Ubuntu is able to appeal to a wider spectrum of users, such as beginners, desktop users, and developers. In contrast, CentOS is designed for system administrators and business users who value reliability, security, and RHEL compatibility.
In conclusion, Ubuntu and CentOS diverge primarily in design ethos, release cycle, package management, and intended user base. Factors including software availability, stability, and the desired use case should be considered while deciding between them.
