What is the Difference Between Ubuntu and Debian?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Ubuntu and Debian are both popular Linux distributions, but they have some key differences:
- Target Audience: Ubuntu is designed for novices and experienced users alike, with a user-friendly interface and easier installation and handling. Debian, on the other hand, is better suited for professional users, with a more complex installation and setup process.
- Software: Debian is a good choice for purists, as it only installs open-source software by default and often does not support commercial software. Ubuntu, however, is more focused on providing a comprehensive and user-friendly experience, with a broader range of preinstalled software and newer features.
- Stability: Debian is known for its excellent stability, making it a preferred choice for servers and users who prioritize stability over newer features. Ubuntu is slightly less stable but offers newer software and a two-year release cycle.
- Development Background: Debian is dedicated to the original idea of Linux, with a community-driven development process and a focus on open-source approach. Ubuntu is corporately supported and developed, and it ships with the Snap universal package manager installed by default, which is not found in Debian.
- Desktop Environment: Debian offers a wide variety of desktop environments, from lightweight minimalist window managers to full-featured desktop environments. Ubuntu comes with a pre-designed interface, which is installed by default and is highly intuitive and user-friendly.
In summary, Debian is a better choice for users who prioritize stability and have more control over their OS setup, while Ubuntu is more suitable for users who want a user-friendly experience, newer software, and a broader range of preinstalled features.
Comparative Table: Ubuntu vs Debian
Here is a table comparing the differences between Ubuntu and Debian:
Feature | Debian | Ubuntu |
---|---|---|
Desktop Environment | Multiple choices | GNOME (customized Ubuntu Desktop) |
Stability | Renowned for its outstanding stability | Not as stable as Debian |
Target Audience | Intermediate to advanced users | Beginners to professionals |
Free Software | Focuses on free software only | Uses both free and proprietary software |
Origin | Founded in 1993 by Ian Murdock | Created in 2004 by Mark Shuttleworth |
Speed | Faster than Ubuntu | Slightly slower than Debian |
Software Compatibility | Compatible with most Debian software | Generally compatible with Debian software |
Update Frequency | Point releases, stable cycle, and Long Term Support | Regular release cycles and Long Term Support |
Package Management | apt, dpkg, dselect | Apt, dpkg, dselect |
Company Backing | Community-run | Backed by Canonical Ltd. |
Debian is known for its outstanding stability, focus on free software, and target audience of intermediate to advanced users. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is more user-friendly and targets a broader audience, including beginners. Ubuntu ships with a customized GNOME variant known as Ubuntu Desktop, whereas Debian offers multiple choices for desktop environments.
- Ubuntu vs Linux
- Ubuntu vs Kubuntu
- Ubuntu 10.10 vs Ubuntu 11.04
- UNIX vs LINUX
- Microsoft Windows vs Linux
- Gnome vs KDE
- Freeware vs Open Source
- Fedora vs RedHat
- Linux vs Windows Hosting
- CentOS vs RedHat
- Drupal vs WordPress
- Git vs Github
- UNIX vs Solaris
- Server vs Desktop
- Open Source vs Proprietary Software
- Linux File System vs Windows File System
- GPL vs LGPL
- Windows 7 vs Windows 8
- Netbeans vs Eclipse