Debian and Ubuntu are two of the leading distros in the market. There are about 290 distro variations for Linux. Surprisingly, 131 out of these are derived out of Debian, while 58 are from code directly. However, when it is about Debian vs Ubuntu server, both have some differences and some common things.
You must have heard good things about both of these distros. However, choosing Debian or Ubuntu can still be difficult for you. To make things easier for you, here we have brought Debian vs Ubuntu server.
Debian vs. Ubuntu 2021: Know the difference between Debian and Ubuntu here
Let’s get into details below to know more about Debian vs. Ubuntu 2021 below:
- Debian
Debian is the oldest operating system based on Linux. Since its first release, this operating system has come so far. However, it is a well-known option for its incredible stability and commitment to being open source. Most importantly, Debian is entirely community-driven. However, various well-known distributions based on Debian have come up over time, maybe due to its simplicity and stability.
- Ubuntu
On the other hand, Ubuntu is another popular operating system based on Linux. Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu who is providing all development and support to this platform. Interestingly, Debian is the foundation of Debian as well. It is the reason why it has many basic features similar to Debian. However, it became famous because of its new yet exciting range of features and its amazing user experience.
History and Release Date
Ian Murdock officially founded the Debian project in August 1993. It was the time when the Linux distribution concept was new. At the same time, Debian was intended to be made an open-source Linux distribution. However, FSF’s GNU supported its creation for almost one year.
Debian was created to put together consistently and carefully. Even though it was started smaller, it grew consistently to become a well-organized community of users and developers. As in the beginning, Debian was the only Linux distribution. Therefore, it remained a major contributor to the following Linux distributions works.
While the first Ubuntu release was in October 2004. Distributions of Ubuntu originates from Debian that is a widely accepted Linux OS. However, the future of Ubuntu was guaranteed due to its new and user-friendly features. Canonical Ltd; company was established then to support and promote Ubuntu while the rest is history.
Now dell, along with various other hardware vendors, are shipping systems pre-loaded with Ubuntu which ensures its brighter future.
However, the release cycle also has a significant difference between Debian and Ubuntu.
Debian follows a release cycle based on three steps, including stable, testing, unstable. It releases its new versions every two years with no strict release date. On the other hand, Ubuntu follows a firm release cycle with a regular release version every six months, and the LTS release takes place every 2 years.
Debian vs Ubuntu 2021: Pros and Cons
- Debian and Ubuntu performance
In terms of Debian and Ubuntu performance, both Debian and Ubuntu are fast fundamentally. Debian is a bare minimum Linux distribution that doesn’t come up bundled with any additional features and software. Therefore, Debian is lightweight and super-fast comparatively.
Still, Ubuntu is faster than other Linux distributions. However, the addition of distro-specific and additional yet unique features in Ubuntu has also impacted its performance.
So, overall, Debian Linux distribution performs way quicker than Debian.
- Debian and Ubuntu server
Even though, in the case of Debian and Ubuntu server, the choice depends upon your requirements. However, the Debian server is preferable for the enterprise environment because it is securer and more stable than Ubuntu. Technologies like kvm linux vps hosting work well for both Linux distributions.
For personal use, Ubuntu can work amazingly.
- Debian vs Ubuntu stability
According to the user perspective, stability is one of the most important benefits to consider while choosing from Debian or Ubuntu. However, when it comes to choosing between Debian or Ubuntu in terms of Debian and Ubuntu stability, then there are some things you should know about this.
Ubuntu comes up with a regular release cycle, and every release is quite stable. Undoubtedly, users may face some problems now and then, but complaints regarding the stability of Ubuntu aren’t that common. It is a well-suited option for personal usage or in situations where any system fails won’t cause any severe damage.
However, on the other hand, Debian comes up with a solid stability feature. Suppose you are the one who is more intended towards a system that is very consistent irrespective of the drivers and releases it provides. In that case, Debian is the best option to go with due to the incredible stability it offers. It is the reason when it comes to vps hosting servers, Debian is a preferable option to consider for many.
- Debian and Ubuntu desktop comaprison
Debian is overall a lightweight and simple Linux distro. So, with older machines going with Debian can be a preferable option as compared to Ubuntu. When it is about Debian and Ubuntu desktop, there are various choices for both to consider.
Debian can provide you different options in terms of choosing your desktop option except for unity. It means that Debian users can make their preferred choice easily. However, Ubuntu offers a pre-packed flavor such as Budgie, KDE, Gnome, Xface. At the same time, this can work out of the box for beginners.
- Debian and Ubuntu desktop security
Both Ubuntu and Debian come up with a vulnerability patching schedule and an inbuilt security system. However, Debian is also following a firm policy on users, and it doesn’t come with any pre-built firewall protection or access control option.
While, on the other hand, Ubuntu is prepackaged with a firewall and AppArmor enabled. However, additional security features of Ubuntu make it more user-friendly for newbies because it doesn’t require any firewall or security perspective’s configurations on users’ end.
Final Remarks:
Overall, choosing Debian or Ubuntu depends upon your requirements for a distro. However, a comparison of different perspectives mentioned above can help you make a more informed decision with ease in this regard.