When it comes to choosing a Linux distribution for your server, two of the most popular options are Ubuntu and CentOS. Both are widely used in enterprise environments and for personal projects, but they have distinct differences that may make one a better choice than the other depending on your needs. In this blog, we’ll compare these two distributions in terms of usability, support, performance, and community, and help you make an informed decision on which one to choose.

1. Usability

Ubuntu:

• Ubuntu is known for its ease of use and is often recommended for beginners. The user interface is clean, and the installation process is straightforward.
• It comes with a lot of preconfigured software packages, making it easier for users to get up and running without much configuration.
• Ubuntu’s regular release cycle (every six months) and long-term support (LTS) releases (every two years) provide flexibility for both developers and businesses.

CentOS:

• CentOS, on the other hand, is derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and is designed to be a free alternative to RHEL with a focus on stability and enterprise-class features.
• While CentOS is stable, it is typically not as beginner-friendly as Ubuntu. It may require more knowledge to configure and maintain compared to Ubuntu.
• CentOS tends to be more conservative in terms of package updates, prioritizing stability over having the latest features.

2. Support and Updates

Ubuntu:

• Ubuntu benefits from strong community support as well as professional support through Canonical, its parent company.
• Ubuntu’s Long-Term Support (LTS) releases are supported for 5 years, which makes it an attractive option for businesses looking for a stable system that won’t need frequent upgrades.
• Ubuntu releases also tend to have newer software packages and features, making it a better choice for users who want to leverage the latest technology.

CentOS:

• CentOS was historically known for providing a free version of RHEL, which meant that it benefitted from the robust enterprise-grade support available through Red Hat (for those who purchased a RHEL subscription).
• However, with the announcement of CentOS Stream in late 2020, CentOS is no longer the stable, point-in-time release it once was. Instead, it is now a rolling release that sits between Fedora and RHEL. This change can affect enterprises that need long-term stability.
• CentOS Stream receives updates more frequently than traditional CentOS, but this can sometimes result in new features or changes that may not be fully stable.

3. Performance and Stability

Ubuntu:

• Ubuntu generally has good performance across a wide variety of hardware platforms. It is often used in cloud environments (like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure) and as a desktop OS.
• The stability of Ubuntu is excellent, especially with LTS releases, but it tends to release newer software more frequently, which may introduce changes faster than some enterprises are comfortable with.

CentOS:

• CentOS is built for stability and performance in enterprise environments. It is used in data centers, production servers, and large-scale infrastructures.
• The focus on stability means CentOS often runs older but highly-tested versions of packages. This may be a plus for businesses that value stability over the latest features.

4. Community and Documentation

Ubuntu:

• Ubuntu has one of the largest communities in the Linux world, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums.
• Ubuntu’s community is active and provides a lot of resources for both developers and system administrators. This can be extremely helpful when troubleshooting or learning new concepts.

CentOS:

• CentOS has a dedicated community, though it is smaller than Ubuntu’s. Since CentOS is closely tied to RHEL, a lot of the community support comes from the RHEL ecosystem.
• CentOS users often rely on official documentation from Red Hat, which is enterprise-focused and might not be as accessible for new users.

5. Software and Package Management

Ubuntu:

• Ubuntu uses APT (Advanced Package Tool) for package management and is compatible with Debian-based packages. The Snap and Flatpak systems are also available for installing apps, providing a broader range of applications.
• Ubuntu tends to have more recent versions of software packages available, which makes it ideal for users who need the latest tools and technologies.

CentOS:

• CentOS uses YUM (Yellowdog Updater Modified) for package management, inherited from RHEL. It also supports DNF (Dandified YUM) for package management in CentOS Stream.
• CentOS repositories are typically more conservative with updates and packages, focusing on tested, stable software versions that have been proven in production environments.

6. Use Case and Target Audience

Ubuntu:

• Ubuntu is ideal for a wide range of users, from beginners to experts. It is frequently used in personal projects, development environments, cloud deployments, and desktops.
• With its frequent updates and large community, Ubuntu is a great choice for developers who need access to the latest libraries and software.

CentOS:

• CentOS is targeted at enterprise environments, particularly those looking for a free RHEL alternative. It is designed for users who prioritize system stability and long-term support over cutting-edge software.
• CentOS is commonly used in web hosting, data centers, and enterprise infrastructure.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Both Ubuntu and CentOS have their strengths, but the decision between the two largely depends on your specific use case:

• Choose Ubuntu if:
  • You are a beginner or new to Linux.
  • You need access to newer software and frequent updates.
  • You are working on cloud environments or need flexibility in your development tools.
  • You want strong community support and detailed documentation.
• Choose CentOS if:
  • You require long-term stability and enterprise-level support (or are working in an enterprise environment).
  • You don’t mind using older, stable software versions.
  • You are familiar with Red Hat-based systems and require a free version of RHEL.
  • You are working in a production server environment where stability is more important than having the latest features.

Ultimately, Ubuntu is often the better choice for those who value user-friendliness, frequent updates, and a large community, while CentOS (or CentOS Stream) remains a solid option for businesses that prioritize stability and long-term support in enterprise environments.