Key Takeaways
- Debian and Ubuntu are two of the most popular Linux distributions.
- Debian is renowned for its stability and commitment to staying free and open source.
- Ubuntu has a reputation as an easier to use version of Debian, perfect for beginners.
- Debian has no update schedule, typically taking around two years for new releases. Ubuntu adhered to a strict schedule for both LTS and regular releases.
- Both require minimal hardware specifications to function smoothly, with Ubuntu being slightly more resource-intensive.
- Debian UI is difficult to navigate due to its high customizability. Ubuntu sacrifices customizability for a better user experience.
- Both platforms support extensive software libraries and desktop environments.
- Both support cloud integrations, including major providers like Microsoft Azure and AWS.
- Debian is good for servers prioritizing stability and continuous, uninterrupted operation.
- Ubuntu is ideal for servers wanting access to the newest software and frequent updates in an easy-to-use package.
Linux currently holds the lion’s share of the web server market, with 96.3% of the top 1 million web servers using it. Linux itself, however, is not the operating system typically in use. Rather, the Linux kernel and core infrastructure are packaged with additional tools, libraries, and extensions.
This combined operating software is known as a Linux Distribution (Linux distro). Debian and Ubuntu are the most prevalent distributions in use for servers. Both offer a variety of powerful tools that fit unique server needs.
With Debian vs Ubuntu leading the market, it can get confusing to pick between the two. This blog will help you better understand the Debian vs Ubuntu choice, and empower you to make an informed decision. Without further ado, let’s start!
Table of Contents
What is Debian?
Image Credit: Debian
Debian is an open-source Linux distribution. It is often called the “mother of distributions” due to hundreds of other distributions using Debian as a base. Debian emphasizes freedom and stability, often rejecting frequent updates and software compatibility in favor of those principles.
Debian holds a special place in operating system history, being a non-derivative Linux Distro released three decades ago. It fueled the development of hundreds, if not thousands, of Linux distributions. It was developed in 1993 by Ian Murdock and remains a staple in the Linux community.
What is Ubuntu?
Image Credit: Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution built on Debian infrastructure. Ubuntu is essentially Debian for beginners, streamlining and modernizing Debian’s more outdated design. Ubuntu is highly favored among Linux distributions due to its user-friendliness and reputation as an easy-to-master variation of Debian.
Ubuntu was originally developed by Mark Shuttleworth in 2004 and is currently owned by the British software corporation Canonical Ltd. While its history is not as interesting as Debians, it remains a hallmark among Linux-based server users.
Debian vs Ubuntu: Major Differences
Despite both being Linux distributions and utilizing the same infrastructure, Debian and Ubuntu are fundamentally different. They were built with entirely different goals in mind and take different approaches in how they present Linux for use.
Below, we review the various aspects distinguishing Debian vs Ubuntu to illustrate their unique usage. When it’s decision-making time, this breakdown should prove a formidable ally in choosing what is best for your server.
Design Philosophy
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Debian is designed with a focus on stability and reliability. It prides itself on being open-source and allowing for great customizability. To meet these goals, Debian rejects the notion of frequent releases and the latest software support. The primary focus is delivering a robust Linux distribution that has been rigorously tested and perfected.
Ubuntu’s design philosophy is based on being a Debian derivative that focuses on what Debian ignores. By sacrificing some stability and freedom, Ubuntu markets itself as a more accessible version of Debian. The goal for Ubuntu is to do everything that Debian does not and be an alternative choice to Debian for server owners.
Version Updates and New Releases
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Debian has a very slow version update schedule. Debian’s dedication to extensive testing and rock-solid stability leads to long release cycles. Typically, a new Debian update is released every two years, with a five-year support period. Debian versions are named after characters from the hit children’s movie Toy Story.
There are three major versions of Debian:
Stable: Stable Debian is the official release that has been extensively tested. The stable release is recommended for server owners, as it guarantees reliability. Stable Debian versions are named after the main cast of toys in Toy Story, with the latest being Debian 12.0: Bookworm.
- Unstable: Unstable Debian is the incomplete, work-in-progress version of Debian. It is the most up-to-date version available but is also riddled with bugs and issues that must be fixed. Unstable Debian is named after Sid, the unstable and unpredictable neighbor in Toy Story.
- Testing: Testing Debian is sadly not named after a movie character. It is the version of Debian where things are less up-to-date than Unstable but far less buggy and more robust. Enthusiasts use Testing Debian to try out new features and help with development.
- Debian’s release cycle is very unpredictable. New versions are released when ready and may not stick to the usual two-year schedule.
Ubuntu is much faster regarding version updates, with the release cycle for the regular version lasting a short six months between releases. Ubuntu also offers two different release variants:
- Long Term Support (LTS): This version of Ubuntu is more robust, with updates released every two years and five-year support. LTS Ubuntu is recommended for servers prioritizing stability and prolonged, consistent operation.
- Regular Release: The regular version of Ubuntu is more up-to-date with the latest software and technologies. This version releases twice a year, every six months, and is supported for around nine months. Regular Ubuntu is good for servers leveraging the latest software.
Ease of Use
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If we review Debian vs Ubuntu in light of their ease of use, Ubuntu is the easier of the two. The whole motto of Ubuntu has always been to be a more accessible and up-to-date version of Debian.
Both Ubuntu and Debian have their ups and downs when it comes to ease of use. Ubuntu comes pre-packaged with all relevant firmware and software, has easier access to a wider library of third-party resources, and looks modern. In exchange, it takes away some of the fine-tuning and control present in Debian.
Despite Ubuntu being easier to use, however, Debian’s enhanced control and stability cannot be understated. Debian is built to last and will rarely fail organizational servers. It is also highly customizable, allowing users to decide what their Debian is capable of.
Ubuntu is accessible to beginners as well as pros, while Debian is geared towards seasoned Linux enthusiasts.
Hardware requirements
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On the matter of hardware requirements, Debian vs Ubuntu is not much of a debate. Both are incredibly lax regarding hardware and can run on minimal specs comfortably. The resource requirements scale up with more complex server use, but the minimum requirements to install and comfortably run both are quite reasonable.
Here is a handy illustration of the minimum hardware requirements for Debian and Ubuntu:
Installation and Configuration
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Debian is much more complicated to install. In particular, a prominent issue is the lack of packaged drivers and firmware needed for smooth operation. Debian is an incredibly streamlined and open-to-customization OS. Before the latest stable version (Bookworm), Debian excluded all non-free firmware from the official installer. Users were forced to manually install non-free firmware to make their hardware function.
This is no longer the case, with the latest installer having an option for a non-free firmware install. Users can choose whether they want the original, only free firmware Debian, or the new non-free variant. The Debian installation window and aesthetic are also outdated, giving the feeling of a program from two decades ago.
Ubuntu is built for ease, and the installer lives up to that goal. It features a sleek, modernized installer that comes packages with all the prominent firmware. It is also easier to install and faster to configure, presenting admins with a highly intuitive configuration panel.
Software Repositories
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Debian and Ubuntu use the same core package management system based on the APT (Advanced Package Tool) and .deb packages.
Debian is highly exclusive in its software repository choices, including only the best software packages. Being committed to freedom and staying open-source, Debian only includes the most thoroughly tested and quality-assured software. Unfortunately, this tilt towards tested software results in Debian often using outdated versions of popular software.
While this may not be a problem for some, it is a dealbreaker for others as they need the latest software for new features and security updates. Some of the available server essentials in Debian include:
- Admin Tools: CLI, configuration management, network management
- Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL
- Desktop Environments: KDE, Xfce, GNOME
- Web Server: Apache, Nginx
Ubuntu web repositories are more lenient than Debian, with LTS supporting more recent software versions. It also includes some proprietary software that does not make it into the Debian repositories. Third-party repository access is also more straightforward in Ubuntu, with Personal Package Archives (PPAs) allowing for more software choices.
SUDO Privilege Management
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In Linux, SUDO is short for (Super User DO). SUDO is a privilege that gives administrative power to non-root users. Managing SUDO privilege is vital for robust access control and secure systems.
Debian and Ubuntu handle SUDO well, each taking a unique approach. In Debian, users need to manually be added to the SUDO workgroup by the root user. Ubuntu does this by default, allowing admins to remove SUDO privileges from a new user.
Also Read: How to Create a Sudo User in Debian in 3 Easy Steps
Cloud Integrations
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In the context of Debian vs Ubuntu, cloud integrations are a draw. Both distros offer extensive cloud integration capabilities in different flavors.
Debian is geared towards a do-it-yourself approach, allowing users to configure cloud environments manually. Debian is built for heavy micromanagement, making it an optimal choice for businesses with custom needs.
Ubuntu, staying true to its user-friendly nature, comes with preconfigured cloud images for easy integration. It supports all the major providers, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Ubuntu is perfect for businesses that want quick deployment of popular cloud integrations without much configuration.
Official Support
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In the Debian vs Ubuntu debate, support is an important conversation. Debian is community-driven, without an official customer support desk to help users. Being open-source and free, nobody is held accountable for any issues.
Ubuntu, being a product offered by Canonical, comes with their official support. Depending on the package price, users can even avail of expert support from Canonical’s team 24/7.
To facilitate this, Canonical offers varying levels of Service Level Agreements that specify the support available. Businesses can choose which support option best fits their needs and pay accordingly. An SLA is essential for business-critical servers that cannot afford issues. With a solid SLA, issues can be resolved swiftly before operations or consumers are affected.
Below is a quick summary of the discussion so far to help you follow along with the comparison:
Conclusion
That concludes our discussion and comparison of Debian vs Ubuntu. Their objectives and approaches differ vastly despite being built on the same infrastructure. Even so, they are deserving of their reputation as the best Linux distros available. There is no wrong choice in Debian vs Ubuntu, only a matter of priorities.
If your server prioritizes stability and consistent operation, Debian is the best choice. If your server utilizes recent technology and can give up customization for ease of use, Ubuntu is a no-brainer.
Regardless of your choice, there is one reality you must also consider when setting up a server: the server itself. Whether Debian or Ubuntu powers it, the choice is moot when the server is not up to the mark. Investing in a robust server is just as much part of the decision-making process as selecting the OS.
Think about it this way: if the OS is the brain of the server, then the server is the body of the OS. Just like us humans, both need to be robust for healthy operation. Investing in RedSwitches Bare Metal Servers is like giving your OS an Iron Man suit for a body. If you are interested in amping up your server game, you can contact us directly.
FAQS
Q. What are the main differences between Debian and Ubuntu?
The Debian project has a reputation for being incredibly stable and adhering strictly to free software principles. Ubuntu is more easy-going, providing a modern, easily accessible interface and the latest technology integration.
Q. Which distribution is more beginner-friendly, Debian vs Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is regarded as quite beginner-friendly in the Linux community. It is often recommended for Admins new to Linux and comes with extensive documentation and a more intuitive interface than Debian. Debian is built to be a powerhouse in the hands of Linux experts.
Q. How often are new versions released?
Debian releases stable versions approximately every two years. Ubuntu has a regular release cycle, with new versions every six months and Long-Term Support (LTS) releases every two years.
Q. What are the default desktop environments for Debian and Ubuntu?
Debian’s default desktop environment is GNOME, but it offers several others during installation. Ubuntu’s default is also GNOME, but it provides various flavors like Kubuntu (KDE), Xubuntu (XFCE), and more.
Q. Which distribution is more stable?
Debian is usually referred to as the most stable Linux distribution available. The rigorous testing and quality assurance Debian goes through before a new Stable version guarantees consistent performance for mission-critical use.
Q. Is it possible to install non-free software on Debian?
While Debian 12.0 allows for non-free firmware in the official installer, no non-free software comes with Debian. Although a bit tedious, it is possible to install non-free software yourself manually. Both Debian and Ubuntu use APT as their package manager.
Q. Does Ubuntu include non-free software by default?
Ubuntu includes some non-free software and drivers by default to improve hardware compatibility out of the box.
Q. Which distribution is better for servers, Debian vs Ubuntu?
Both Debian and Ubuntu are suitable for Linux servers. Debian is favored for its stability, while Ubuntu Server offers ease of use and commercial support.
Q. Can I use PPAs on Debian?
PPAs (Personal Package Archives) are primarily designed for Ubuntu. While it is possible to use them on Debian, it is not recommended due to potential compatibility issues.
Q. Which distribution has better hardware compatibility, Debian vs Ubuntu?
While Ubuntu is based on Debian, it generally has better hardware compatibility out of the box due to its inclusion of proprietary drivers and firmware.
