Raviteja
Votes: 0Posted On: Jul 18, 2017 03:30:14
Debian and Ubuntu are one of the most widely used Linux flavors in the world. Debian is an open source operating system build on Linux platform. First announced in 1993 by Ian Murdock, Debian has evolved leaps and bounce over the years. With over 50000 packages in its repository, Debian is one of the most versatile operating systems in the world. It is maintained and developed by a strong community of highly skilled developers from all over the world.
Ubuntu is a Debian-based Linux operating system. Similar to Debian, Ubuntu is also built on open-source environments, where developers are encouraged to give their inputs and help develop the operating system. It was given the name "Ubuntu" which basically means "human-ness". With this motive, Ubuntu presents a user-friendly GUI for ease of use to the users. It is widely used in smartphones, desktops as well as tablets.
Here are some of the comparisons that differentiate between, the otherwise, quite similar operating systems.
A User-friendly Experience
Although, both the operating systems have an user-friendly feel to it, the Ubuntu operating systems succeeds in this department. As the name Ubuntu, itself suggests, that it is designed for the convenience of users. The Ubuntu operating system is built for the most novice Linx users. With its user-friendly GUI and easy installation and update, it ensures that even the inexperienced user can perform tasks on this distribution. With the help of Ubuntu Software Center, it is a walk in the park to install new software.
Debian, on the other hand, is a very powerful and robust operating system. But it is more for the experienced hands than the newbies. If you no knowledge of Linux distros, it will be a difficult task to handle Debian.
Is your Hardware Compatible?
One more important thing you should keep in mind is the compatibility of your hardware with the operating system. Debian operating system supports a wide range of hardware architectures ranging from INTEL (standard 32 and 64 bit), ARM and PowerPC.
Ubuntu, on the other hand, supports 32 and 64-bit versions as computer desktop environments and is developing Ubuntu ARM for mobile devices.
Release
Debian's packages are divided into three main categories of Unstable, Testing, and Stable. A package without being tested is an unstable version. Once a bug is identified with the version, it moves onto the testing process. Once after thoroughly processed, the Stable version is released.
In contrast, Ubuntu releases two type of version Ubuntu LTS(Long Term Support) and Ubuntu non-LTS. LTS version is released every two years with updates generally coming out every six months. Ubuntu LTS is the significantly more stable version than non-LTS. The Ubuntu non-LTS or standard version is released after every six months.
Community and Support
Debian is developed and maintained by a community comprising of highly skilled developers working voluntarily. Every year the community selects a leader among themselves through a Condorcet method. Various issues on every aspect are discussed in Debian forums and the conclusion is achieved unanimously. For any kind of Support, you can always visit Debian Community and Forums.
Contrastingly, in the case of Ubuntu operating system, you can get support from Canonical Ltd. for a price.
What to choose: Debian or Ubuntu
Debian and Ubuntu both have quite a contrasting user base. If you are looking for a robust, secure and efficient operating system and have some knowledge of Linux, you can always choose Debian. However, for a novice, it is recommended to opt for Ubuntu because of its user-friendly interface and the ease of installation.