Despite the huge popularity of the Windows operating system and the relatively easy way to install a hacked version with impunity, a significant number of users prefer a completely free product and decide to use one of the Linux distributions. But their huge diversity can be a significant obstacle for beginners linuksoidov.

Comparison of CentOS and Ubuntu distributions.

One of the most famous Linux builds is Ubuntu and CentOS. And for sure, those who want to choose the most suitable version to satisfy their own requests are faced with which one is the easiest and most accessible for the home user. In this article, we will compare these two distributions for various indicators. After reading this material, you will be able to better understand the features of Ubuntu and CentOS, as well as be able to determine which one to install on your computer or laptop.

Who do distros target

In a nutshell, Ubuntu is primarily intended for ordinary home users who do not set the system too high. For them, it is important that the distribution can be very easy to install, quickly set up, so that all programs are updated regularly and they do not need to be searched all over the Internet. They use a computer as a multimedia entertainment center, and also search for various information on the Internet or communicate on social networks or via instant messengers.

At the same time, CentOS is focused mainly on large firms and server equipment, although it is successfully used by many on home devices. Such users usually represent what exactly they want from the operating system and use it primarily for business purposes, for example, in enterprises or in server organization.

Both products are developed by serious organizations with significant weight in the free software market. But, given the initial orientation to different groups of users, they have their own characteristics. Let's take a closer look at them.

Developer and creation history

Both assemblies are practically peers since the first versions saw the light in 2004. Ubuntu is developed by the Canonical team, which took the popular Debian distribution as a basis, relying on usability for ordinary users who use computers primarily for entertainment. In addition, the company supports the development of a universal software environment, seeking to ensure that their operating system can work on virtually any device, including smartphones and tablets. On the one hand, it is convenient for the end user, but, on the other hand, it does not work simultaneously on all fronts and in some cases the user suffers. Recently there have been many complaints about unstable work or incomprehensible solutions. In parallel with the product for residential consumers, Canonical is developing a server version of Ubuntu and, according to statistics, today it is the most popular distribution kit used on network equipment.

Regarding CentOS, this version of Linux is developed by Red Hat Linux. This is an incredibly well-known and reputable developer of operating systems for large companies and servers. Since the main version is paid and the update gets it first of all, CentOS is assembled from its source code and also receives regular updates, but with a slight lag behind the original Red Hat Linux.

It is noteworthy that all the latest features in Ubuntu are available only in the latest versions, so if you want to get the latest functionality, you need to constantly update the version of the operating system. At the same time, using CentOS even a fairly old build, you will continue to receive regular updates. Even the period of support will differ significantly: two years for Ubuntu and 10 years for CentOS.

In this indicator, CentOS should still be given preference, since its developer is much more authoritative and, accordingly, this version of the OS is incredibly stable. Due to the fact that Canonical is breaking on several fronts, Ubuntu very often has stability problems, although it gets the latest features more often from a competitor.

Software and updates

Since both distributions come from different branches, they support different formats of application installation files. In Ubuntu, it is the same as in Debian, deb, whereas in CentOS it is the rpm format inherited from Red Hat Linux. By and large, the difference between them is practically absent, because they are set the same. The only difference is that CentOS loads a bit more data when you update the repository, in addition, there are no recommended dependencies.

A more significant difference in the amount of available software. Ubuntu has an advanced software center where you can find almost any application, even the newest one. Yes, you can download programs manually from the developers' site, but not all of them offer a ready-made installation file, and in this case you have to deal with dependencies manually. But it is much more convenient to do this when there is an excellent online catalog in which everything is gathered in one place. In addition, in the system settings you can add any repository and the programs contained in it will automatically be available in the application center. So there is practically no problem with software on Ubuntu. The only thing that should be considered is the inaccessibility of some old software.

In Centos, the situation is somewhat different, and the difference is more related to the developer’s policy. Since the emphasis is on stable work, you may not find the latest updates, and some programs may not be available at all. But it is much easier to find old, but proven software.

In this indicator it is quite difficult to give preference to any distribution kit. It all depends on how you feel about software updates. If you like to use the most modern and receive regular updates, stop at Ubuntu. If stability is more important to you, for the sake of which you are ready to neglect the novelty, you can choose CentOS.

Desktop and GUI

In this component, the difference is even more significant, since various graphical shells are used. Ubuntu uses Unity's own development, which the company has created on the basis of the Gnome 3 desktop. A variety of graphical effects are used, among which is a translucent background. The notification panel is located by default at the top of the screen, and the icons of the most frequently used programs are at the left edge. The shell is constantly being updated and various improvements are announced regularly. If you switch to Linux after Windows, at first the menu organization can be quite unusual.

CentOS uses the old and proven Gnome 2. It is interesting that it is considered obsolete, the new versions practically do not come out, and its appearance is very old-fashioned. But everything works very stable, and the built-in functionality is quite enough to perform everyday tasks. Of course, there is no problem to change the shell in Linux, but if the system is initially designed for Gnome 2, then the system will work best with it.

Installation process

Each version of Linux uses different utilities for installation. But again it is worth paying attention to whom distributions are primarily aimed at. Since Ubuntu is primarily intended for home users, its installer is much simpler, you just need to choose the proposed functions. It has a cozy graphical interface, as well as basic settings, disk partitioning and user profile creation are available.

CentOS has a more complex installer, but there are a lot more options available. Therefore, for proper installation, you must have at least basic knowledge and present what you expect from the operating system.

In this component, Ubuntu would be preferable for the consumer due to its simplicity. You will only go from step to step and choose from the options, whereas in CentOS you need to choose the parameters of each item.

Job stability

Ubuntu releases several types of releases: with the usual period of support and with long-term support, the so-called LTS. The company declares the latter as a very reliable and stable distribution. But this is a very controversial issue, especially if you read the support forums. By default, everything works quite stably and without failures, but once you install some unusual program or activate a non-standard function, a lot of errors appear that significantly affect the stability of work. It is noteworthy that the developers are not particularly eager to eliminate defects. Maybe just hands do not reach.

CentOS, in turn, is thoroughly tested and tested before being published. Yes, an older version of the software is installed in this distribution, but everything has been carefully tailored, configured and tested.

Therefore, if stability is important to you, choose CentOS. If you want to use the latest software to the detriment of stability, choose Ubuntu.

Support and community

Any operating system may require technical support. And considering that you are just starting to use Linux and it is significantly different from other operating systems, it is quite expected that you will have various questions. It is for this purpose that various forums and communities are created. The more popular the distribution is, the more information you can find. In this case, it is desirable that it be in your native Russian, since not everyone speaks English.

In this regard, Ubuntu is the undisputed leader. The vast majority of all instructions and almost all materials for beginners are designed specifically for this version of Linux. You can be sure that whatever question you have, it will not remain unresolved. In addition to the advanced official support portal, there are many communities in social networks and forums on various sites where more experienced and advanced users share their experience with beginners.

CentOS is primarily designed for server equipment and large organizations, so information for beginners and residential users is significantly less than that of a competitor. Yes, the official documentation is present, but it is written in a rather complex technical language, and in most cases in English.

TIP. Therefore, if you're new to the Linux world, it's better to install Ubuntu, of course. If you already have some experience and want to try something new, more complex, try CentOS.

findings

We conducted a comparison of two popular Linux distributions: Ubuntu and CentOS. We briefly recall the main differences between CentOS and Ubuntu.

Ubuntu	CentOS
Designed primarily for complete novices and home users who use the computer for entertainment and simple work.	Designed for use on server hardware and in large companies.
Developed by Canonical, which, in addition to Ubuntu for the computer, is developing versions for the server, as well as for mobile devices. The distribution is based on Debian.	It is a branch of Red Hat Linux and is supported by this developer. In fact, it is a free version of the corporate offer, and new versions are released soon after the main system is updated.
Uses deb file format. In the Ubuntu Software Center you can find almost any necessary application, even released recently. If necessary, in the settings you can add repositories, thus significantly expanding the number of sources.	Uses the rpm installation file format. The software is somewhat outdated, and you may not find the newest and not the most popular programs. It also has a software center with the ability to connect additional repositories. Emphasis is placed on stability.
Uses a graphical shell of its own design - Unity, created on the basis of Gnome 3. Constantly announced various innovations.	It works on the basis of the outdated Gnome 2. It works very stably and the functionality is quite enough for most tasks.
Involved very simple installer with user-friendly graphical interface.	The installer is aimed at more experienced users, requires more fine-tuning.
Newer versions have noticeable stability issues.	It works incredibly stable, because before the release is more thoroughly tested.
A huge reference database, including in Russian, a very large user community.	Most of the documentation is available only in English, the number of reference materials is rather limited.

Carefully weighing all the pros and cons, choose exactly the distribution that will meet all your needs. In the comments, tell us which version of Linux you decide to choose: Ubuntu or CentOS.