Signup/Sign In

Difference between CentOS and Ubuntu Operating System

This CentOS vs. Ubuntu comparison will help you choose the best operating system for your virtual private server by outlining the salient aspects of both Linux versions.

Due to the vast array of alternatives available, selecting an OS for your server may be difficult, particularly if you wish to use a Linux distribution. Although there are numerous options, neither CentOS nor Ubuntu is as well-known.

Whether you are a novice or a professional, you must typically choose between the two possibilities. It's fair to assume that there isn't a simple choice. To determine which would be the best choice while setting up a server, we will compare CentOS vs. Ubuntu in this post.

Let's look at quick overviews before explaining the differences between CentOS and Ubuntu.

CentOS and Ubuntu

What is CentOS?

WHAT is CentOS

An open-source Linux distribution is CentOS. It is often referred to as a copy of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), regarded as the most popular in the corporate IT industry. CentOS is an enterprise-class operating system that was first launched in 2004 and is maintained by the community.

Your ability to create in one of the top Linux distributions is made possible by your close resemblance to RHEL. It may be argued that this already puts CentOS ahead of Ubuntu.

Another thing to like about it is how very configurable, safe, and reliable it is. Because of its strong ties to RHEL, CentOS has access to several corporate-level security upgrades, making it a secure option for all users.

Features of CentOS

  • Extended Device Functionality: Thunderbolt 3 connection support has been included in GNOME. You will be alerted each time Thunderbolt 3 establishes a connection and turns on. You may use this tool to monitor all connections carefully and look for any security lapses, attempted data breaches, or attempted identity theft.
  • More Boxes Functions: The GNOME program for managing remote and virtual machines now has a few new features. The upgraded version's automated operating system downloads streamline the building of virtual environments. Additionally, its drag-and-drop functionality makes it simple to move data across computers.
  • Upgraded UI: The new desktop environment offers several new features that have been included to enhance UI and UX. These features, to name a few, support multiple monitors, direct window management, and enhanced scaling.

Advantages

  • There are many supported CPU architectures.
  • Stable, open-source, and configurable
  • Support for multiple desktops is offered.
  • There are several installed packages.
  • Good for mission-critical jobs

Disadvantages

  • The high release cycle sometimes results in a problem because of bugs.
  • GUI lacks interactivity and is inappropriate for beginners.
  • Most PCs don't come with it installed by default.
  • Unable to play AAA titles

What is Ubuntu?

what is ubuntu

Since its original release in 2004 and based on the Debian architecture, Ubuntu has been a popular choice for home and business usage. It is open-source and regularly updated to get rid of any issues found. It is loaded with a comprehensive collection of package groups and features that may satisfy the needs of any project.

Ubuntu has a vast selection of applications. There are more than 40,000 programs accessible in the Ubuntu software center! The operating system also offers excellent security measures and is very adaptable.

Features

  • An open-source, free operating system is Ubuntu.
  • Ubuntu has more security.
  • Ubuntu is installed-free.
  • Window tiling is supported in Ubuntu.
  • Ubuntu is more tolerant of resources.
  • Ubuntu may be configured in any way.
  • An all-encompassing desktop operating system.

Advantages

  • Free and open-source: The Ubuntu operating system is free and open-source, meaning you may use it for free indefinitely. You may use it without purchasing a license. On the other hand, the usage of Windows and macOS is not free. Ubuntu's source code is also accessible without charge. The operating system's code is available for inspection, and if desired, it is also changeable.
  • "Do not disturb" option: Ubuntu has a "Do not disturb" option. A popup screen will emerge if you move your mouse overtime at the top of the screen. The "Do not disturb" option may be at the bottom of the pop-up window. This option has on and off buttons. This option will conceal desktop notifications from view if you enable it. The desktop notice is often shown at the very top of the screen. If you choose the "Do not disturb" option, these alerts won't appear. While using other programs, the notification messages will still be in the tray but won't be visible.
  • Support several devices: Ubuntu may be set up on various hardware, including Mac and PC desktops, servers, virtual machines, and more. Most cloud-based technology uses Ubuntu to host applications and websites since it is free. This operating system may be used for robotics and IoT devices.
  • Screen lock: Ubuntu features a nice lock screen layout that includes notifications. In Ubuntu, the lock screen will also change if you modify your desktop. When you switch your desktop, the lock screen will also change.

Disadvantages

  • Ubuntu does not support new games. Its graphics are not of outstanding quality.
  • Ubuntu must be manually installed. To install Ubuntu, one must be well-versed in fundamental Linux commands and install procedures.
  • Ubuntu has no driver support and no way to play MP3 audio files.

Difference between CentOS and Ubuntu Operating Systems

CentOS Ubuntu
  • To develop an accessible, community-supported computer platform compatible with the equivalent upstream source, Red Hat Linux, CentOS is primarily built on a Linux framework and a Linux distribution.
  • Ubuntu is essentially a Debian-based Linux distribution that is open-sourced. It is one of the widely used clouds operating systems.
  • The fundamental concept of CentOS, identical to Red Hat Enterprise Linux, is implemented primarily using Red Hat's source code and is free to use.
  • Most Ubuntu packages are made in the Debian format, and this package depicts the fundamental architectural framework of Ubuntu while adhering to its ongoing progress.
  • For CentOS and its users, community support is relatively strong. It is, however, a little less robust than Ubuntu support.
  • Because of the vast and diverse community support for cloud installations as well as for its end users, the Ubuntu server is superior to CentOS in terms of support.
  • It is a bit more challenging to understand than Ubuntu since CentOS is primarily based on Red Hat Linux and has a smaller community and fewer documentation accessible.
  • Due to the higher community support for Ubuntu, there are more tutorials and books available on the market than there are for CentOS, giving Ubuntu an advantage over CentOS in terms of learning resources.
  • Since CentOS is built on the Linux architecture, it is pretty secure and receives three security updates. It is also less vulnerable to risks to online security.
  • The security fixes for Ubuntu work well, although sometimes, because of the regular updates, it is more vulnerable to online attacks. Additionally, there are occasions when it must be downgraded to older versions because of recent problematic upgrades.

Conclusion

To summarize our CentOS vs. Ubuntu comparison, both are well-known and among the top Linux distributions, with unique advantages and disadvantages. Choosing one is simple if you think about your needs and are willing to make some compromises. The goal of this essay was to make choosing between these two Linux distributions easier by thoroughly reviewing their differences.

Related Questions

1. Are Ubuntu and CentOS the same?

Ubuntu is an open-sourced Linux distribution based on Debian. At the same time, CentOS is built on a Linux framework and a Linux distribution to build a free, community-supported computing platform compatible with the equivalent upstream source, Red Hat Linux.

2. What distinguishes CentOS from Linux?

An open-source project is CentOS. An open-source enterprise offering is Red Hat Enterprise Linux. There are considerable technical, support, and development differences across the three distinct Linux distributions, CentOS Stream, CentOS Linux, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

3. What makes CentOS safer than Ubuntu?

Due to its mysterious nature and less frequent upgrades than Ubuntu, a dedicated CentOS server may be the better option if you own a company. It is (arguably) safer and more reliable than Ubuntu. Additionally, CentOS has cPanel support, whereas Ubuntu does not.

4. Is CentOS suitable for beginners?

Linux CentOS is one of those operating systems that are user-friendly and suitable for newbies. The installation process is relatively easy, although you shouldn't forget to install a desktop environment if you prefer using a GUI.



About the author:
Adarsh Kumar Singh is a technology writer with a passion for coding and programming. With years of experience in the technical field, he has established a reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful writer on a range of technical topics.