Ubuntu Server vs Debian 9: Which Linux Distribution is Better?

🔎 Introduction

Greetings to all the technology enthusiasts who are looking to explore the world of Linux distributions. In this article, we will be discussing two of the most popular operating systems among developers and server administrators: Ubuntu Server and Debian 9. Both distributions are open-source, free, and feature-rich, but they have some differences that make them unique. In this article, we will compare Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 in detail to help you understand which distribution is better suited for your needs.

First, let’s understand what makes Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 so popular and widely used. Both of these distributions are based on Linux, which is known for its stability, security, and performance. Linux distributions are preferred over Windows or macOS for server-related tasks due to their lightweight nature and the ability to customize them according to the requirement. Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux distributions are not resource-intensive, making them ideal for running servers with limited resources.

Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 both come preloaded with a wide range of software packages, and you can install many more through the package manager. Both OSs have strong communities and regular updates, which ensures that the system remains stable and secure. However, there are some differences between these two distributions that can make one better suited for your needs than the other.

💻 Ubuntu Server vs Debian 9: The Comparison

1. Installation and Setup

One of the main differences between Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 is the installation process. While both distributions offer an easy-to-use installation wizard, Ubuntu Server provides a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. The installation process of Ubuntu Server is straightforward, and it offers a graphical interface, making it an ideal choice for beginners. In contrast, the installation process of Debian 9 is more complex, and it requires some technical knowledge to set up the system.

Another difference between these two distributions is the type of packages that come pre-installed. Ubuntu Server comes with a minimal set of packages, which makes it easy to customize the system according to your needs. In contrast, Debian 9 comes with a large number of pre-installed packages, which can make the system bloated and take up more space on your hard drive.

2. Stability and Security

Both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 are known for their stability and security. However, Debian 9 is considered to be more stable due to its rigorous testing process before releasing updates. Debian 9 is designed to be extremely stable, and it does not receive updates as frequently as Ubuntu Server. This can be an advantage for some users as it reduces the likelihood of system crashes.

Ubuntu Server, on the other hand, offers frequent updates to the system, including security patches. This makes Ubuntu Server more secure as it receives updates quickly after a security vulnerability is discovered. However, frequent updates also increase the chances of system crashes, which can be a disadvantage for some users.

3. Package Management

One of the significant differences between Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 is their package management systems. Ubuntu Server uses the Advanced Package Tool (APT), which is designed to simplify the process of installing and removing packages. The APT system provides an easy-to-use command-line interface, making it easy to manage packages.

Debian 9, on the other hand, uses the Debian Package Management System (dpkg), which is a lower-level package manager than APT. The dpkg system requires more technical expertise to use but offers more control over package management. Both systems are highly reliable and stable, but the APT system is easier to use for beginners.

4. Performance

When it comes to performance, both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 are excellent choices. Both distributions are optimized for server use, and they are designed to operate with minimal resources. However, some users may prefer Debian 9 for its lightweight nature, which can make it slightly faster than Ubuntu Server. Ubuntu Server, on the other hand, is more user-friendly and comes with more pre-installed packages, which can make it easier to get started.

5. Community Support

Both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 have strong communities and support forums, which can be helpful when facing issues. However, Ubuntu Server has a larger community than Debian 9, which means that it has more resources and documentation available. Ubuntu Server is also more widely used, which makes it easier to find help when needed.

6. Virtualization Support

Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 both support virtualization technologies, such as VirtualBox, VMware, or KVM. However, Ubuntu Server has better support for virtualization than Debian 9. Ubuntu Server comes pre-installed with libvirt, which provides a more extensive range of virtualization tools than Debian 9.

7. Compatibility

Compatibility is another factor that you should consider when choosing between Ubuntu Server and Debian 9. Both distributions are compatible with a wide range of hardware, but Ubuntu Server is more compatible with newer hardware than Debian 9. Ubuntu Server also has better support for proprietary hardware drivers than Debian 9, which can be a significant advantage for some users.

👍 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ubuntu Server and Debian 9

1. Advantages of Ubuntu Server

2. Disadvantages of Ubuntu Server

Despite its many advantages, Ubuntu Server has some drawbacks that you should consider before choosing it over Debian 9:

• The installation process can be slower than Debian 9.
• It requires more resources than Debian 9.
• It can be more prone to crashes due to frequent updates.
• It has less rigorous testing than Debian 9, which can make it slightly less stable.

3. Advantages of Debian 9

4. Disadvantages of Debian 9

Debian 9 also has some disadvantages that you should consider:

• The installation process can be complex and require technical knowledge.
• The package management system (dpkg) is less user-friendly than Ubuntu Server’s APT.
• The community support is slightly smaller than Ubuntu Server’s.
• Less frequent updates than Ubuntu Server, which can result in longer waiting periods for security patches.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Ubuntu Server?

Ubuntu Server is a Linux distribution designed for use as a server. It is based on the popular Ubuntu operating system and is optimized for stability, security, and performance.

2. What is Debian 9?

Debian 9 is a free and open-source Linux distribution that is popular among developers and server administrators. It is known for its stability, reliability, and performance.

3. Which is better, Ubuntu Server or Debian 9?

Both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 are excellent choices for server-related tasks. The choice between the two depends on your specific requirements. Ubuntu Server is easier to use and has a larger community, but Debian 9 is more stable and lightweight.

4. Can I use both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9?

Yes, you can use both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 on different servers or in different environments. Both distributions are open-source and free, making them an excellent choice for experimentation and testing.

5. Which distribution is more secure, Ubuntu Server or Debian 9?

Both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 are highly secure and stable distributions. Ubuntu Server receives frequent security updates, while Debian 9 has a more rigorous testing process before releasing updates.

6. Which distribution is more user-friendly, Ubuntu Server or Debian 9?

Ubuntu Server is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. Debian 9, on the other hand, can be complex and require some technical knowledge to set up and use.

7. Which distribution has better virtualization support, Ubuntu Server or Debian 9?

Ubuntu Server has better support for virtualization technologies than Debian 9. Ubuntu Server comes pre-installed with libvirt, which provides a more extensive range of virtualization tools than Debian 9.

8. Which distribution has a more extensive repository of packages, Ubuntu Server, or Debian 9?

Both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 have vast repositories of packages, making it easy to find and install the software you need. However, Ubuntu Server has a more extensive repository of packages, which can make it slightly easier to find the software you need.

9. Which distribution requires fewer resources to run, Ubuntu Server, or Debian 9?

Debian 9 is known for its lightweight nature, making it require fewer resources to run than Ubuntu Server. However, Ubuntu Server is still an excellent choice for server-related tasks and can be installed on older hardware.

10. Which distribution has a more active community, Ubuntu Server, or Debian 9?

Ubuntu Server has a larger and more active community than Debian 9. This means that there are more resources and documentation available to help you when facing issues.

11. Which distribution is better for beginners, Ubuntu Server, or Debian 9?

Ubuntu Server is more user-friendly and easier to use than Debian 9. It has a graphical interface and a simpler installation process, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

12. Which distribution is better for mission-critical operations, Ubuntu Server, or Debian 9?

Debian 9 is known for its stability and reliability, making it an ideal choice for mission-critical operations. However, Ubuntu Server is also highly stable and reliable and is an excellent choice for server-related tasks.

13. Can I customize both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9?

Yes, both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 are open-source and highly customizable. You can customize them according to your needs and requirements.

👍 Conclusion: Which Distribution Should You Choose?

Choosing between Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 is a matter of preference and requirements. Both distributions are excellent choices for server-related tasks, and they offer unique benefits and drawbacks. If you are a beginner or prefer a more user-friendly experience, Ubuntu Server is an excellent choice. However, if you require extreme stability and reliability, Debian 9 is the way to go. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs, preferences, and level of technical expertise.

Whatever your choice may be, both Ubuntu Server and Debian 9 are highly reliable, stable, and secure distributions that are well-suited for server-related tasks.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The author and the publisher are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of this article. Always consult a professional before making any decisions.

Video:Ubuntu Server vs Debian 9: Which Linux Distribution is Better?