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Ubuntu

Ubuntu

Overview

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu Linux is a Linux-based operating system for personal computers, tablets and smartphones. There is also a Server version which is used on physical or virtual servers in the data center.

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Recent Reviews

Ubuntu Linux Review

9 out of 10
January 17, 2024
I use Ubuntu Linux both client side (for personal use) and server side (in my organization). I find the operating system very …
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TrustRadius Insights

Ubuntu Linux is a versatile operating system that has found its place in a wide range of industries and applications. Organizations across …
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Ubuntu Pros and Cons

9 out of 10
May 12, 2021
Incentivized
In most of our virtual machines and servers we generally use Ubuntu Linux to address specific system requirements for clouds as well to …
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Power User OS

10 out of 10
May 10, 2021
Incentivized
Ubuntu Linux is used by employees in the organization who have elected to use it over the standard issue Macbooks. It allows us to have a …
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Product Demos

Create Ubuntu Linux VM In Azure Portal

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Linux Basics: How to change Screen Resolution in Linux (Command Line)

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Linux Basics: How to Sudo in Linux without Password

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Product Details

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is an open-source operating system developed by Canonical Ltd. According to the vendor, it aims to provide a secure, reliable, and customizable platform for desktops, servers, and cloud computing. It is said to be suitable for businesses of all sizes and widely used by IT professionals, software developers, system administrators, educational institutions, and researchers. With its comprehensive application suite, multi-language support, and highly customizable interface, Ubuntu is said to cater to the diverse needs of various professions and industries, including IT, software development, education, and research.

Key Features

Secure Operating System: According to the vendor, Ubuntu is known for its robust security features, including a built-in firewall and virus protection software. It offers long-term support releases with five years of security patches and updates, ensuring ongoing protection against emerging threats.

Open Source Software: The vendor states that Ubuntu is an open-source operating system, freely available for download, use, and sharing. It fosters transparency, customization, and continuous improvement through community contributions, making it a collaborative platform.

Comprehensive Application Suite: Ubuntu comes pre-installed with a wide range of essential applications, including an office suite, web browsers, email clients, and media players. Users can access thousands of additional applications through the Ubuntu Software Centre, expanding the system's functionality.

Multi-Language Support: According to the vendor, Ubuntu is fully translated into over 50 languages, promoting inclusivity and global reach. It includes essential assistive technologies to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, enabling users to work and collaborate in their preferred language.

Highly Customizable Interface: Ubuntu offers a visually appealing interface that can be tailored to individual preferences. Users can choose from various themes, wallpapers, and desktop environments, and it supports high-definition displays, touchscreen capabilities, and touchpad gestures.

Wide Hardware Compatibility: Canonical collaborates with major hardware manufacturers to ensure compatibility with a wide range of laptops, workstations, and servers. Ubuntu is certified to work out-of-the-box with various hardware configurations, providing a reliable and hassle-free experience.

Cloud and Server Capabilities: Ubuntu is widely used in data centers and cloud environments, powering servers and virtual machines. It is claimed to be the most popular operating system in the cloud, offering scalability and flexibility for cloud-native applications and large-scale server deployments.

Internet of Things (IoT) Support: Ubuntu provides Ubuntu Core, an optimized version for IoT devices. It is fully containerized, has a low footprint, and supports advanced security features. Ubuntu Core is widely used in various IoT applications, including robotics, smart homes, and gateways.

Livepatch Service: Ubuntu Pro includes the Livepatch service, which eliminates the need for unplanned maintenance windows by patching the Linux kernel while the system runs. It reduces downtime and ensures continuous service with automatic kernel security hotfixes without rebooting.

Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM): Ubuntu offers security maintenance for the entire collection of software packages shipped with Ubuntu, providing continuous vulnerability management for critical, high, and medium CVEs. It includes security updates and kernel livepatching for high and critical CVEs, offering 10 years of security coverage for Ubuntu LTS releases.

Ubuntu Technical Details

Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationNo

Frequently Asked Questions

Ubuntu Linux is a Linux-based operating system for personal computers, tablets and smartphones. There is also a Server version which is used on physical or virtual servers in the data center.

Reviewers rate Support Rating highest, with a score of 8.6.

The most common users of Ubuntu are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(294)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

Ubuntu Linux is a versatile operating system that has found its place in a wide range of industries and applications. Organizations across various sectors rely on Ubuntu for their internal applications, hosting servers, local development workstations, and virtual machines. The platform provides a consistent and efficient platform for development and IT departments, ensuring seamless deployment and maintenance of workstations and servers. Additionally, Ubuntu's popularity extends to data science projects, where it serves as an ideal choice for web app deployment.

Many users appreciate Ubuntu's maturity and robust community support, making it their preferred operating system for Machine Learning Engineering needs. Ubuntu's extensive support for Machine Learning packages further solidifies its position as the go-to solution for organizations requiring such capabilities. Moreover, Ubuntu finds application in specific system requirements in clouds and proof-of-concept projects, where it is used in virtual machines and servers.

Ubuntu's appeal transcends organizational needs as well. Many professionals and employees prefer Ubuntu over other operating systems for work purposes, allowing them to have a diverse fleet of devices for testing and bug isolation. Engineers benefit from Ubuntu's streamlined automated deployment capabilities for applications and client apps. Furthermore, Ubuntu shines when it comes to serving as web servers, database servers, and various other servers within organizations.

Ubuntu Linux stands out as a stable platform with strong community support, making it the main driver for desktops in many scenarios. Its popularity is rooted in providing a reliable base with long-term support releases, accessibility for new users, easy package management, and a dedicated user base. The advantages of Ubuntu extend beyond desktop use; it is commonly chosen as an operating system for web servers in the Amazon cloud and virtualized instances in corporate networks.

The versatility of Ubuntu Linux becomes evident when considering its varied applications across multiple industries. It is leveraged as the primary operating system for multimedia rooms to manage AV materials and handle streaming video or television recording. Additionally, Ubuntu finds purpose in open-source solutions, security purposes, and other appropriate Linux situations. Telephony platforms also benefit from Ubuntu's dependable platform, which facilitates the rapid deployment of telephony integrations and web apps while ensuring granular security access to telephony components.

Educational and research institutions embrace Ubuntu Linux for its compatibility with artificial intelligence, programming, robotics, and embedded systems. Furthermore, it is utilized effectively in high-stakes testing, finance, and software development sectors due to its intuitive interface and ease of learning. Ubuntu's lightweight nature, wide software and hardware support, and a large user base make it a preferred choice in various sectors, including high-stakes testing, finance, and software development.

In addition to its wide range of applications, Ubuntu Linux has proven to be a cost-effective solution for both desktop and laptop usage. It offers superior performance and compatibility with Windows and Mac OS, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking an alternative operating system. Ubuntu's lightweight nature allows it to breathe new life into older hardware by providing a modern interface, improved responsiveness, and access to open-source applications.

Notably, Ubuntu Linux serves as a reliable and affordable server platform for businesses. It is commonly used for running important software packages, such as web servers, VPN servers, file servers, and other server appliances. Its stability and modern software versions make it an ideal choice for organizations in need of dependable setup and maintenance.

Ubuntu Linux also thrives in the field of software development. It is widely utilized by developers for various tasks ranging from individual application development to test and production servers. With its developer-friendly features and intuitive interface, Ubuntu simplifies the development process and meets the requirements of software developers effectively.

Moreover, Ubuntu Linux finds application in specific use cases such as multi-tier backup implementations, web server testing, network monitoring, wikis, hosting websites, VPN servers, and more. Its robust capabilities make it an indispensable tool for researchers engaged in computationally intensive work.

Overall, Ubuntu Linux continues to gain popularity due to its versatility across multiple industries and its ability to solve various computing needs. With its stable platform, strong community support, wide range of applications, and cost-effectiveness, Ubuntu offers users a reliable operating system that enhances productivity and extends the lifespan of devices.

Efficient and Resourceful: Users have consistently praised Ubuntu Linux for its efficiency and resourcefulness, allowing them to extend the life of aging hardware and meet smaller demands such as word processing and web browsing. Several users have stated that Ubuntu has helped them save money by eliminating the need for expensive hardware upgrades.

Large Support Community: The vast user base of Ubuntu has resulted in a large support community that is easily accessible. Many users appreciate the convenience of being able to gather information and find solutions to their requirements through web searches. This active support community has been a valuable resource for troubleshooting issues and finding answers quickly.

Stability and Reliability: Ubuntu Linux is highly regarded for its stability and reliability, with many users noting that they rarely encounter bugs or issues. This consistent performance has provided peace of mind to users, particularly those working on professional projects that require a stable environment.

Confusing User Interface: Many users have expressed frustration with the confusing user interface of Ubuntu Linux, stating that it makes tasks cumbersome and difficult to navigate. The lack of intuitive design and inconsistent placement of settings and options have been major pain points for users.

Challenging App Store Search Function: Numerous users have mentioned that the app store search function in Ubuntu barely works, making it extremely challenging to find and install desired software. Users often struggle with inaccurate search results or an inability to locate specific applications, resulting in a frustrating experience.

Lack of Support for Popular Middleware like cPanel: Some users consider the absence of support for popular middleware like cPanel as a drawback. This limitation restricts their ability to easily manage websites or servers using familiar tools, forcing them to explore alternative solutions or adapt to different interfaces.

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(26-43 of 43)
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Andrew Schell | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use it as an inexpensive yet nearly indescribably helpful tool. It’s rock solid which is something that I’ve never heard someone say about Windows Server. Ubuntu Linux is practically the default setting for data science projects that are web app deployed.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I began using Ubuntu Linux as a personal user; however, I began using the operating system at work as well. I found that Ubuntu Linux was much faster than Windows on my Lenovo Laptop. In the event that I needed to use Windows for work or personal use, I utilized Windows as a virtual machine.
Leonel Quinteros | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Web application servers run Ubuntu Linux in our organization. It's a great operating system and especially a great Linux distribution when you look for stable server setups with modern versions of the software. We use it for web servers running either Apache or Nginx, and VPN servers that are super easy to set up in Ubuntu to help us maintain our data and keep our systems protected while accessing from outside the network. We also use it for any other server appliance like file servers, cache servers (Memcached, Redis) and anything else. Any new server inside the organization will run Ubuntu Linux as well.
Gregory Pecqueur | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Ubuntu Linux on all digitalAtelier PCs:
  • Developers
  • Graphic Designers
  • Administrative staff.
  • Test servers
  • Prod. servers.

In addition, we use Ubuntu Linux in interactive terminals installed at our customers' premises and on their servers.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
In my current role, I am using Ubuntu to deploy python applications and cron scheduled jobs that relate to telephony platforms. Since the development that I have done doesn't specifically bind us to Windows, it was a far better decision to go with the free and open source OS. As far as I am aware, mine is the only team using Canonical's distribution of Debian Linux, but I am sure there are other test and development environments that employ it.

Ubuntu has provided us with a dependable platform for rapidly deploying telephony integrations, ranging from API based data extraction to full on web apps to allow more granular security access to certain telephony components.
Dave Linden | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Ubuntu Linux for several functions. First and foremost, it is part of a multi-tier, multi-location backup implementation. The Linux system copies critical data from a macOS server to its local raid array on an hourly basis. Then this data is copied/backed up to a remote location. The Linux system is also used as a web server for testing new content before we roll it out to the production web server.
Linda Sasenick | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Ubuntu Linux is an open source (free) operating system for desktops and laptops. It has the same purpose as Windows 10 and Apple's Mac OS. For desktop/laptop applications, Ubuntu Linux, for me offers superior performance to Windows 10 and offers huge cost savings when compared to making the leap into the "everything Apple" world. Apple's proprietary equipment is usually multitudes more expensive than laptops and desktops which are designed to run Windows, and any Windows computer can be re-configured to run Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu Linux add-on application programs are also open source (free) and are at least equally as functional (and often times superior) to their Windows counterparts. Most of the work products generated by Ubuntu Linux software are also fully compatible with Windows 10 or Apple/Mac users.
December 18, 2018

Full Ubuntu Linux Review

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use Ubuntu Linux in my personal IT work, for computer hard drive diagnosis and also as an alternative to Microsoft Windows. For the computer hard drive diagnosis, I find that Ubuntu accesses a damaged hard drive differently than Microsoft Windows in that I find I have a better percentage of data recovery. I have had hard-drives that Windows would not even see, but once booted in the Ubuntu environment....the hard-drive was accessible and I was able to perform data recovery. As for being an alternative to Windows, I have used it to build streaming boxes and have used it for hosting security surveillance systems.
Score 5 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I have used Ubuntu Linux in a series of projects, from servers to embedded devices, with the exception of an Ubuntu phone. The primary area that Ubuntu solves is the support for hardware devices that are not normally supported in completely *free* distros of Linux. This is both a feature of Ubuntu and a con, as most Linux developers will not recognize Ubuntu as an authentic distro. However, some hardware makers (i.e. Nvidia) want the Linux community businesses, but they are not willing to release the source code for their video drivers, thus users resort to distros like Ubuntu, who are actively using the non-open drivers, and thus they garner a wider non-developer user audience (i.e gamers, etc.).
Maike Holthuijzen | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Ubuntu Linux is used by our research team. We have several remote servers for doing computationally intensive work, and they run Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu is free, as are most of the software that can be installed on Linux. This is great for our research team, as we are working from a limited grant. I have not had any issues with Ubuntu yet and seems to be more stable than Windows. Because it is more stable, we are able to focus more on running analyses and doing our research rather than dealing with operating system bugs. Ubuntu is a much more lightweight operating system than Windows, and updating the system has never caused any issues (unlike Windows!).
Christopher Sweets | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Ubuntu Linux is a fast, secure, and cost-effective way to use your current IT infrastructure. Ubuntu offers an alternative to Microsoft operating systems that is intuitive and easy to learn for users of all technical abilities. We use Ubuntu for specialized systems ranging from student testing in high stakes testing environments to our payroll systems in our finance department.
Jeff Hanson | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Ubuntu Linux to extend the life of older personal computer hardware. I have repurposed personal computers that struggled to run Windows XP by installing Ubuntu Linux which provided a more modern interface and improved responsiveness, continued updates, productivity software, and access to other open source applications.
February 15, 2018

Review of Ubuntu Linux

Lucas Riggi | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Ubuntu Linux is being used throughout the entire organization, across several engineering departments. It is being used to write some software for spacecraft design and trade studies analyses and simulation, as well as several applications and services for ground software infrastructure, data handling and telemetry manipulation. I personally use it for spacecraft design, simulation and even controls and estimation applications. Using Linux throughout the company is a good way to have a consistent platform.
February 15, 2018

Best for the Developer

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Ubuntu is one of the best platforms for the developer. It is free and it has all the features which a developer wants. Ubuntu is being used in our organization as a development. We develop the website in Ubuntu Operating System. There is no charge. It is free. You can easily install any repo there.
Chris Putnam | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
In a LAMP focused development environment, Ubuntu is a popular choice. We use it for many scenarios, including internal applications, hosting servers, local development workstations and virtual machines. Ubuntu provides a familiar base for many applications in our development and IT departments for efficient deployment and maintenance of workstations and servers.
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