Ubuntu Linux Review
I use Ubuntu Linux both client side (for personal use) and server side (in my organization). I find the operating system very …
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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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 Systems | Unspecified |
|---|---|
| Mobile Application | No |
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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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
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May 21, 2021
Most intuitive and easy to use Linux Distro
We need a Linux based OS for our Machine Learning Engineering needs and Ubuntu is one of the most mature ones out there. Also, it is supported by our IT, hence we use that. For our organization, it is important that the OS has wide community support. Ubuntu supports almost all of the Machine Learning packages that we may need and is therefore the perfect OS for us.
- Intuitive GUI.
- Good community support.
- Free and Open Source.
- App store search barely works.
- Popular middleware such as cPanel not supported.
- There is no support for using wireless headphones with microphone i.e. either the headphone or the microphone works at a time.
For software development, we use Ubuntu Linux, which helps us create new features, solve bugs, etc.
- Very fast when you need to do experiments
- Lightweight
- User friendly when you have little knowledge of how to use the terminal
- Open source
- It crashes sometimes, so it could be made more robust
- Sometime difficult while installing software
- Brightness problem in Ubuntu Linux 20.10
May 02, 2021
Ubuntu Linux, a developer's love!
Ubuntu Linux serves the following purposes for us:
- It is used on our deployment servers and the severs are used as OSS in multiple departments for deployment.
- It is used by employees on an individual level for development of applications, as it speeds up the process.
- It is also used as distro for WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) on individual workstations in case the VM option is not suitable.
- Process in Ubuntu Linux can be controlled, customized, and monitored so it's easy for expert developers.
- It is fast and easily scalable if used in conjunction with Docker, so applications that are deployed run fast and are easily scalable.
- It is open source, so errors are easily addressed and resolved quickly by a huge community of developers.
- Lots of customization brings complexity with it, so it is hard to ramp up with it. A built-in starter kit should be available for the users when installed.
- Not as much support for apps as Windows, so its reach should be widened.
- Debian Linux is better than Ubuntu Linux in terms of stability.
April 13, 2021
Ubuntu as a developer
Ubuntu Linux is our promoted OS within our company for developers. Although there are some exceptions, most of our work collaboration tools, IDE-s, and extensions are used on Linux, and due to our client's environments we advice our employees to know at least some fundamental Linux basics to be able to provide support when needed. Linux is the most used OS therefore, and my choice of OS as a personal preference as well as professional work environment.
- Lightweight OS
- Wide support from the community
- Excellent control over my platform
- Best monolithic kernel for programming
- Updates between LTS versions could be better
- Newcomers might find learning curve a bit steep
April 13, 2021
Ubuntu - An elegant Operating System, easy to install and use, extremely secure and customizable!
The Ubuntu Linux I use is actually its variant with KDE, Kubuntu. I use it in the company for any job, but mainly in geoprocessing and consulting on Web Apps. The main problem that Ubuntu [Linux] solves in my organization is financial - the fact that I can use an operating system of excellent quality, solidity and security without paying for it.
- Ease of updating the system and the applications installed on it.
- Variety of high quality applications available, mostly open source and free software.
- Great security, which allows tranquility in the use of professional projects, even the most sensitive ones.
- Thousands of sites on the Internet with tutorials, problem solving (even the most unusual and specific) and technical analysis that turn intensive use into a truly fluid and pleasurable experience.
- More agreements with large companies and governments to publicize the system.
- More hardware options (mainly notebooks and smartphones) with the system pre-installed at the factory.
- Greater support for anti-software piracy laws.
April 08, 2021
Smooth, reliable operating system
My organization uses Ubuntu Linux for three distinct purposes:
We also need server software that is both easy to set up and maintain and that is, above all, reliable. Many forms of Linux serve here, but using Ubuntu for both front-facing software and server software cuts down on maintenance time and training.
Because we mostly operating in environments with tight budgets, including volunteer organizations, we tend to buy used computers, most of which are a few generations behind the latest models. Linux generally allows us to use computers that could not handle Windows installations necessary for the job. In a few cases, albeit not with Ubuntu Linux, we are running machines that were designed for Windows XP.
- as a reliable, affordable alternative to other operating systems for users' computers.
- as a server for running the principal software package used in the business.
- as part of a strategy to extend the service life of computers we use.
We also need server software that is both easy to set up and maintain and that is, above all, reliable. Many forms of Linux serve here, but using Ubuntu for both front-facing software and server software cuts down on maintenance time and training.
Because we mostly operating in environments with tight budgets, including volunteer organizations, we tend to buy used computers, most of which are a few generations behind the latest models. Linux generally allows us to use computers that could not handle Windows installations necessary for the job. In a few cases, albeit not with Ubuntu Linux, we are running machines that were designed for Windows XP.
- Ubuntu Linux allows interfaces on desktop machines that are relatively easy for former Windows users to adapt to.
- Ubuntu allows smooth updates, usually with little down time.
- The user base for Ubuntu is large, which means help is easy to find.
- The repository system could be a little better, as some of the software needed is not easily available there.
- Ubuntu sometimes does not play nicely or easily with some modern firmwares.
- Some people report slow responses with newer versions of Ubuntu, although we have not experienced any.
October 23, 2019
Your Developers Will Love Ubuntu
As we seek to shift our development environment from Windows to Linux, we sought to find a Linux distribution that offered a strong user base, accessibility for new users to Linux, easy package management, and long term support releases. We found all of the above in Ubuntu, and we were able to move to our .net Core development to Linux.
- Ubuntu has an active user base around its distribution, making it easy to find support for issues without ever needed to contact formal support.
- Ubuntu package management makes it easy to keep packages up to date even across a large number of dependencies. Rarely do I encounter issues in updating packages.
- Ubuntu offers an accessible user interface that provides some interface familiarity for users coming from other operating systems. Users feel comfortable navigating the interface with similar experiences to what they are familiar with.
- Ubuntu offers several flavors of desktop management - Gnome, XFCE, and KDE. While this offering of choice is probably a benefit, it makes it difficult to standardize amongst developers who all have strong opinions as to which deployment is "the best."
- Like other Linux distributions, graphics support for bleeding-edge graphics cards can be a challenge, with support not always offered for the latest and greatest cards. Often this support is rectified over time, but that can be a challenge in rolling out to machines with varying hardware configurations.
- Earlier, I talked about how Ubuntu offers many analog operations to other operating systems to promote ease of learning for those migrating. However, as of 19.04, Ubuntu didn't offer native drag and drop operations on the Gnome desktop. This was frustrating for some users trying to learn the new interface. I'm hoping the recently released 19.10 release will address this.
July 05, 2019
Ubuntu Linux, A Great Server OS
We use Ubuntu for a number of tasks. Currently, we used it to run BIND DNS servers, Unified controllers, network monitoring, and our web file-box system. Previously we have also used it for wikis, hosting websites, and VPN servers. Since it is a well established and maintained distro of Linux, there doesn't seem to be an end to the services that could be run on top of it. It is based on Debian which is my preferred sub-system.
- Package management
- Compatibility
- Customization
- Quality of updates
- Ease of use
- Learning curve
June 05, 2019
Ubuntu Linux - the best Linux distribution
For any situation where a Linux solution is appropriate we use Ubuntu Linux. This includes many open source solutions, the Apache web server, security purposes such as IDS (Intrusion Detection System), and many other uses where we find Ubuntu Linux to be a perfect fit.
- Ubuntu Linux is one of the most user-friendly, and admin friendly Linux distributions available. Most things can be done form the provided GUI tools without needing to use the command line. It works well for those more familiar with Windows too.
- For things that Linux traditionally does well, such as Web Servers, PHP, firewalls, etc., Ubuntu Linux is a perfect choice. It is easy to set up and secure by default.
- There are several distributions of Ubuntu Linux that are specialized for specific tasks, so you can choose the version that is most suited. For example, There is the standard Ubuntu Desktop release, Ubuntu Server (without the x-windows gui) for server tasks. There are at least two "lite" releases, Lubuntu and Xubuntu which are lite on system resources for older PC's. There are releases that use different desktop software for a different look and feel. There is even a release tailored toward multi-media creation (Ubuntu Studio). All of these still use the same Ubuntu base and share many of the same tools and utilities.
- There is a bit of a learning curve (although not severe) for those who are more familiar with Windows. While Ubuntu Linux does provide many admin programs and utilities, there are still things that need to be done from a command line, and by editing configuration files. You will find however that this is actually a very efficient way to get things done.
- You can integrate into a Windows-based network, and be able to access shared folders and Windows Network drives. There is some set up required, however.
April 27, 2019
Ubuntu Linux solves many problems
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.
- Secure.
- Stable.
- Ubiquitous.
- Free.
- Not sure they can improve.
- Hire developers to make more.
- Ubuntu Linux as a virus to take over and delete Windows Server and have it be replaced with Ubuntu Linux.
February 28, 2019
Ubuntu Linux, a Great Way to Extend a Computer's Life.
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.
- Ubuntu Linux appears to be more efficient than Windows, at least on some machines.
- Ubuntu Linux is very secure and typically requires no antivirus software.
- Ubuntu Linux utilizes an update system that stays out of the way of the user.
- Ubuntu Linux is probably the least intimidating of all the different Linux distributions; however, in some cases, the user may still run into problems with certain hardware drivers.
- The software center that comes with Ubuntu Linux has historically been very buggy. The software center is also supposed to serve as the package manager for the operating system. I believe that Ubuntu could choose a better package manager for the operating system.
- Generally, Ubuntu Linux allows users to avoid having to use the terminal for interacting with the operating system; however, sometimes it seems that using the terminal is unavoidable. I think that Ubuntu Linux should have a built-in tutorial for all new users to learn at least the basics of the Linux terminal commands.
January 10, 2019
Ubuntu Linux - the universe of "open source" (free!) awaits you!
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.
- Ubuntu Linux is extremely resource efficient in using a desktop/laptop system's resources, particularly as compared to my experiences with any Windows product. (Its architecture is the foundation for Chromebooks as well as the Android operating system for smartphones). Eliminating the loading and processing hang-ups I commonly experienced with Windows is a huge plus.
- The "open source" universe is hugely appealing, both because of high quality, free and compatible software, but also because it allows such a high level of customization. Open source systems and software means no "bloatware," no intrusive programs popping up where you don't want them, and the freedom to purchase outside of a particular vendor.
- The quality of the operating system is truly a "gold standard" to me. It works, and, unlike Windows, doesn't have the "back door" security vulnerabilities Windows is constantly trying to patch.
- Although it's continually improving, Ubuntu Linux doesn't come preloaded on equipment (generally) and it takes some know how to set it up, configure and function with it.
- Generally, the open source software which runs on Ubuntu Linux offers really good compatibility with Windows or Mac products, but, sometimes it just doesn't work, and you're on your own to research what's going on. There are a lot of forums for Ubuntu Linux users, but, it can be frustrating.
- Traditional "support" for Ubuntu Linux is non-existent - because it is open source (and free!), there is no online "team" to chat with or call when you're having a tech meltdown. I think this is an inherent trade-off in the "for profit" and "open source" model - again, there are lots of forums, and users who've been very generous with their time is helping people sort things out, but it is not a system for anyone not willing to invest some time in the learning curve.
December 18, 2018
Full Ubuntu Linux Review
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.
- Very easy GUI to maneuver around in.
- Many choices of compatible applications to use with Ubuntu.
- There are straight terminal based functions that you do not find in Windows.
- I have found that Ubuntu has had some hardware compatibility issues, but those issue have disappeared in each evolution of it.
- There aren't too many areas they can improve with this OS-- they keep up with things available in Windows fairly well.
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.
- Intuitive, easy to learn interface
- Secure from the bottom up
- Cost effective, free
- Default colors are childish, but easily updated
- Decent, but not great learning curve for new admins and help desk
- Most business users will want to stick to LTS releases