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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

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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 Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 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

(1-24 of 24)
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January 17, 2024

Ubuntu Linux Review

Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I use Ubuntu Linux both client side (for personal use) and server side (in my organization). I find the operating system very user-friendly and in some way comparable to a Windows operating system on the graphical side. For ealry Linux beginners it is a great alternative, as it offers a well-structured GUI as well as a fully-customizable Command Terminal. It is stable and uses apt as a packet manager (since it's a Debian-based distribution).
  • Graphics
  • Commands
  • Stability
  • update management
  • customization
  • product serving
It isn't every day you speak about these things in the office with colleagues, however I'd strongly recommend this OS to colleagues or early Linux beginners to learn and understand how the Linux world works. Mastering this operating system in its integrity and tools with the help of its stability and easy comprehension of the latter is a great first step.
Subhan Raj | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
As a software solution developer and provider firm, when we initially tried to switch our major workload to Linux, there were a lot of options available, but as per the need, we wanted a system which was lightweight, have wide software and hardware support and also a good user base. After a lot of research, we settled for Ubuntu, which I would say, was our best choice so far.

It's still very good, have support for many languages and also Web Development, right out of the box, which makes it so much better, plus it's also understandable and easy to work with for the user, who's using Linux for the first time. Till today, I'll recommend Ubuntu to someone without thinking twice.
  • Management of Resources
  • Security of the Systems
  • Stable and reliable system
  • Not so buggy
  • Works across all configurations.
  • More software support
  • Better hardware support
  • Better UI
Well, if you're looking for a development environment for Software Development, Android Development, Web Applications etc, you can go 100% with the Ubuntu Linux, but if you want to be a Graphic designer, Video Editor, animator, Game developer etc, I would say not to go fully with Ubuntu, that's not because Ubuntu is not great in these tasks, but the lack of support of some proprietary software on the Ubuntu Linux, which makes is harder for a newcomer to work on the Ubuntu Linux.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Linux is the better operative system for use in applications of artificial intelligence, programming, robotics, embedded systems, and other educational and research topics. It has any issues when used on laptops that have hardware components so recently, this is because the operating system doesn't have native drivers.
  • Boost the old devices can be laptops and desktops.
  • Improves the speed of communication through distributed computing.
  • Robotics
  • University education
  • Software development
  • Not very useful for specific programs (Labview, Proteus)
  • Some drivers do not exist in Linux.
Linux is so appropriate to work in software development, robotics, programming, education, and for use in the daily routine.
January 02, 2022

My Review

Andjelko Borisavljevic | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Possible alternative for CentOS Distribution.
  • Virtualization
  • Stability
  • Support
  • Patch Management
  • Upgrade Experience
  • User Desktop Experience
  • Cloud Services
Well suited in Web Services, FTP, Virtualization...Less appropriate in Graphic User Experience.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We are using it specifically for test automation of front and backend systems. I'm using it by harnessing an AWS AMI to spin up EC2 instances dynamically for test running. So, Ubuntu [Linux] is just a headless way for me to deploy dependencies to the image and then execute the automated tests.
  • Fast
  • Lightweight
  • Easy
  • Great Support
  • File management is clunky
  • Side dock is odd
  • Launcher is a weird combination of functionalities
Ubuntu Linux works great for a lightweight, easy-to-learn and stand up distro of Linux. You really can't go wrong, and Canonical really supports this distro well with two channels: LTS (long-term support) and the more recent channel if you are more daring. I recommend LTS for all scenarios as it has been much more thoroughly tested for compatibility.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
When suited:

  • When you need a Linux based OS that respects your privacy.
  • For ML engineers.
  • For an easy to use interface.

When not suited:
  • For non power users go for windows e.g. for Business Analysts, Managers, etc.
  • If you extensively use Microsoft office go for Windows.
  • If you are a gamer, go for Windows.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
In most of our virtual machines and servers we generally use Ubuntu Linux to address specific system requirements for clouds as well to carry out various POCs running in the organization. Various clients associated with our company prefer Ubuntu as their OS to work on. Our own organisation's cloud based applications are deployed on Ubuntu servers as well.
  • Ease of use and flexibility.
  • Safe to work with.
  • Ease of availability of Debian packages to support its functionality.
  • Community support.
  • GUI not supportive as Windows.
  • No dedicated support to contact through if any client needs it.
  • Not much suitable for beginners to use.
Best cases I see for Ubuntu is to manage cloud applications with its architecture. It is easy to implement on Linux based systems and is more safe and reliable in case of process management and virus attacks.
On the contrary it is not suitable to use for beginners who are familiar to work in a good GUI environment.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
The whole engineering team at my organization uses Ubuntu Linux. We use it for automated deployments of our applications. All our client apps are currently live on Ubuntu machines.
It addresses many problems that come with a windows machine. Ubuntu Linux comes with many inline software and thus saves time to install everything.
  • First and foremost Ubuntu is free. It's perfect for small startups like the company I work for where software cost is limited
  • It is completely customizable meaning each Ubuntu environment can have its own set of installs with any configuration that can be easily personalized
  • Ubuntu is developer friendly. We use Python and virtual environment, nothing needs to be installed. It has in-built support for most programming languages and any additional software update or install is also very simple.
  • Ubuntu is very secure and doesn't need any antivirus software
  • Ubuntu doesn't have good support for new games. It's graphic quality is not that great.
  • Ubuntu needs to be installed manually. One needs to have good knowledge of how to run installs and basic Linux commands to install Ubuntu. It doesn't come pre installed in existing PCs and laptops
  • There's no driver support and you can't play Mp3 audio files as it is on Ubuntu. You need to install additional software
Ubuntu is well suited for development and it's open source. It doesn't have any install cost and most of the programming languages have support in Ubuntu which makes it ideal for development.
It's lack of support for drivers makes it less suited
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Ubuntu [Linux] runs a number of servers we use, though it isn't used directly by my department. However, I have been using Ubuntu at home exclusively since I got sick of formatting my Windows XP laptop every few months to keep it performing well. I have never looked back. Contrary to somewhat popular belief, once installed, it's just as easy to use as Windows. And by that I mean it's easier to use than Windows.
  • PACKAGE MANAGEMENT. You can update everything - OS installed software, you name it with either a few clicks in a GUI or a single command.
  • No bloatware.
  • No need for antivirus software.
  • Certainly the price is right.
  • My 83 year old grandmother has been using it - and because of this I rarely need to provide tech support. But I still visit my grandmother.
  • You can choose from a variety of user interfaces or rock it in the terminal.
  • Generally speaking, Ubuntu is as polished an OS as any you might pay for.
  • I'm not a fan of GNOME, and I realize that this is highly subjective. Unity was much more polished than GNOME. If you want / need to customize GNOME at all it relies on third party extensions, many of which are poorly maintained and/or break whenever GNOME updates. Ditch GNOME and bring back UNITY please.
For a regular not tech savvy user, Ubuntu [Linux] is a piece of cake once installed, and for the tech savvy, super simple to install. And even for the not as tech savvy it is easy.

Server specs don't need to be great, it'll run on anything, though what cpu/memory you'll need depends on your use case.
Mauricio E Gleizer | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Scenario 1 well suited: Companies that need to save on software expenses, especially micro and small.
Scenario 2 well suited: Companies that are more concerned with security in Information Technology, with large amounts of sensitive data.
Scenario 3 well suited: Beginners in software development / programming, who want a steeper and more demanding learning curve.

Less appropriate scenario 1: Gamers, especially professionals, who need to run the most modern and most demanding games with graphics cards.

Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
My organization uses Ubuntu Linux for three distinct purposes:
  1. as a reliable, affordable alternative to other operating systems for users' computers.
  2. as a server for running the principal software package used in the business.
  3. as part of a strategy to extend the service life of computers we use.
We work mainly in a not-for-profit sector and have small budgets, so we continually look for lower-cost alternatives to commonly used software, such as operating systems, servers, and the like, to avoid license fees. Ubuntu Linux serves well for this purpose. Ubuntu Linux also is relatively easy for Windows users to switch to.
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.
I usually recommend Ubuntu desktop software for people who are just beginning with Linux and have hardware that can handle it, as learning how the user interface works is relatively easy. I recommend Ubuntu server simply because we are experienced with it and are able to advise on setup and maintenance. I recommend Ubuntu also because it has a large user base that is active on the Internet, which means that help is usually available for even obscure-seeming problems.
However, for reviving older hardware, I often do not recommend Ubuntu because:
(a) later versions are exclusively 64-bit and (b) among Linux distributions, Ubuntu is usually heavy.
For people using older hardware, I usually recommend Puppy Linux versions that have been adapted from Ubuntu. I am perfectly happy to recommend Ubuntu for any people or organizations that primarily work on the Internet, however.
In many cases, Ubuntu is unsuitable simple because it does not run particular pieces of software designed for other operating systems (Windows, in particular). This is an special problem in many commercial enterprises that use proprietary or branded software. There are even some excellent open-source software packages that are available for Windows that are not for any form of Linux.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We utilize Ubuntu [Linux] daily for management of our local and cloud infrastructure. We deploy Ubuntu into cloud instances from multiple providers, and use it run our networks, applications, and services for our clients. We also frequently deploy an Ubuntu Server virtual machine for our clients to use as an on premises backup target.
  • Deep development community ensuring maximum compatibility.
  • Abundant user community that provides excellent support.
  • Best implementation of Debian-based Linux that we've used.
  • Frequently breaking changes are introduced with major revisions of the OS. We stick with the LTS branch to mitigate that.
  • Managing multiple servers can become cumbersome without paid solutions.
Ubuntu [Linux], just like many Linux distributions runs on a variety of systems, supports deployment on to many different types of hardware, and is scalable. It has a rich package management system that is well developed and maintained which ensures compatibility with upgrades. It's low memory and disk footprint makes it our preferred choice for Linux distro.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We used Ubuntu as the primary operating system for all our servers. We deployed approximately 50 Virtual Machines across our virtualization strategy and used about 95% Ubuntu virtual machines. It was fairly light weight but also very well supported across the server community. Furthermore, all those in charge with administering the servers were fairly well versed in Ubuntu or Ubuntu-similar distributions.
  • Lightweight for server contexts
  • Frequent updates
  • Long Term Support reduces administrative overhead
  • Image files can be a bit large
  • Desktop UI is quite ugly
  • Has a bit of bloat, not a minimal distribution
For an all purpose server, Ubuntu works quite well and includes all the common packages out of the gate. It is easy to set up and most system administrators are already knowledgable on how to use it. However, it's not a "lightweight" OS by any definition, with a large amount of packages going unused on the majority of VM's. If you're looking for a very lightweight, resource-nimble OS, look elsewhere.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Ubuntu Linux in our organization for webservers, database servers, and various other servers.
It is our Linux distribution of choice. It helps us provide unix-like services with business support available. We are able to be confident that any packages we need will be available in repositories, and installing software is truly simple using the apt system. Online help is easy to find as it is such a popular distribution as well.
  • Updating is really easy and straightforward, especially for LTS releases.
  • Package availability is second to none.
  • Unified patch management still is a challenge. Landscape is just not as polished as we would like.
  • Not every appliance is built upon Ubuntu, so we have some variance in our OS environment.
I would say that Ubuntu Linux is a well rounded distribution for server and desktop needs. If you are looking for bleeding edge performance or packages you may want to look at a distribution that does rolling releases, but this is usually not needed in a business setting outside of HPC in my experience. The large selection of window managers allows for great customization when used in a desktop setting. We prefer to leave our servers without a GUI, obviously, for performance and resource reasons.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Ubuntu Linux has such a strong user community that it is easy to justify using it as your chosen development platform. Any issues that you may encounter in migrating to Ubuntu have likely already been addressed by the community. In addition, developers will love the easy package management, making it trivial to leverage existing packages to make development quicker and easier. The package management helps users deal with dependencies without spending substantial time figuring out an endless chain of requirements just to get the package they want working. In short, Ubuntu Linux makes it faster and easier for developers to be productive.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Ubuntu is being rolled out in our organization as the go-to development environment due to the ease of use of the APT package manager and the stability of the LTS releases. We find that it constantly gets updates and that support is widely available on the internet for all of the applications that we use to produce our products.
  • Great package support.
  • Stable.
  • Support for the OS is easy to find online.
  • Proprietary drivers can be troublesome at times.
  • The APT repository is not always up to date with the latest packages.
  • Packages are sometimes hard to find in the APT repos.
Ubuntu is definitely one of the friendliest Linux distros out there and can be a good OS replacement for computers both new and old. Older hardware benefits from a slight boost in performance when compared to Windows. There are plenty of applications that are free or low-cost available via Ubuntu's built-in software store that works very similarly to Microsoft's equivalent software and file formats are compatible.

One caveat is that these equivalent applications will perform most of the functionality the same but they are not an exact copy of Microsoft's software and some features may be unavailable. If you absolutely require a Microsoft product like Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Visio or Project, you'd best look elsewhere as there are currently no versions available for Linux. While you may be able to use Wine or PlayOnLinux to get the applications to run, your mileage may vary and a lot of time, research and tweaking will be required to make things work as expected.
Christian Shaheen | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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
Ubuntu Linux is well suited for any set-and-forget systems. It is easy to update (given a snapshot option) and has lots of good information/documentation online. I go straight to Ubuntu for just about any server application it has a package for. I still use and recommend Windows for file servers and desktops/general purpose machines. Ubuntu is also great in a budget situation. Since Ubuntu is based on Linux and is open sourced, the team maintain it doesn't charge licensing fees.
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.
  • 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.
Ubuntu Linux is perfect for older machines that are starting to slow down with other operating systems. In the event that an individual or a company desires to lengthen the duration of use for their machines, Ubuntu Linux may be a viable option to do so. Ubuntu Linux is also very secure in its default configuration. Any individual or company that desires a very secure operating system that does not require expensive security software should look into Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu Linux does not run many commonly used applications in its default configuration. For example, Microsoft Office does not natively run on Linux; however, there are now web-based versions that may fill this need. Additionally, Windows can be run as a virtual machine within Ubuntu Linux, which would allow the user to run any required Windows application.
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.
  • Availability across cloud vendors is unmatched, you can expect that any cloud or hosting setup will offer a Ubuntu Linux image for you to use.
  • Community support is great. Canonical does a great job supporting the system and the community does its part with forum participation, documentation and email support.
  • Being based on Debian, it offers a more "modern" stable system than the former, with newer versions of most software. If you want the quality and stability from a Debian distribution, but also want modern software, this is the distribution of choice.
  • The desktop environment is one of the bests for end users in the Linux ecosystem.
  • Server setup and configuration is easy with the extended utilities and software from Canonical.
  • It's a standard among Linux distributions, so you can trust that almost any Linux software will be packaged for your Ubuntu distribution.
  • I'd like to see Canonical REALLY betting on desktop Linux and move one step forward with innovation in that area to improve user adoption.
  • Desktop UI decisions have been not-so-happy in the past. The ability to move back and forth with Unity has pushed a lot of users in favor of options. Having REAL desktop environment options is something to improve as well.
  • Improvements in interoperability with other OSes would be very welcome. Sometimes it's just hard to communicate with MacOS or Windows across some protocols. Maybe it's due to the private nature of these protocols, but alternatives are around, we just need to compile and improve them.
Ubuntu Server setups are great for most server solutions. Security is good enough and usability is off the charts compared with other alternatives. You can get a full LAMP setup after a few apt commands. When security or stability is critical though, Ubuntu may not be the best option. Maybe downgrade to the latest Debian stable or go with some BSD solution for these scenarios. For Windows users looking for a Linux Desktop distribution, Ubuntu is the number one option for me.
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.
  • Flexibility. It is easy to add and remove services. As our business needs change, so can our Ubuntu Linux system.
  • Software Updates. Very rarely does a software update break Ubuntu. If issues do arise it is fairly easy to back out the changes
  • Third-party applications. The lack of mainstream applications, like MS Office, make it more difficult to deploy any Linux system at the client end.
  • Linux is more of a do it yourself OS. Implementation, support, and use require more technical expertise than other OS's, most notably macOS.
Ubuntu Linux is excellent at offering services on older hardware. It is a way to extend the life of older hardware and solve business challenges at the same time.

Ubuntu Linux is less appropriate for end users with little or no experience with open systems management and use.
Erick de Leon Ponciano | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
It is being used by the entire organization since it has several operating services of the corporation, web services, database services, and others.
  • It is a very stable and easy administration platform. It defines roles and profiles for installation, graphic environment and only command. line.
  • In the internal operation is a platform that helps us to support websites for employees. Its integration with web services and its graphic environment make an easy management of the platform.
  • It is very useful to carry out tests and validations in its desktop versions, for the development area it allows having virtual environments and doing many tests before launching a service.
  • Cleaning of packages or incomplete installations in a graphic environment
  • Better documentation and help for the configuration of the firewall, in the graphics mode, and the command line. Not all users are experts in this area and implementing it can be very difficult.
In my opinion, it works very well for internal environments, web pages, and network services. I do not recommend it for very critical environments and environments that are published on the internet.
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.).
  • Usability ( ease of installation)
  • "Store" concept: bringing package management (in Linux this has always been a problem) into the 21st century
  • Flexibility ( there are sub-distros of Ubuntu)
  • Debian-based (so some sanity in package management)
  • Too system-oriented: often contains large libraries to accomplish just one small problem (remind of you another OS?)
  • Requires too many resources to run simple software (i.e. TOO pretty)
  • Unity.
Ubuntu is GREAT for modern hardware, running on client systems. There are some admins who will swear by the Ubuntu Server distro, and that's fine with them, but the ONLY value proposition for me is its user-friendliness.
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!).
  • The user interface is sleek, intuitive, and easy to use. I love it! It is also highly customizable.
  • Package installation is very easy. You can either download via the command prompt or search for packages within the Ubuntu software center and download via the GUI.
  • Ubuntu is much more lightweight than Windows, has less bugs, and is more stable.
  • Not all software is compatible with Ubuntu Linux. Many of our collaborators use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), which makes sharing files difficult.
  • Adobe is not available for Ubuntu Linux, and although it is not a huge issue, it is somewhat annoying when working with collaborators who do use Adobe software.
  • Hardware support for Ubuntu operating systems is limited.
Ubuntu is a beginner-friendly Linux distribution, so it is appropriate for many types of users; to those who are just getting starting with Linux, to advanced programmers. Though Microsoft Office applications are not available in Linux, comparable software is available for Linux that has comparable functionality. However, I would not recommend Ubuntu for organizations that rely heavily on Windows software. Ubuntu is great in settings where money is limited, because Ubuntu is free, and most of the software packages are also free.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Ubuntu is very developer friendly and we are able to deploy on premises, or in the cloud with ease.
  • Efficient & fast
  • Installation of software packages
  • Automatic security updates
  • Up to date libraries
  • Authentication with AD
  • Security certification
Ubuntu is excellent for hosting web apps, OS for your data analysis pipeline, IoT devices, etc. What makes it really shine is on a developer's workstation. It's pure ease setting up your environment, while keeping setup similar to what is in production. The fault is weak integration with some third party vendors and some Enterprise apps. But these days even Microsoft is on the Linux bandwagon.
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