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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 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

(1-3 of 3)
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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.
  • Stability
  • Reliability
  • Price
  • I am but a cog in the wheel and am not privy to this information.
I use Ubuntu Linux because it's Linux and because it is the most popular distro. This means that when I google things about it, I'm highly likely to get the answer I need.
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.
  • In our case ROI is hard to calculate. It has allowed us to solve business challenges and not have to purchase new hardware to do so.
  • On the negative side, it has added another OS to our mix. Support staff now has to be trained or hired with the requirement of Linux knowledge.
Ubuntu is one of the oldest Linux distributions. The support and development base provides for a stable platform to roll out solutions.
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.
  • Rapid development
  • Developers efficiency
  • Rock solid stability
  • CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
The Ubuntu software repository is the best, bar none, except maybe Debian. However, Ubuntu has a much wider user audience.
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