Ubuntu Linux - the best Linux distribution
June 05, 2019
Ubuntu Linux - the best Linux distribution
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Ubuntu Linux
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.
- There are many things that you can use Ubuntu Linux for, even in a Windows-based environment. For example, network monitoring is handled very well by Ubuntu Linux (using Open NMS).
- Since Ubuntu Linux is freely available, you don't have to worry about purchasing a license for each server you build.
- Ubuntu Linux also runs well as a virtual machine on the Hyper-V server.
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
While the major Linux releases are all fairly mature and stable, I find Ubuntu to be the release I turn to the most. It has a consistent look and feel that spans across the various versions of Ubuntu, which I really like. It is easy to install and configure, and updates are easy.