Debian vs Ubuntu: Key Differences and How to Choose

The Linux operating system has many different distributions. Choosing between them is a complicated task.

To know which is the best Linux distribution for you, it is necessary to analyze what your needs are. After all, each one has unique functions.

In this article we will address two very well-known and strong distributions: Debian and Ubuntu.

Besides getting to know the specificities of each one, it will be possible to understand which is the best between the two.

Happy reading!

Debian vs Ubuntu: understanding how each one emerged

Debian is a major project in the Linux world, becoming one of the largest in the operating system.

Besides having many developers, it has a community that has a large amount of documentation available to help various users.

But after all, do you know the origin of Debian?

Debian was created by Ian Murdock, starting in 1993. While studying at Purdue University, he wrote about the distribution and managed to get contributions from many programmers.

The term IAN was derived from his name, while DEB came from his girlfriend, Deborah. In 1996, Bruce Perens took over the project.

However, in 1998, Bruce retired and passed the project on to another leader.

In turn, Ubuntu was developed by Canonical, inspired by Debian itself.

Canonical is a British company created by South African Mark Shuttleworth. The Ubuntu system was built based on the Apple.

That is, the goal in developing Ubuntu was to create a Linux distribution that is easy to use, with good looks and with a design that would stand out from other distributions.

The first version of Ubuntu was released in 2004.

Debian and Ubuntu, one is based on the other: understanding the Linux versions

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution totally inspired by Debian.

This is clearly seen in the packages available to download and install, which are derived from Debian's repositories.

However, it is undeniable that Ubuntu differs in terms of usability, accessibility and design.

Ubuntu is more visually pleasing, in addition to being simpler to execute many functionalities.

What is the difference between Ubuntu and Debian?

But then what are the main differences between Ubuntu vs Debian. We explain below:

Debian vs Ubuntu in terms of stability

Debian has its development model based on stability. Ubuntu, on the other hand, has regular versions and Long-Term Support (LTS).

Debian's stable versions last one year after a new version is released.

Furthermore, in any case, Debian is more unpredictable, as it is not possible to know when to update, since the update is only made available when the next stable version is finalized.

Ubuntu has a traditional model. The distribution's developers usually release the LTS version every two years.

With each Ubuntu version it is possible to get 5 years of support, without having to worry about new releases within that period.

In this sense, it is necessary to understand which update system suits your profile.

Debian vs Ubuntu in terms of flexibility

Ubuntu has a default desktop, while Debian does not.

In Debian there is more openness to the user about what to do in the operating system. In any case, the instructions about usage are scarce.

The user has the freedom to choose how to use it, but needs to understand how to do this, as well as the existing usage options.

In Ubuntu it is more difficult to migrate from one desktop to another. There are situations where the switch may work and others where it will be necessary to implement some fixes.

People who prefer standardized desktops that work should prefer Ubuntu, while those who opt for more configuration freedom will choose Debian.

Debian vs Ubuntu in terms of updates

Debian does not always come with the most up-to-date versions of software.

Therefore, if you prefer to use Debian Stable, it means you will have to deal with outdated software that will need to be corrected by yourself.

Ubuntu LTS is made available, most of the time, with more recent software versions.

It is worth noting that it is possible to install some software directly from the repository.

For those who prefer practicality, in Ubuntu you will find software with the latest released features and, therefore, it may be the best option.

Some people may not worry about manually updating, therefore, the choice of the best distribution is based on other factors.

Debian vs Ubuntu in terms of supported platforms

Ubuntu is more limited in terms of supported platforms. It is available on x86 and ARM 64-bit platforms. There is no 32-bit version.

Debian, on the other hand, supports both 32-bit and 64-bit. Also, Debian also supports:

• ARM EABI (armel);
• 64-bit ARM (arm64);
• little-endian MIPS (mipsel);
• 64-bit little-endian MIPS (mips64el);
• ARMv7 (EABI hard-float ABI, armhf);
• IBM System z (s390x);
• 64-bit little-endian PowerPC (ppc64el).

In this regard, point goes to Debian.

Debian vs Ubuntu in terms of installation

Ubuntu installation is simpler than Debian's. Some users, especially beginners, may have difficulties installing Debian.

When downloading Debian, a minimal ISO is provided. This ISO does not include non-free firmware, also known as non-open source.

This way, you may install the distribution and notice that some drivers or hardware are not recognized.

The way to solve this is by having good knowledge. There is a non-free ISO that has hidden firmware. 

Ubuntu already includes drivers and firmware in perfect working condition in the standard ISO offered.

Debian vs Ubuntu in terms of community

When it comes to community, it can be said that Debian is truly a project built by developers.

For this reason, all the distribution's functions are determined by the community.

On the other hand we have Ubuntu, which is supported by Canonical. Even having a community, the company is still the one who endorses all creations.

For support, there are forums that serve both Linux distributions, with Ubuntu standing out for having a paid support service offered by Canonical.

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Conclusion

In the end, even with one distribution standing out in the Debian vs Ubuntu showdown, the best one will be the one that meets the user's needs.

Debian is classic and pioneering. Ubuntu is innovative and practical.

We hope that, by presenting the differences within these topics, you can understand which option makes more sense for your work.
Did you like the content? We recommend the complementary reading of the following article: "Linux Commands: complete guide to managing processes".