Practical 8
Practical 8
Practical 8
Compare the features and performance of Ubuntu and CentOs Linux Distributions.
CentOS (short for Community Enterprise Operating System) was a free and open-
source distribution based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) which aimed to provide a
stable, reliable, and secure platform for servers and workstations.
CentOS Linux is derived from the source code released by RedHat and it was recently
discontinued by Red Hat in favor of its paid offering, Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating
system.
Architecture: CentOS supports AMD64, Intel 64, and 64-bit ARM systems.
Memory: The recommended minimum RAM varies depending on the installation type. For
HTTP, HTTPS or FTP network installation, it’s 1.5 GiB.
Storage: The minimum available disk space should be 10 GiB.
Advantages of CentOS
There were many Advantages of CentOS over other Linux operating systems:
1. Free and Open Source: CentOS was available at no cost, and used to come with full source
code that can be modified, distributed, or reused under the terms of the GNU General Public
License.
2. Security: CentOS inherits the robust security features of RHEL, including SELinux
(Security-Enhanced Linux), which provides various security policies, and a strong defense
against vulnerabilities and exploits.
3. Use Cases: As it was a robust and well-tested operating system, it was widely used in
servers, hosting, and workstations where stability and reliability are critical. It’s also favored
for development environments due to its compatibility with RHEL.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a widely used Linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface,
regular release cycles, and strong community support. It’s based on the Debian distribution
and comes in different editions, including Desktop, Server, and Core (for IoT devices and
robots).
Ubuntu is maintained and developed by Canonical Ltd., a British company that
invests resources into keeping the operating system secure, updated, and user-friendly.
Similar to CentOS, Ubuntu is also considered very stable; however, if you encounter a bug in
Ubuntu, you can report it using the ubuntu-bug command. The bug report is logged locally
and then uploaded to a central database by a separate program called whoopsie – Canonical
uses this data to identify overarching issues and improve the system.
Advantages of Ubuntu
If you’re planning to use Ubuntu, there are plenty of good things for you to look forward to:
1. Desktop and Server Options: Ubuntu offers both desktop and server editions, making it
versatile for various use cases. This allows you to run the same software on both your server
and desktop, reducing complexities and ensuring consistency across your infrastructure.
2. Community Support: Sooner or later, you will hit a snag; Ubuntu has a vibrant and active
community of users, developers, and enthusiasts who contribute to forums, blogs, and social
media, providing help, tips, and solutions.
3. Software Availability: One of the best things about Ubuntu is that its package repositories
contain a vast selection of software applications. You can easily find and install software
using package managers like apt or the graphical Ubuntu Software Center.
4. Long-Term Support: Ubuntu releases special build versions tagged with LTS. These
releases are designed for stability, predictability, and extended support. A new release occurs
every two years and is supported for five years on the desktop version and ten years on the
server version using Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) service. This makes it ideal for
large-scale deployments, enterprises, and critical systems where updating frequently is not
possible.
Architecture: Ubuntu Core supports various 64-bit architectures and 32-bit Arm, including
amd64 (Intel/AMD 64-bit), arm64 (64-bit Arm), armhf (32-bit Arm), and riscv64 (64-bit
RISC-V).
Memory: The minimum RAM required for Ubuntu Core is 512MB. However, devices with
more on-board RAM can take full advantage of Ubuntu Core’s capabilities.
Storage: Ubuntu Core requires a minimum storage of 1GB.
Difference Between CentOS vs Ubuntu [With Comparison Table]
Origin CentOS was a free version of the Red Hat Ubuntu is based on Debian.
Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
User Friendliness CentOS was mainly used by server Ubuntu is known for its user-
administrators due to its robustness and friendliness and is often
stability. It’s less user-friendly compared to recommended for beginners.
Ubuntu.
Software Updates CentOS had a longer release cycle, providing Ubuntu has a faster release cycle,
a more stable platform. It was ideal for providing newer software and
servers. features.
System CentOS uses YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Ubuntu uses APT (Advanced
Administration Modified) as its package management system. Package Tool) for package
management.
Security CentOS is considered to have strong security, Ubuntu also has robust security
largely due to its enterprise-grade measures in place and offers easy-
development. to-use security updates.
Under CentOS has reached end of life and new Ubuntu is actively being developed
Development versions or security updates will not be and will continue to receive
released. updates.