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Difference Between Ubuntu Desktop and Server
Canonical's Ubuntu is a popular open-source Linux operating system. It is available in two flavors: Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server. While both versions use many of the same underlying technologies, their intended use cases and target audiences are different.
Read this article to find out more about Ubuntu Desktop and Server and how they are different from each other.
What is Ubuntu Desktop?
Ubuntu Desktop is a free and open-source Linux operating system for personal computers and workstations. It includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to interact with the operating system through the use of a mouse and keyboard. Canonical develops and maintains Ubuntu Desktop, which is based on Debian Linux.
Ubuntu Desktop prioritizes security as well. It includes the AppArmor security framework, which provides mandatory access control for applications and limits application access to essential system resources. It also receives regular security upgrades and is secured to keep the system safe.
One of the primary features of Ubuntu Desktop is its graphical user interface (GUI), which allows users to interact with the operating system using a mouse and keyboard. The GUI is based on the GNOME desktop environment and contains numerous user-friendly features such as changeable themes, a dock for launching applications, and a centralized settings menu.
Ubuntu Desktop includes a variety of applications designed to fulfil the demands of personal and workstation users. A web browser (Firefox), a media player (Rhythmbox), an office productivity suite (LibreOffice), a file manager (Nautilus), and a variety of additional utilities and applications are included.
What is Ubuntu Server?
A server is a computer or program that makes data or services available to other computers or programs on a network. It refers to an optimized version of the Ubuntu operating system that is specifically developed for server use in the context of Ubuntu Server.
Ubuntu Server is a simple operating system that does not include a graphical user interface (GUI). It is instead often controlled using a command-line interface (CLI), which allows system administrators to remotely execute commands and scripts over a network connection.
Ubuntu Server is designed for server activities including web hosting, file hosting, and application hosting. It includes a number of server-oriented programs, such as Apache HTTP Server, Nginx, and PHP, which are commonly used for web serving and web application development. KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and LXD (Linux Containers) are also included in Ubuntu Server.
AppArmor, which provides the required access control for programs, and the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW), which provides an easy-to-use interface for defining firewall rules, are both included in Ubuntu Server. Secure remote access methods such as SSH (Secure Shell) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) are also supported by Ubuntu Server, which are required for operating servers over the internet.
Difference Between Ubuntu Desktop and Server
The following table highlights the major differences between Ubuntu Desktop and Server −
Characteristics |
Ubuntu Desktop |
Server |
|---|---|---|
GUI |
Yes, based on the GNOME desktop environment. |
No, only CLI |
Usage |
Personal and workstation use |
Server use |
Pre-installed applications |
Yes, a wide range of applications |
Minimal, no graphical applications |
Performance |
Lower performance due to GUI and pre-installed applications |
Higher performance due to minimalistic nature and optimized packages |
Security |
AppArmor, UFW, and other security features |
AppArmor, UFW, and other security features |
Long-term support |
Yes, LTS releases receive security updates for up to five years |
Yes, LTS releases receive security updates for up to five years |
Virtualization Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Stability |
Standard releases with 9 months support |
LTS releases with up to 5 years support |
Software Installation |
Ubuntu Software Center |
Command-line interface |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the primary difference between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server lies in their intended use cases and target audiences. Ubuntu Desktop is designed for personal use and includes a graphical user interface and pre-installed software, whereas Ubuntu Server is designed for server use and includes no GUI and only a few pre-installed applications.
The decision between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server depends on the user's requirements and intended use case. Ubuntu Desktop is the way to go if you require an operating system for personal usage, such as online surfing, media playing, or productivity tasks. However, if you require an operating system for server operations such as web hosting, file hosting, or application hosting, Ubuntu Server is the best option due to its small footprint and optimized speed.
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