AlmaLinux
Enterprise stability
- CentOS replacement
- Stable and secure
- Long-term support
- Enterprise-grade
- Limited desktop features
- Smaller community
Best for
Server reliability
AlmaLinux vs Ubuntu
AlmaLinux and Ubuntu are two major Linux distributions that cater to different audiences. This page explores their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which one aligns with your needs, whether for enterprise servers or desktop simplicity.
Ubuntu
User-friendly Linux
- Beginner-friendly
- Vast community support
- Regular updates
- Wide software availability
- Frequent updates can be disruptive
- Some concerns over privacy settings
Best for
Desktop simplicity
TL;DR: Pick AlmaLinux for enterprise stability. Pick Ubuntu for a user-friendly desktop experience.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is straightforward for those familiar with RHEL-based systems, though less intuitive for newcomers.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu offers a highly intuitive interface, ideal for users new to Linux.
Desktop feel
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux has a minimalistic desktop environment, focusing more on server capabilities.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu's GNOME-based desktop provides a modern and sleek user experience.
Stability
AlmaLinux
Designed for stability, AlmaLinux is a top choice for servers requiring consistent performance.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu balances stability with cutting-edge features, though sometimes at the cost of consistency.
Updates
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux follows a stable release cycle, with updates prioritizing security and reliability.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu has a regular update schedule, offering the latest features and improvements.
Software access
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux provides access to enterprise-grade software repositories via EPEL and others.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu offers extensive software through its repositories and third-party PPAs.
Privacy
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux focuses on security but offers fewer privacy features out-of-the-box.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu provides good privacy options, although certain defaults have raised concerns.
Community & docs
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux has a growing community and is supported by extensive RHEL documentation.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu boasts a large, active community and comprehensive official documentation.
Gaming
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is not optimized for gaming, focusing more on servers.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is popular for gaming, with support for Steam and other platforms.
Pros & cons summary
AlmaLinux
Pros
- AlmaLinux is an ideal CentOS replacement with a focus on stability and enterprise needs.
- It offers long-term support, making it suitable for businesses requiring continuity.
- The stability of AlmaLinux makes it a preferred choice for server environments.
- As a community-driven project, it provides reliable security updates.
- AlmaLinux is binary-compatible with RHEL, ensuring compatibility with many enterprise applications.
Cons
- The focus on server environments means AlmaLinux may lack some desktop-specific features.
- The community is smaller compared to Ubuntu, which might limit immediate support for new users.
- AlmaLinux is less known for its desktop experience and more tailored to server use.
Ubuntu
Pros
- Ubuntu is known for its user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
- With a large community, users can easily find support and tutorials online.
- Regular updates ensure access to the latest software and features.
- The Ubuntu Software Center provides easy access to a wide range of applications.
- Ubuntu supports a variety of hardware out of the box, making it easy to set up.
Cons
- The frequent update cycle might be overwhelming for users seeking a more stable experience.
- While Ubuntu is generally privacy-conscious, some default settings have raised concerns.
- The rapid development pace can sometimes lead to occasional instability.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's user-friendly interface makes it ideal for users transitioning from Windows.
Following tutorials
Pick: Either
Both distros have comprehensive documentation and community support.
Older hardware
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu has lightweight flavors like Xubuntu and Lubuntu, suitable for older machines.
Gaming
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu supports gaming platforms like Steam, offering better compatibility.
Work/professional use
Pick: AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux's stability and RHEL compatibility make it ideal for enterprise environments.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's ease of use and software availability make it perfect for daily tasks.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
How are AlmaLinux and Ubuntu related?
AlmaLinux is a fork of CentOS, focused on enterprise stability, while Ubuntu is a Debian-based distro aimed at ease of use for desktops and servers.
Which is more beginner-friendly, AlmaLinux or Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive desktop environment and larger community support.
How do these distros compare in terms of performance and speed?
Both distros perform well, but Ubuntu may feel faster on desktops due to its more refined graphical interface.
Can I try either distro without installing?
Yes, both AlmaLinux and Ubuntu offer live sessions that allow you to test the OS before installation.
Are both distros compatible with most software?
Ubuntu offers broader software compatibility due to its large repositories and PPAs, while AlmaLinux focuses on enterprise applications.
How is hardware support for each distro?
Ubuntu generally has better hardware support out-of-the-box, while AlmaLinux might require additional configuration.
What are the release cycles for these distros?
Ubuntu has a regular six-month release cycle with long-term support (LTS) versions every two years, while AlmaLinux follows the RHEL release cycle focusing on stability.
Is it easy to switch between AlmaLinux and Ubuntu?
Switching between the two can be straightforward with proper planning, but they use different package managers and system setups, requiring some adaptation.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.