Rocky Linux and Ubuntu are two popular Linux distributions catering to different audiences. This comparison explores their unique strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Enterprise Stability
User-Friendly
TL;DR: Pick Rocky Linux for enterprise stability. Pick Ubuntu for user-friendly desktop use.
How they stack up across key categories.
Rocky Linux is tailored for enterprise environments, which can be less intuitive for beginners.
Ubuntu provides a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for new Linux users.
Rocky Linux doesn't prioritize desktop experience, focusing more on server use.
Ubuntu offers a polished desktop experience with the GNOME environment.
Rocky Linux focuses on long-term stability, aligning with RHEL's release cycles.
Ubuntu balances stability with innovation, though its rapid release cycle can affect stability.
Updates are conservative and aligned with RHEL, ensuring reliability.
Ubuntu provides frequent updates with a fixed release schedule every six months.
Rocky Linux has a robust, albeit more limited, repository focusing on stability.
Ubuntu has one of the largest software repositories available, catering to various needs.
Rocky Linux prioritizes open-source principles, ensuring transparency.
Ubuntu has faced criticisms over telemetry and data collection practices.
Rocky Linux is community-driven with a dedicated support network.
Ubuntu benefits from a large community and extensive documentation.
Rocky Linux is not typically used for gaming, focusing on enterprise applications.
Ubuntu is a popular choice for gaming on Linux due to its compatibility and software support.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Ubuntu
Its user-friendly interface makes it easier for Windows users to adapt.
Pick: Either
Both have extensive documentation and community support to guide users.
Pick: Ubuntu
Offers lightweight flavors like Xubuntu or Lubuntu for older systems.
Pick: Ubuntu
It has better support for gaming software and tools.
Pick: Rocky Linux
Its stability and compatibility with RHEL make it ideal for professional environments.
Pick: Ubuntu
Its ease of use and polished desktop environment are perfect for daily tasks.
Quick answers to common questions.
Rocky Linux is a community-driven enterprise operating system designed to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), while Ubuntu is a popular desktop-focused Linux distribution developed by Canonical.
Ubuntu is generally more beginner-friendly due to its user-friendly interface and extensive community support. Rocky Linux is better suited for users familiar with enterprise environments.
Performance can vary based on specific use cases. Ubuntu is generally optimized for desktop use, while Rocky Linux is tailored for stability and performance in enterprise settings.
Yes, both Rocky Linux and Ubuntu offer live versions that allow you to try them out without installing them on your system.
Ubuntu has a vast range of software in its repositories, while Rocky Linux focuses on enterprise-grade applications with compatibility aligned with RHEL.
Ubuntu generally offers broader hardware support out of the box, while Rocky Linux may require more manual configuration for certain hardware.
Ubuntu has a regular six-month release cycle with LTS versions every two years, while Rocky Linux follows RHEL's longer release cycles, focusing on stability.
Switching between Rocky Linux and Ubuntu requires backing up data and installing the new system. Tools and guides are available to ease the transition.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
