For users renting a virtual private server for the first time and only choosing an operating system, it will be interesting to find out what is the difference between CentOS and Ubuntu. These are the most popular Linux distributions. And each OS has its own advantages and drawbacks. Let’s talk about the systems, as well as which one to choose for a particular user for the successful implementation and support of a particular project.

Ubuntu: Pros And Cons

Among the main factors of choosing Ubuntu, users call reliability and ease of configuration. It (the operating system) is often recommended to people without experience in administration and deep programming. Built on the Debian architecture, accessible and understandable, it has surrounded itself with a large community of users who willingly share knowledge and practical experience in specialized forums. But even without the advice of like-minded people, it is easy to understand it, since the developers offer detailed accompanying documentation and even instructions in several languages. So, the main advantage of Ubuntu is its simple operation and accessibility. Updates are released every two years. For small and medium-sized companies, for which security and ease of administration are the main advantages, experts recommend choosing Ubuntu VPS.

Advantages:

• A simple and intuitive open source system (easy to configure, with a high level of security).
• Suitable for personal and professional use.
• A solid set of packages and functions will satisfy the needs of any project.
• The first distribution with a LiveCD mode that allows you to use the OS from disk
• There are a lot of instructions, accompanying documents, and specialized forums.
• Software availability – Ubuntu has a large archive of programs (40 thousand applications can be found in the library). The necessary new software, which you did not find in the repository, can be installed through the PPA.

Minuses:

• Most releases are relevant for a year, then they will need to be re-installed. LTS versions can be used for up to 5 years, but the developer updates only the security features.
• Ubuntu LTS is stable only in basic settings. When an administrator implements non-standard functions, errors may pop up that make it difficult to work.
• Ubuntu does not work with cPanel but interacts perfectly with ISPmanager and VestaCP. That is, this is a conditional minus, but we are obliged to warn you.

CentOS: Weaknesses And Strengths

CentOS is built on RHEL code. The system is positioned as a corporate product.

Advantages:

• There is a specialized community, instructions are available in different languages.
• CentOS interacts well with different control panels. For example, the server owner can install cPanel, ISPmanager, and DirectAdmin.
• It is stable in operation due to the reduced frequency of updates.

Minuses:

• The main disadvantage of the operating system is that Red Hat® stopped supporting its free Linux distribution CentOS Linux 8 at the end of December 2021. As an alternative, the developer offers a CentOS Stream — upstream version of Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® (RHEL®). It is a continuously updated system with experimental features and changes that may work unstably. As for CentOS, it is still a working operating system with good functionality and security options. However, those who choose it will have to forget about official support.
• Not as easy to install, configure and operate as Ubuntu, it requires experience, administration skills, and study.

Differences Between Centos And Ubuntu

When comparing Centos or Ubuntu, it is important to note that both of them are available for free use, downloaded on the Internet. Both operating systems are considered universal, as they can be used for a variety of projects. As for the differences, there are much more than similarities.

• Ubuntu has a Debian architecture. CentOS is based on the RHE Linux source code.
• Ubuntu has a large user community, support in the form of textbooks, many developers work with the system code. CentOS is inferior in this parameter.
• Ubuntu is updated frequently, CentOS is not updated often. CentOS packages are tested for a long time before publication, so they are reliable, but they quickly become obsolete. Ubuntu offers the latest packages, but they are not subjected to such thorough testing by developers.
• Ubuntu DEB packages are downloaded via apt-get. CentOS PM packages from the repository are accessible via the yum command.
• CentOS is compatible with cPanel, Webmin, and DirectAdmin management panels, Ubuntu does not support cPanel. Those who choose a Debian-based OS will have to work with ISP Manager and VestaCP.
• Ubuntu is easier for a beginner to understand. Centos is difficult for a user to master without administration experience.
• Installing Ubuntu on a virtual private server is easier and faster for beginners than installing and configuring Centos. This is facilitated by a large number of step-by-step instructions on the web for Ubuntu.
• The CentOS user base is 17% smaller than the Ubuntu user base. The first system is a frequent choice of large commercial projects for which reinforced concrete stability is important. The second OS is chosen for medium and small, including private projects that are interested in updates as new features.

Centos Or Ubuntu?

The comparative analysis of operating systems presented above is aimed at facilitating the selection of the “right” option for a particular project. As final recommendations, the following can be noted:

Ubuntu is better suited for novice administrators. The support of a large community of users and developers will allow you to quickly delve into all the nuances of installation, configuration, and operation of the operating system. CentOS will require the administrator to have basic knowledge and skills. You can choose it if you have a certain experience.

For a large commercial project, it is worth choosing CentOS, since this operating system is considered more stable and secure due to the high level of package verification by the developer and the lower frequency of regular updates. CentOS interacts perfectly with cPanel. Ubuntu has no compatibility with this control panel. But there are others with which the operating system interacts perfectly.

Conclusion

CentOS and Ubuntu are two popular operating systems, perhaps the best Linux distributions. Each of them has pros and cons. It is impossible to say which is better and which is worse. You need to choose your own option, focusing on the specifics of the project. If you want to get more information about the capabilities of operating systems for your server, contact the technical support of your hoster. Some providers offer users to test both options to make a decision. But even if this service is not provided, the specialists of the technical department will provide information that we may not have mentioned in the article.