Difference Between Centos And Ubuntu

When it comes to choosing a Linux distribution for professional or personal use, CentOS and Ubuntu often come up as two of the most popular options. Both distributions have their unique features, communities, and use cases. In this article, we will delve deep into the differences between CentOS and Ubuntu, helping users make an informed decision based on their specific needs.

Origins and Philosophy

CentOS, which stands for Community ENTerprise Operating System, is a Linux distribution that aims to provide a free, enterprise-class computing platform. It has its roots in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), with which it shares source code. The focus of CentOS is on stability and long-term support, making it a favorite among businesses and servers.

On the other hand, Ubuntu is derived from Debian and is developed by Canonical Ltd. It is designed with user-friendliness in mind, targeting both desktop and server environments. Ubuntu releases new versions every six months and offers different release cycles for long-term support (LTS) versions.

Package Management and Repositories

One of the fundamental differences between CentOS and Ubuntu lies in their package management systems. CentOS uses the yum package manager along with RPM packages, while Ubuntu utilizes the apt package manager with DEB packages. This difference affects how software is installed, updated, and managed on each system.

CentOS: Yum repositories tend to contain fewer packages than Ubuntu’s, focusing on stability and compatibility.
Ubuntu: Apt repositories are known for having a vast selection of software, catering to a broader audience including newer users.

Release Cycle and Support

The release cycle is another area where CentOS and Ubuntu diverge significantly:

CentOS: Adopts a longer release cycle, with major releases roughly every 2-3 years and minor updates as needed. Each CentOS version is maintained for up to 10 years.
Ubuntu: Offers standard releases every six months and LTS versions every two years, with five years of support for LTS releases.

Performance and Resource Usage

While both CentOS and Ubuntu can be optimized for performance, they have different default configurations and resource usage profiles:

CentOS: Known for minimal resource usage, making it ideal for servers and applications requiring stability over cutting-edge features.
Ubuntu: Tends to consume more resources out of the box, especially in desktop environments, due to its focus on ease of use and aesthetics.

Security Features

Security is paramount for any operating system, and both CentOS and Ubuntu offer robust security features but implement them differently:

CentOS: Inherits many of its security policies from RHEL, including SELinux for enhanced security measures.
Ubuntu: Implements AppArmor as its primary security module, which some users find easier to manage compared to SELinux.

Community and Commercial Support

The type of support available can influence the choice between CentOS and Ubuntu:

CentOS: Relies heavily on community support, although commercial support is available through third-party vendors.
Ubuntu: Benefits from professional support provided by Canonical, offering paid services for businesses and enterprises.

Use Cases and Industry Adoption

Different industries and projects may prefer one distribution over the other based on specific use cases:

CentOS: Often chosen for servers, databases, and enterprise environments due to its stability and long-term support.
Ubuntu: Favored for general-purpose computing, cloud services, and desktops, thanks to its user-friendly nature and wide range of software.

File System Structure and Tools

Both CentOS and Ubuntu follow the standard Linux file system hierarchy, but they include different sets of tools and utilities by default. For instance, CentOS might come with certain system administration tools that align with RHEL conventions, whereas Ubuntu could include software that caters to a more diverse user base.

Customization and Flexibility

Customization options vary between CentOS and Ubuntu, affecting how users can tailor the system to their needs:

CentOS: Provides a stable platform with less frequent changes, which can be advantageous for creating a consistent environment.
Ubuntu: Offers greater flexibility with more frequent updates, allowing users to take advantage of the latest software and features.

Documentation and Learning Curve

The availability of documentation and the learning curve associated with each distribution are crucial for new users:

CentOS: Has comprehensive documentation aimed at system administrators and experienced users, with a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Ubuntu: Boasts extensive documentation suitable for users of all levels, contributing to a gentler learning curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners, CentOS or Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is generally considered better for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation tailored to new users.

Can I use CentOS for a desktop environment?

Yes, you can use CentOS for a desktop environment, but it is not as common due to its focus on stability and enterprise use, which typically involves less frequent updates and a smaller selection of desktop software.

Is Ubuntu more secure than CentOS?

Both distributions are secure, but they implement security features differently. The choice between SELinux (CentOS) and AppArmor (Ubuntu) may depend on personal preference or specific security requirements.

How does the support for hardware differ between CentOS and Ubuntu?

Ubuntu tends to have broader hardware support, particularly for newer devices, due to its more frequent release cycle and larger user base focused on desktop computing.

Are there any significant cost differences between using CentOS and Ubuntu?

Both CentOS and Ubuntu are free to download and use. However, if you require commercial support, Ubuntu’s official support from Canonical is a paid service, whereas CentOS relies more on community or third-party support.

References

CentOS Official Website: https://www.centos.org/
Ubuntu Official Website: https://ubuntu.com/
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Documentation: https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/
Canonical Ubuntu Support: https://ubuntu.com/support
SELinux Project: https://selinuxproject.org/page/Main_Page
AppArmor Wiki: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/AppArmor