What is the Difference Between CentOS and Ubuntu

An operating system manages all the functionalities of the computer. Moreover, it works as the interface between the user applications and hardware. The kernel is the core of an operating system. UNIX is a multiuser and multitasking operating system. Linux, on the other hand, is an operating system based on UNIX. Furthermore, Linux distribution is an operating system made from a software collection based on the Linux kernel and a package management software. Thus, CentOS and Ubuntu are two Linux distributions.

Key Areas Covered

1.  What is CentOS
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Ubuntu
     – Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between CentOS and Ubuntu
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

CentOS, Linux, Ubuntu, Unix

What is CentOS

CentOS is an open source Linux distribution. Its functionalities are compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Moreover, CentOS joined Red Hat under a new CentOS governing board in 2014. They released their first version, which is CentOS version 2, in May 2004. However, the versions after 7.0 only support amd64 or x86-64 architecture.

The CentOS project was the developer of CentOS. It focuses on delivering a robust open source ecosystem. Moreover, it provides various platforms to deploy different applications. There are resources to build, test and maintain codes in software development. Today, the CentOS community includes various IT professionals such as system administrators, network administrators, as well as regular Linux users.

What is Ubuntu

Ubuntu is another Linux distribution which is based on Debian (which is an operating system similar UNIX consist of free software). It has various editions. The Ubuntu Desktop version is used for personal computers while the Ubuntu Server is suitable for cloud computing and for servers. The Ubuntu Core, on the other hand, is used to develop the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Moreover, Edubuntu version targets students and has a lot of educational applications.

Ubuntu consist of various software. Some of them are LibreOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird, VLC media player, etc. Moreover, users can download the required software and tools from Ubuntu software center or other APT-based package management tools.  The default file manager of Ubuntu is GNOME files. It also has hardware drivers available only in binary format. Those packages are restricted components. Overall, Ubuntu is a secure operating system that is easier to use.

Difference Between CentOS and Ubuntu

Definition

CentOS is a stable, predictable, manageable and reproducible platform derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux while Ubuntu is an open-source Linux distribution based on Debian. Thus, this is the main difference between CentOS and Ubuntu.

Developer

Moreover, the developer of CentOS is the CentOS project while Canonical Ltd is the developer of Ubuntu.

Initial release

CentOS was initially released in May 2004 whereas Ubuntu was initially released in October 2004.

Default user interface

The default user interface of CentOS is command line and GNOME Classic while the default user interface of Ubuntu is GNOME. Hence, this is another difference between CentOS and Ubuntu.

Package Manager

The package managers of CentOS are Yum, Package Kit and rpm while the package managers of Ubuntu are GNOME software, APT, dpkg, Snappy and flatpak.

Usage

Usage is also a major difference between CentOS and Ubuntu. CentOS is used for desktop computers, servers, mainframes, and workstations while UbuntuOS is used for personal computers, servers, cloud computing, and IoT.

Conclusion

In brief, CentOS and Ubuntu are two Linux distributions. The main difference between CentOS and Ubuntu is that CentOS is a community-supported Linux distribution that is functionally compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux while Ubuntu is an open source Linux distribution based on Debian.

Reference:

1. “CentOS.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Apr. 2019, Available here.
2. “Ubuntu.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Apr. 2019, Available here.
3. “The CentOS Project.” CentOS Project, Available here.
4. “Linux Distribution.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Apr. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1.”Screenshot of the default CentOS 7.0 desktop using GNOME 3.8″ By MikeRS – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2.”A Screenshot of the Latest Ubuntu Desktop (Ubuntu 18.04 LTS)” By Mrsinghparmar – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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