How is CentOS different from Ubuntu?
Pea's thoughtful reminder, the reading time of this article is 5 minutes
The options in Linux seem "endless", because everyone can build Linux by modifying an already released version or a new self-made version (LFS).
Regarding the choice of Linux distribution, we are concerned about factors including user interface, file system, software package distribution, new features, update cycle and maintainability, etc.
In this article, we will talk about two well-known Linux distributions. In fact, we are more about introducing the differences between the two and in which aspects one is better than the other.
**What is CentOS? **
CentOS (Community Enterprise Operating System) is a community-supported cloned Linux distribution that was born out of and compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), so we can consider CentOS to be a free version of RHEL. Each release of CentOS has a 10-year maintenance period, and the release period for each new version is 2 years. On January 8, 2014, CentOS announced that it officially joined Red Hat, managed by the new CentOS board of directors, but still maintains its independence from RHEL.
CentOS history and first release
CentOS was first released in 2004, when it was called CAOs Linux; it was a set of RPM-based distributions maintained and managed by the community.
CentOS combines many aspects including Debian, Red Hat Linux/Fedora, FreeBSD, etc., to enable servers and clusters to work stably for 3 to 5 years. It has a group of open source software developers as its fans and is part of a large organization (CAOS Foundation).
In June 2006, David Parsley announced that TAO Linux (another RHEL clone) developed by him had withdrawn from the stage of history and moved into the development of CentOS. However, his domain transfer will not affect the previous TAO users, because they can use yum update to update the system to migrate to CentOS.
2014 In January of 2011, Red Hat began sponsoring the CentOS project and transferred ownership and trademarks.
CentOS design
To be precise, CentOS is a clone of the paid RHEL (Red Had Enterprise Edition) version. RHEL provides the source code for future CentOS modification and changes (removal of trademarks and logos) and complete the final product.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Debian-based Linux operating system used in many fields such as desktops, servers, smart phones and tablets. Ubuntu is issued by a British company called Canonical Ltd., founded and sponsored by Mark Shuttleworth of South Africa.
Extended reading: 10 things you must do after installing Ubuntu 16.10
Ubuntu design
Ubuntu is an open source distribution created by the joint efforts of developers all over the world. Under the careful management of these years, the interface of Ubuntu has become more and more modern and user-friendly, and the entire system runs more smoothly and securely, and there are thousands of applications available for download.
Since it is based on Debian, it also supports .deb packages, a newer package system, and a more secure snap package format (snappy).
This new packaging system allows distributed applications to meet the required dependencies.
The difference between CentOS and Ubuntu
Ubuntu is based on Debian and CentOS is based on RHEL;
Ubuntu uses .deb and .snap packages, CentOS uses .rpm and flatpak packages;
Ubuntu uses apt to update, CentOS uses yum;
CentOS seems to be more stable because it will not routinely update packages like Ubuntu does, but this does not mean that Ubuntu is not safer than CentOS;
Ubuntu has more documentation and free questions and information support;
The Ubuntu server version supports more cloud services and container deployment.
in conclusion
Regardless of your choice, Ubuntu or CentOS, both are very good and stable releases. If you want a version with a shorter release cycle, then choose Ubuntu; if you want a version that does not change packages frequently, then choose CentOS. Leave a comment below and tell which one you prefer!
