A Linux distribution is a variant of an open-source Linux operating system that is bundled with other components, including configuration packages, configuration utilities.
Today, there are hundreds of Linux distributions accessible, each targeting particular users or platforms, including desktops, servers, and handheld devices, or wearable systems.
CentOS is an open-source version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It is regarded as being more robust as CentOS has a very long release cycle and it is based on an enterprise solution. Ubuntu on the other hand has a shorter release cycle, shipping more features with every cycle.
Let dive’s into the comparison of these two operating systems.
CentOS
CentOS launched back in 2004 and is a community-supported, business-level operating system. The near relation to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) enabled CentOS to be highly adjustable, safe, and reliable at an enterprise-level making it a secure option for the enterprise world.
The main advantage of CentOs is that all advances in Ret Hat operating system will be integrated into the CentOS operating system.
Historically CentOS was the main operating system that was used in the hosting industry however ubuntu over the years took a big chunk of the market share. Figures show that adoption for Ubuntu has surpassed that of CentOS and more users are opting for Ubuntu to host their website.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an African Zulu word and means “humanity to others.” Ubuntu was created by a private venture called Canonical. The goal of Canonical was to provide a Linux distribution that was more user friendly.
Ubuntu is based on Debian. It ships frequent updates with the latest features and has larger support for hardware. Making it a very popular Linux distribution. Ubuntu has a very large user and developer community and its documentation is more user friendly. It is an ideal platform if you are not an experienced Linux administrator.
CentOS vs Ubuntu Comparison
These two operating systems are fully open source and are available to use. One can use either of the two distributions for managing your server, depending on needs and personal taste. But if you’re a novice, I would recommend that you can go to Ubuntu because it’s easier to use but has plenty of large angles. The Ubuntu server, moreover, has proven to be more effective. The Ubuntu server will be a fantastic alternative if you are operating something on Amazon’s EC2 platform. If you’re a Linux veteran with a clear Red Hat Linux history, go to CentOS. Even, if you are concentrating on providing services for web hosting, CentOS would be an excellent option.
1. Core System
It is one of the key distinctions between the two. Although Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) forks CentOS, Ubuntu is Debian-based.
2. Control of packages
A disparity in package management is expected because both distributions are based on a variety of operating systems. CentOS uses the yum command, while Ubuntu Server downloads and installs packages using apt or apt-get (for older distributions).
The differentiation in security patches could have an influence on which delivery to go for. If you are a user of RHEL, then it may seem very similar to CentOS. If you’re a Debian guy, the same is the case with Ubuntu. Even so, unless you are only getting going with Linux operating systems, it shouldn’t be a problem with the package managers.
3. Protection, continuity, and updates
CentOS has fewer frequent updates, like Ubuntu Server, where we have daily updates and improvements. This trait has rendered the latter more robust than Ubuntu. However, since you can’t even access the latest third-party apps and products from the authorized CentOS repository, it also presents a downside to CentOS.
CentOS comes with SELinux (safety-Enhanced Linux) pre-installed. This is a security feature on Linux distribution kernels, such as CentOS, RHEl, and Fedora Linux. By imposing constraints on how applications are handled on a server, SELinux controls overall server security and specifies how users communicate with sockets, ports, and folders. Also, SELinux controls the installation of software packages.
Ubuntu uses AppArmor (Application Armor). AppArmor is a Kernel Security utility available for Ubuntu, Debian, and OpenSUSE distributions. It handles server protection with the per-application profile limiting application capabilities. Socket connection, internet connectivity, and total security settings (Read, Compose, and implement) can be allowed or refused by each program profile.
4. Cycle Release
Ubuntu has a very short release cycle with a release being shipped out every 6 months. Ubuntu also provides a Long Term Support (LTS) version which is released every two years with up to 5 years of support. This allows you those to choose between two different versions of the operating system either with the latest bells and whistles or a more robusta stable version. So stability is a requirement you can still opt for the LTS version of Ubuntu.
The CentOS release cycle is very long mainly due to the fact that it is backed by a smaller development team and due to the rigorous testing given that the operating system is targeted for the enterprise environment.
CentOS has a ten-year support cycle with CentOS 8 reaching its end of life by the end of June 2024.
5. Products for Web Hosting
Currently, Ubuntu, Debian, and CentOS are common operating systems used for Web Hosting Services. Statistics show that the adoption of Ubuntu of the years has surpassed that of CentOS. Ubuntu servers are now the go-to platform for hosting for small and medium-sized business sites/servers.
6. Deployment Cloud
Both Ubuntu and Centos as supported by the major cloud service providers like Azure and AWS. The Canonical group behind the creation of Ubuntu provides full enterprise support for Kubernetes and has rendered the Ubuntu Server a stable cloud delivery operating system and increased its market influence. In this place, too, CentOS is not far away and is endorsed by the major load providers. Given that the CentOS update cycle is relatively behind you may be restricted on the development libraries supported by the operating system.
Final Thoughts
Ubuntu is developed on the Debian structure, while CentOS is based on the Red Hat Enterprise. CentOS is perceived to be a more robust distribution as it has a long release cycle as is optimized for the enterprise. If you like the Red Hat ecosystem and you want an eCommerce platform with extra long-term support, CentOS is perfect. Ubuntu on the other hand has become the number one choice for small to medium-sized infrastructures that want long-term support as well as the latest features in the operating system.
