đź“– Introduction #
For newcomers, the Linux ecosystem can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of available distributions—hundreds, in fact. Linux itself is just a kernel, and a distribution packages that kernel with tools, libraries, documentation, and configuration utilities to form a complete operating system.
Among these distributions, CentOS and Ubuntu are two of the most recognized choices. Whether you’re a systems administrator, developer, or enthusiastic learner, you may find yourself deciding between the two. The CentOS vs. Ubuntu debate has persisted for years—and for good reason.
This article gathers widely shared perspectives from the global Linux community to help you understand their differences and choose the one that best fits your needs.
🔍 Overview #
1. Opinion 1: CentOS for Servers, Ubuntu for Personal Desktops #
Both distributions are free and open source. CentOS is built from the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), making it known for its stability and long-term reliability—qualities highly valued in server environments.
Ubuntu, in contrast, was originally designed with ease of use and accessibility in mind. While Ubuntu also offers a server edition, many users associate it with desktops due to its user-friendly installation process and extensive software ecosystem.
Verdict:
- CentOS is often preferred for production servers.
- Ubuntu offers a smoother experience for personal desktops or development machines.
2. Opinion 2: Both Are Strong—Choose Based on Your Use Case #
Your specific scenario matters most.
Ubuntu generally shines on personal computers, not because it is inherently better, but because CentOS intentionally focuses on server workloads.
In many enterprise operations teams—especially those relying on RHEL-compatible ecosystems—CentOS historically held a large share due to its stability and compatibility.
Internationally, usage between CentOS and Ubuntu in servers is almost evenly split, with each having strengths depending on the environment.
One key difference:
- Ubuntu follows a faster, more modern update cycle.
- CentOS traditionally favored stable, slow-moving releases, resulting in older package versions by default.
For example:
- On CentOS, installing a newer Nginx often requires enabling external repositories.
- On Ubuntu, a simple
apt install nginxusually provides an up-to-date version.
3. Opinion 3: Ubuntu for Beginners, CentOS for Production Servers #
Ubuntu is widely regarded as friendlier for beginners thanks to its extensive community support and rich documentation. Even its server edition allows optional GUI installation for users more familiar with desktop environments.
CentOS, on the other hand, has long been favored in enterprise production systems due to its stability and predictable release cycle. Many online server configuration guides are written with CentOS or RHEL in mind.
4. Opinion 4: CentOS Prioritizes Stability, Ubuntu Supports Newer Technologies #
CentOS strengths:
- Exceptional stability
- Strong documentation and enterprise adoption
- Predictable behavior in production
- Ideal for operations and maintenance teams
Its downside:
- Older kernel and package versions
- Slower adoption of new features
Ubuntu strengths:
- More up-to-date kernel
- Faster access to new technologies
- Very developer-friendly
- Popular for containerization and cloud workloads
With the rise of containers—especially Docker—Ubuntu has gained popularity because newer kernels often work better with emerging container technologies.
5. Opinion 5: CentOS as a Enterprise Server OS, Ubuntu as a Desktop OS #
In this view, the division is clear:
- CentOS is engineered for servers—minimal, stable, and production-ready.
- Ubuntu is more aligned with personal usage, similar to consumer operating systems like Windows or macOS.
Minimal CentOS installations include fewer than 700 packages by default—meaning fewer attack surfaces and fewer potential bugs.
Additionally, CentOS has deep RHEL roots. Even large vendors such as Oracle adopted RHEL source code for their own Linux distributions, reflecting a strong endorsement of its stability and quality.
đź“ť Conclusion #
Each perspective above reflects real-world experience from system administrators, developers, and Linux professionals worldwide. The truth is that both CentOS and Ubuntu can serve as excellent server operating systems—your choice should depend on your goals, environment, and comfort level.
For data centers and cloud environments, Ubuntu’s adoption is now comparable to (and in some cases exceeds) CentOS. Meanwhile, if you aim to learn enterprise Linux concepts or pursue certifications such as RHCSA, RHCE, or RHCA, then using RHEL or CentOS is often the most practical path.
Ultimately, try both. Hands-on experience is the best way to decide which distribution suits your workflow and long-term needs.