Debian vs Ubuntu: Which Linux Distro is Right for You?

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ZDNET Highlights

• Debian and Ubuntu are similar, but they are not the same
• Debian is more stable, and Ubuntu is easier to use.
• I would only recommend one of them to users new to Linux.

Ubuntu is based on Debian, and hundreds of distributions are based on Ubuntu. They are both known for their stability.

However, Ubuntu and Debian are not the same.

Which one should you choose?

I have been using Ubuntu-based distributions for a very long time. Currently, my distribution of choice is Pop!_OS, but I have also used Zorin OS, Elementary OS, Ubuntu, Bodhi Linux, Linux Mint, and many others.

Given that Debian is often referred to as the “mother of all distributions”, it would seem logical to think that these Ubuntu-based distros are similar enough to be interchangeable.

This is not the case.

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Debian and Ubuntu have enough differences that make each the best choice for some users.

Let’s dive into it.

Debian: who is it for?

Debian serves as the basis for the distribution that underpins many others. Like Ubuntu, Debian uses the apt package manager, the systemd init service, the AppArmor access control system, and features an easy graphical installer.

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From there, the similarities begin to fade.

slow speed

The biggest difference between Debian and Ubuntu is the speed of their releases. While Ubuntu benefits from a release cycle of every six months, Debian has no fixed schedule for releases. The Debian development team aims to release a new iteration every two years.

One reason for this slow pace is that developers do a lot of software testing to ensure that releases are as stable as possible. This is why Debian has the reputation of being one of the most stable operating systems on the market.

The problem with such a release cycle is that you end up with software that feels “old” – but really isn’t. Although a lot of the software that comes with a Debian release isn’t the latest-great, it’s still very viable (and still supported). In other words, Debian only includes software packages that are still receiving updates.

a little more safe

By nature, Linux is a very secure operating system, and Debian benefits from this. However, unlike so many distributions that automatically add your user (created during installation) to the sudo group (for administrator use), Debian does not do this.

To run administrator tasks in Debian, you must do so via the root user.

Some consider this an unnecessary step; However, it adds a little more security to the system. Since standard users are not part of the Administrators group, if a malicious user gains access to the system, they can only cause harm through the root account. As long as you’ve assigned a very strong/unique password to the root user, the chances of this happening are greatly reduced.

limited package management

Unlike Ubuntu, Debian does not ship with one of the universal package managers (Snap or Flatpak), which means apt is your tool for installing packages. However, you can install either (or both) Snap or Flatpak if you prefer.

There are several reasons for not including a universal package manager, including philosophical differences, concerns about performance and disk space, and belief in the power of APT.

This means that, out of the box, you have fewer apps that can be installed (especially those of a proprietary nature). However, as I mentioned, you can always install one or both.

Is Debian Right for You?

As I said, Debian is one of the most stable operating systems available. If you want unmatched stability in your OS, Debian is the way to go.

However, if you are new to Linux, Debian may not be the best choice. Not only do you have to deal with the root user account, but you also have to take care of some additional tasks, some of which may involve the command line.

My opinion of Debian is that it is for people who like Ubuntu but have grown tired of the simplicity and want a distribution that uses a more traditional approach to package management. Some may say that Debian is best suited for administrators, but I consider it a great option for those who have set their sights on Ubuntu and are looking for something more “old school”.

Ubuntu: who is it for?

Ubuntu is based on Debian; However, on the surface, you would think they were two completely different distributions. Interestingly, both distributions use the GNOME desktop environment. However, Canonical (the maintainer of Ubuntu) takes GNOME and changes it until it barely resembles the original.

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Ubuntu adds a side panel to the mix, so it resembles the Unity desktop that the distribution once used. For many, that side panel may raise eyebrows, but it’s still as user-friendly as any bottom panel on the market.

release schedule

Unlike Debian, Ubuntu’s release schedule is much more robust. Like clockwork, you can count on a new release of Ubuntu every six months. April (.04) and October (.10), and developers rarely forget release dates.

Then there are long term support (LTS) and short term support (STS) releases. LTS releases enjoy very long support windows (up to 15 years), while STS releases get around nine months of support. I would always recommend LTS releases, unless you always want the newest.

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When you compare that to the five years it’s taken a Debian LTS release, Ubuntu suddenly looks like the better choice. But then again, are you? In fact Would you keep the same operating system on your computer for 15 years?

I doubt it.

The point is – you can.

package, package, package

Out of the box, Ubuntu uses the APT package manager, but it also includes the Snap Universal Package Manager. This means you have more resources to install software. Some members of the Linux community do not enjoy this, as they prefer to use the traditional package manager, Apt.

These are the most common complaints about SNAP packages:

• Slow to install.
• Slow to start up.
• Take too much RAM.
• Use too much disk space.
• Auto-update itself without asking.

On the other hand, Snap packages make it easier to install some proprietary apps on Linux, and add an extra layer of security to isolate them from each other.

Hardware

Finally, Ubuntu offers the best hardware detection available. This is primarily due to the inclusion of the HWE (Hardware Enablement) kernel, which provides support for significantly more modern hardware.

Debian uses a more traditional kernel, and due to its release cycle, the shipped kernel may appear somewhat out of date.

I have yet to install a modern Ubuntu release on a desktop or laptop that failed to recognize the hardware.

Is Ubuntu Right for You?

What is more important to you: ease of use or stability?

If stability is your priority, choose Debian. If ease of use is your primary concern, consider Ubuntu.

This doesn’t mean that Ubuntu isn’t stable or that Debian isn’t easy to use; However, when you compare the two, those issues come to the fore. Yes, Ubuntu is stable, but not as stable as Debian. Yes, Debian is easy to use, but not as easy as Ubuntu.

Debian and Ubuntu are both excellent operating systems, but I would recommend only one of them for people new to Linux – Ubuntu.