CentOS vs Ubuntu: Which One to Choose for Your Web Server?

CentOS vs Ubuntu: Key Differences for Your VPS Server

In this comparison between CentOS and Ubuntu, we’ll explore the essential features of both Linux distributions, helping you choose the right operating system for your VPS web server.

Choosing an operating system for your server can be tricky due to the wide array of available options, especially if you’re considering a Linux distribution. While there are many choices, none are as widely recognized as Ubuntu and CentOS.

Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, the decision usually comes down to these two options. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but in this article, we aim to compare CentOS vs Ubuntu to help determine which might be the best fit for setting up your VPS plans.

Before diving into the differences, let’s look at brief descriptions of each.

What is CentOS?

CentOS is an open-source Linux distribution. Many consider it a clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), which is widely used in the corporate IT world. CentOS is a community-supported enterprise-grade operating system, first released in 2004.

Its close similarity to RHEL allows you to develop on one of the best Linux distributions available. Some might say this gives CentOS an edge over Ubuntu.

It is highly customizable, secure, and stable—qualities that are especially important for servers. CentOS’ strong ties to RHEL have ensured it receives enterprise-level security updates, making it a reliable choice for any user.

Important: CentOS Linux 8 reached its End of Life (EOL) on December 31, 2021. CentOS Linux 7 is still supported but will reach EOL on June 30, 2024. Keep this in mind when choosing this OS. More information is available on the official CentOS website.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is based on the Debian architecture and has been a favorite for both personal and professional use since its initial release in 2004. It’s open-source and receives frequent updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Ubuntu comes loaded with a rich set of packages and features capable of meeting the requirements of almost any project.

Ubuntu includes a vast range of applications—the Ubuntu Software Center alone offers over 40,000 apps! The OS is highly customizable and comes with top-notch security features.

Key Differences Between CentOS and Ubuntu

Let’s now highlight the main differences between Ubuntu and CentOS:

• Architecture: Ubuntu is based on Debian, while CentOS derives from Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

• Package Management: Ubuntu uses DEB packages with the apt-get package manager, whereas CentOS uses RPM packages with the yum command from the central repository.

• Stability: CentOS is generally considered more stable than Ubuntu because its packages are updated less frequently. However, this can also be a drawback if you need the latest software versions, which would require manual installation. Ubuntu, while slightly less stable, is still secure and reliable.

• Community and Resources: Ubuntu has a larger community, more tutorials, and better documentation than CentOS, making it easier to troubleshoot problems.

• Cloud and Container Support: Ubuntu excels in cloud and container deployments, giving it an advantage in modern infrastructure setups.

• Beginner-Friendliness: Beginners may find Ubuntu easier to manage since its desktop environment is widely known, while CentOS can be more challenging initially due to its RHEL-based environment.

  
  

Recommendations

• For Beginners: Choose Ubuntu. Its larger community, abundant tutorials, frequent updates, and familiar desktop environment make it ideal for newcomers. CentOS is still viable but may pose learning challenges initially.

• For Business Owners: CentOS is often the preferred choice for stability and security due to its less frequent updates. It also supports cPanel, which Ubuntu does not. Ubuntu has advantages too, but there may be situations where rolling back to an older version is necessary after a buggy update.

Ubuntu	CentOS
Based on Debian	Based on RHEL
Frequently updated	Rarely updated
No support for cPanel (has alternatives)	Supports cPanel/WHM
Larger user and developer community	Smaller user and developer community
More help available in the form of free tutorials and guides	Less help available
Easier to learn for beginners who have used Ubuntu desktop in the past	Harder for beginners to learn since there aren’t many well-known desktop distributions released by RHEL
.deb packages installed using the apt-get package manager	.rpm packages installed using the yum package manager

By understanding these key differences, you can make a more informed decision when selecting the operating system for your VPS server. Whether you prioritize beginner-friendliness or enterprise-grade stability, both Ubuntu and CentOS have strengths that cater to different needs.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful! 🚀 Remember, don’t hesitate to ask questions on the HolyHosting Discord or contact our support team.

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Stuffy @ HolyHosting