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

In this comparison between CentOS and Ubuntu, we will analyze the key features of both Linux distributions, which will help you choose the right operating system for your VPS web server.

Choosing an operating system for your server can be a confusing task due to the wide list of available options, especially if you want to opt for a Linux distribution. There are many options, but none as famous as Ubuntu or CentOS.

Whether you are a professional or a beginner, it usually comes down to choosing between these two options. It is safe to say there is no straightforward decision. In this article, we aim to compare CentOS vs Ubuntu with the goal of determining which might be the best option when setting up VPS plans.

Before we begin highlighting the differences between these two well-matched competitors, let us take a look at brief descriptions.

What is CentOS?

CentOS is an open-source Linux distribution. Many consider it a replica of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), which is widely used in the corporate IT world. CentOS is a community-backed enterprise-class 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 already gives CentOS an advantage over

Ubuntu.

It is highly customizable, secure and stable, which is something to appreciate as well. The close relationship with RHEL allowed CentOS to receive several enterprise-level security updates, making it a safe choice for any user.

Important! CentOS Linux 8 has reached its End of Life (EOL) on December 31, 2021.

While CentOS Linux 7 is still supported, it will reach EOL on June 30, 2024. We recommend keeping this in mind when choosing this operating system. You can learn more on their official website.

What is Ubuntu?

Based on the Debian architecture, Ubuntu has been a favorite for both personal and professional use since its initial release in 2004. It is open-source and receives frequent updates to fix any identified bugs. It comes loaded with a rich set of package groups and features capable of meeting the requirements of any project.

Ubuntu comes with a large number of applications. The Ubuntu Software Center has over 40,000 applications available! Additionally, the operating system is highly customizable and has top-notch security features.

Main Differences Between CentOS and Ubuntu:

Now then, let us look at the differences between Ubuntu and CentOS:

The biggest difference between the two Linux distributions is that Ubuntu is based on the Debian architecture, while CentOS is derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

In Ubuntu, you can download DEB packages using the apt-get package manager. Meanwhile, in CentOS, you must use the yum command to download and install RPM packages from the central repository.

CentOS is considered a more stable distribution compared to Ubuntu, mainly because package updates are less frequent. This can also be a disadvantage of CentOS. If you want the latest version of a specific application or software, you will need to install them manually.

This does not mean that Ubuntu is unstable or insecure; it is simply slightly less stable compared to its counterpart.

Ubuntu has the advantage when it comes to tutorials, online communities and books.

Finding solutions to problems in Ubuntu is much easier than in CentOS due to its smaller community and less available documentation.

Ubuntu Server has great support for container and cloud deployments, making it superior to CentOS in this area.

If you are a beginner, running CentOS on your server may be a bit more difficult, as RHEL-based desktop distributions are not as widely used. On the other hand, the Ubuntu desktop is quite well-known and if you have used it in the past, getting familiar with an Ubuntu VPS server will not take long.

These are the main differences between the two best Linux distributions, and it is not safe to choose one as the best for all users. Choosing the right operating system will require a close evaluation of the pros and cons of both, as well as an analysis of the user's requirements and needs. That said, here are our recommendations:

- If you are a beginner: Go with Ubuntu because it has a larger community, a wider pool of free tutorials and more frequent updates to help you stay up to date. Additionally, if you have used the Ubuntu desktop in the past, you will not find a real learning curve when starting with an Ubuntu server. CentOS is also a viable option, but it may present some learning obstacles at first if you are a newcomer.

- If you are a business owner: CentOS is the ideal choice between the two, as it is (arguably) more secure and stable than Ubuntu, due to the lower frequency of its updates. Ubuntu also has its pros, but there may be situations where you have to revert to old versions due to a new buggy update. Additionally, CentOS also has cPanel support, something Ubuntu does not have.

Conclusion:

To conclude this comparison between CentOS and Ubuntu, both are famous and are two of the best Linux distributions that have their own pros and cons. Choosing one is an easy task if you consider your requirements and are willing to make certain compromises. The goal of this article was to provide a comprehensive overview of the differences between these two Linux distributions to facilitate the decision-making process. If you use HolyHosting, you can try both, as you can reinstall the operating system of a VPS in just a few clicks!