Why is Ubuntu Desktop unique compared to Ubuntu Server?

Possibly the most well-known Linux-based operating system is Ubuntu. Unquestionably, it’s among the most well-known. Ubuntu does, however, vary quite a little. There are two distinct iterations of Ubuntu: a stable version and an LTS iteration.

Additionally, Ubuntu is divided into Ubuntu Core, Ubuntu Desktop, and Ubuntu Server. You can read all about how Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop differ here.

Ubuntu Server: What Is It?

Let’s define a server first before comparing the variations between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server.

Tower and rackmount servers are the two most common form factors for servers. In essence, a tower server is a desktop, but its components frequently vary with an emphasis on durability, stability, and security. For instance, desktop computers that aren’t servers don’t employ error code correcting (ECC) RAM, while tower servers do.

Furthermore, servers may not come with accessories like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. A “headless” setup is one in which a server is operated without any peripherals. The operating system, server software (such as Apache for hosting websites and CUPS print server), and security software make up a server’s software stack.

So, based on Ubuntu, Ubuntu Server is an operating system for a server machine. It is a condensed version of the Ubuntu Desktop that comes pre-installed with all the equipment needed to set up and manage a server system.

Ubuntu Server: Is it free?

Yes. Ubuntu Server is accessible for free both to download and to use. However, if you’re using it for commercial purposes and can’t afford downtime concerns, the developers offer subscription-based support packages.

There is also the choice to handle server support internally if it is more appealing to you. Every potential issue and its corresponding solutions are covered in documents and debates in the Ubuntu Community resource.

The Distinction Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server are different.

The differences between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server can be understood through a number of differences.

1. A graphical user interface is absent

The desktop environment is the primary distinction between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server. Ubuntu Server lacks a graphical user interface (GUI), although Ubuntu Desktop provides.

It’s because most servers operate without a head. What does this signify, though? They do, however, function without the standard keyboard, mouse, and monitor arrangement that enables user interaction with the computer. Instead, SSH is typically used to remotely manage servers. SSH is a built-in feature of Unix-based operating systems, but it may as easily be used on Windows.

Many Linux server operating systems lack a GUI, despite the fact that some of them have desktop environments. Therefore, Ubuntu Desktop install a desktop environment and presupposes that your computer uses video outputs. While Ubuntu Server is devoid of a GUI. But you can always install a GUI in your Ubuntu Server by following a few straightforward steps.

2. Various Programs on Ubuntu Desktop and Server

Ubuntu Desktop includes programmes designed for everyday usage, including a web browser, multimedia software, and an office productivity suite.

Ubuntu Server, on the other hand, offers a unique collection of packages. These programmes concentrate on server needs. Thus, Ubuntu Server may function as a Samba server, web server, email server, and file server. Bind9 and Apache2 are examples of particular packages. Ubuntu Desktop apps are designed for usage on the host system, whereas Ubuntu Server packages are more concerned with security and establishing connections with customers.

3. Desktop vs Server Installation in Ubuntu

Ubuntu Server’s installation is different from Ubuntu Desktop’s since it doesn’t have a GUI. Installing Ubuntu Desktop is similar to installing any other piece of software. However, Ubuntu Server offers a process-driven menu, which gives you greater control over how you want the foundational system to operate.

4. Performance of Ubuntu Server vs Desktop

Ubuntu Server may have faster system performance because it doesn’t come with a GUI by default. Since there is no desktop environment to control, this is true. In order to assign resources to server tasks.

In reality, though, this isn’t always the case. For instance, you might slow down the machine by installing server software that uses a lot of resources. On the other hand, you might only use Ubuntu Desktop for word processing.

When Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop are installed with the default settings on two identical machines, the server will always run better than the desktop. But things alter when software is involved.

Ubuntu Server and Desktop: The Similarities

The transition from using Ubuntu Desktop to Ubuntu Server shouldn’t be entirely unfamiliar. If you’ve used the command line and SSH before, Ubuntu Server should at the very least seem familiar. The kernel and support are two more noteworthy commonalities. The same kernel build and developer support are used by Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop.

Are the kernels used by Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server different?

No. Both the server and desktop versions of Ubuntu use the same kernel as of version 12.04. As a result, either variation can have any package added to it. It implies that, despite the fact that the default instals vary, you may adjust your Ubuntu flavour accordingly.

Therefore, if you decide you can’t operate it headless, you may start with Ubuntu Server and add a desktop environment afterwards. As an alternative, you may start with Ubuntu Desktop and add the server-building packages from there. Differences in default installation do not prevent the installation of future software packages because Ubuntu Server and Desktop use the same core Ubuntu kernel.

Is there a difference between the Ubuntu Server and Desktop Editions in terms of support?

No once again. Before Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, the support cycle for Ubuntu Desktop versions was three years. The five-year support cycle was advantageous for their server counterparts.

Ubuntu Desktop and Server versions now have a five-year support cycle as of the release of 12.04 LTS.

Which Should You Use: Ubuntu Desktop or Ubuntu Server?

After weighing the differences and similarities, the crucial decision is whether to utilise Ubuntu Desktop or Ubuntu Server. Either Ubuntu Server or Ubuntu Desktop should work as a server as long as you’re running an LTS version of the operating system.

The two still differ mostly in terms of GUI and default packages. However, as both editions of Ubuntu use the same kernel, the same packages may be installed.

Utilizing Ubuntu Desktop

If you want to use your computer every day, you should use Ubuntu Desktop. Numerous multimedia and productivity programmes are included. There is a GUI, and setup is not too difficult. Additionally, you may use Ubuntu Desktop as a server by installing server software.

You could, for instance, run Ubuntu Desktop on a low-power Lenovo ThinkServer TS140. You have the choice of using the desktop environment by connecting a monitor.

With Linux media server software, you may turn an Ubuntu Server into a home theatre PC (HTPC). Plex and Subsonic are also suitable solutions in this case. Instead of utilising Ubuntu Server, you might construct a Linux gaming server by using Ubuntu Desktop.

Utilizing Ubuntu Server

Servers benefit most from Ubuntu Server. That might appear evident. But not all servers are created equal, just as there are rackmount and tower servers. If you intend to operate your server headlessly, you should choose Ubuntu Server over Ubuntu Desktop. Given that the two versions of Ubuntu share the same basic kernel, you can always install a GUI later.

Furthermore, Ubuntu Server works best on particular types of servers when the packages are present. When building an email server or web server, for instance, you may take Ubuntu Server into account.

Choose the one that will need the least amount of work for your project. Use the server and install a desktop environment if Ubuntu Server has the packages you require. You must have a GUI, but you also require server software that isn’t part of the standard Server installation. Use Ubuntu Desktop and install the required applications, then.

Ubuntu Server is capable of handling the majority of your hosting needs, but if you want to run a server for a considerable amount of time, you should research different server distributions and see which works best for you.

Describe Ubuntu Core

If you’re trying to decide whether to install Ubuntu Core or Ubuntu Server, you might be wondering how they vary from one another. But now that you are familiar with Ubuntu Server, you’ll find it simple to comprehend the differences.

Ubuntu Server vs Ubuntu Core

A simplified version of Linux called Ubuntu Core is designed for embedded device projects, such as an IoT device or a smart home project. Despite the fact that Ubuntu Core can work as a server, it isn’t a server in the same sense that a system running Ubuntu Server is. On a server or desktop computer, Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop are preferable choices, thus you should avoid using Ubuntu Core.

Make a wise decision. Ubuntu Desktop and Server in comparison

In the end, it’s not as straightforward as using Ubuntu Desktop for a desktop and Ubuntu Server for a server. Think about your requirements as well as the effort required to set up your equipment. Ubuntu Server could be unnecessary if you’re operating a media server. Ubuntu Desktop should be installed on a desktop designed for general use.

Your choice will essentially come down to whatever solution requires the easiest initial setup. But familiarity is also something to take into account. Use Ubuntu Desktop if you’re configuring a server and feel uneasy without the GUI. Making a server may seem difficult, but getting started with a desktop environment might make this effort less difficult.