Ubuntu Server Vs Ubuntu Desktop| Which One Reigns Supreme?

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Ubuntu leaves no stone unturned! This popular Linux distribution offers a different version for every need. Two of the most popular versions are Ubuntu desktop and Ubuntu server which can confuse us when deciding. The core foundation of them is similar, but they perform different tasks. Choosing a Ubuntu desktop or Ubuntu server is a hard decision to make, especially when we’re thinking about using Ubuntu for our next project or personal use. But if you realize your preferences and purposes as well as their benefits and differences, you can make the best decision. We make this process easy for you in this blog post. We'll take a close look at Ubuntu Server Vs Ubuntu Desktop, their differences, and their similarities. In the end, you can choose the best option. 

What is Ubuntu Server?

Before talking about Ubuntu Desktop vs Ubuntu Server and their differences, you should know what a server is. servers usually operate without peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, or mouse, in what’s known as a "headless" setup. The software stack for a server includes the operating system, server-specific software (such as Apache for web hosting or CUPS for print management), and security tools.

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Now, you may know what an Ubuntu server can be! This is a version of Ubuntu designed specifically for server environments. It’s a streamlined version of Ubuntu Desktop, featuring the essential tools to configure and maintain a server. Unlike desktop operating systems, servers are designed to provide resources and services to other devices on a network, such as hosting websites, applications, and databases.

What is Ubuntu Desktop?

On the other hand, Ubuntu Desktop includes a fully open-source graphical user interface (GUI).  It is also a Linux-based operating system, similar to Ubuntu Server, but with this key difference. Essentially, Ubuntu Desktop functions as a host machine equipped with a suite of office productivity tools and multimedia applications, such as VLC, Spotify, Chromium, Firefox, and many others. That`s why it is ideal for general computing and entertainment purposes.

Key Differences of Ubuntu Server Vs Ubuntu Desktop

We prepared a table including all the differences between Ubuntu server and Ubuntu desktop. For a quick understanding, take a look at the following table. After that, we explain more about the main differences. 

Ok, now you have a general understanding of the differences between Ubuntu server and Ubuntu desktop. Now let`s take a more detailed look at the main differences for better comprehension. 

1- Graphical User Interface

This is the most notable difference between the Ubuntu server vs Ubuntu desktop. Ubuntu Desktop offers a user-friendly GUI, whereas Ubuntu Server is usually headless, which means it runs without a keyboard, mouse, or monitor and is operated remotely via SSH.

Although Ubuntu Server does not offer a GUI by default, one can be installed manually if necessary. However, most server environments do not require a GUI because it consumes system resources that may be used for server duties.

2- Different Applications 

Ubuntu Desktop comes pre-installed with a wide range of applications suited for general use, such as:

• Firefox Web Browser
• LibreOffice Suite
• Nautilus File Manager
• Thunderbird Email Client
• Multimedia apps (VLC, etc.)
• Basic utilities like Calculator and Calendar

These applications are designed for productivity, media consumption, and personal use on the local machine.

Ubuntu Server, on the other hand, includes packages geared toward server functionality, such as:

• OpenSSH server (for remote access)
• LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP)
• DNS server
• Samba file server
• PostgreSQL database

These applications focus on enabling the server to manage client connections, host websites, run databases, and handle file sharing. Since Ubuntu Server is free of GUI-related bloatware, it offers better performance for server tasks.

3- Installation Process

The installation process differs significantly between the two editions. Ubuntu Desktop installation is user-friendly, much like any other desktop OS installation, featuring a GUI and easy-to-follow prompts.

Ubuntu Server installation, however, is more command-driven. It offers a text-based menu system where you can customize the base system according to your specific needs.

4- Performance

Because Ubuntu Server doesn’t include a desktop environment, it generally delivers better system performance compared to Ubuntu Desktop. Without the overhead of managing a GUI, more system resources are available for server tasks, such as hosting websites or running databases.

However, resource usage can vary depending on what software you run. For instance, if you're running resource-heavy applications on either the server or desktop version, performance can be affected accordingly.

5- Memory Footprint

• Ubuntu Desktop: The ISO image for Ubuntu Desktop is large (4.6GB for version 22.04), owing to the numerous bundled software packages, libraries, and utilities. It also consumes more disk space.
• Ubuntu Server: The Ubuntu Server ISO is much smaller (1.8GB for 22.04) due to its minimalist nature, offering only essential software for server tasks.

6- System Requirements

Ubuntu Server has lower system requirements due to its stripped-down, lightweight nature:

• 1 GHz CPU or higher
• 1 GB RAM or more
• 4 GB hard drive space

Ubuntu Desktop requires more robust hardware, mainly due to the GUI and additional software:

• 2 GHz CPU or higher
• 4 GB RAM or more
• GPU: VGA capable of 1024×768 resolution
• 25 GB hard drive space

This makes Ubuntu Server ideal for environments with limited hardware resources, while Ubuntu Desktop is better suited for personal or office use, where a GUI is essential.

Similarities Between Ubuntu Desktop and Server

While Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server are designed for different purposes, using Ubuntu Server shouldn’t feel entirely unfamiliar if you have experience with the command line and SSH. Both versions share core components and features, making the transition between them relatively smooth. Key similarities include the kernel, support, and software management.

1- Shared Kernel

Both Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop are based on the same Linux kernel, which provides a consistent foundation for their functioning. This shared kernel ensures that both editions receive the same performance, security upgrades, and device compatibility. Since Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, both versions have used a uniform kernel build, allowing users to take advantage of the most recent advances in kernel technology.

Also, users can upgrade the kernel in both the Ubuntu Server and Desktop to ensure compatibility with emerging technologies and solve special requirements. This guarantees that your Ubuntu setup is up to date and ready to manage changing workloads.

2- Package Management

Both editions utilize the APT package manager for installing, updating, and managing software packages. APT handles dependencies efficiently in both Ubuntu Desktop and Server. While Ubuntu Desktop also includes a GUI-based package manager like Software Center or Gdebi, users can manage packages in either edition via the command line using apt-get or snap.

3- Ubuntu Repositories

Ubuntu Desktop and Server share the same software repositories, including the Main, Multiverse, Universe, and Restricted repositories. This allows users to install the same applications and software across both editions without compatibility issues.

4- Security Updates and Support

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, offers consistent support for both Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop. Both editions receive regular security patches, upgrades, and bug fixes to keep them secure and up to date. One of the primary advantages of Ubuntu is its Long-Term Support (LTS) release model. LTS releases are supported for five years, ensuring that users have a stable and trustworthy platform for an extended period of time. This ensures that important security updates and continuous improvement are given throughout the maintenance cycle. 

Canonical's commitment to Ubuntu Server and Desktop illustrates its desire to offer a dependable and secure operating system for users of all skill levels.

5- Cross-Platform Compatibility

Applications designed for Ubuntu Desktop can generally run on Ubuntu Server without modification, and vice versa. This shared compatibility allows users to move between the two versions easily and facilitates the interoperability of applications across different environments.

These similarities highlight the shared foundation of Ubuntu Desktop and Server, making it easier for users to work with both editions. Whether you're using Ubuntu Desktop for personal computing or Ubuntu Server for hosting services, both share common tools, resources and support that unify the experience.

Ubuntu Server vs. Desktop: Which One Should You Use?

Both can function as a server, especially when using an LTS version of Ubuntu. The primary distinctions lie in the presence of a GUI and the default packages, but since both share the same kernel, you can install similar software packages on either version.

Ubuntu Server: Optimized for Server Environments

Ubuntu Server is planned explicitly for server conditions, focusing on execution and asset productivity. Its headless activity, which takes out the requirement for a graphical UI, permits it to distribute the greatest framework assets to server undertakings. As a result, it is the best option for running servers without a graphical user interface. Ubuntu Server comes pre-installed with the necessary packages for common server types like database, email, and web servers. You can quickly get your server up and running with this streamlined approach, which makes the setup process easier.

If your goal is to create a server-focused environment, such as hosting websites or running containers like Docker and Kubernetes, Ubuntu Server is the better option. Its minimal setup ensures optimal performance and stability for resource-intensive applications.

Ubuntu Desktop: Your Everyday Companion

Ubuntu Desktop is a great option if you want a desktop operating system that works reliably and is easy to use for everyday tasks. It is ideal for personal computing, media creation, web browsing, office productivity, and more due to its abundance of pre-installed applications. Whether you're dealing with records, altering photographs, or just partaking in your #1 sites, Ubuntu Work area gives a smooth and natural experience. However, if you need server functionality along with a GUI, you can install server packages on Ubuntu Desktop or add a desktop environment to Ubuntu Server.

As a result:

1. Go with Ubuntu Server if you need a lightweight, efficient solution for headless servers or specific server configurations like web hosting or microservices. For mission-critical applications, Ubuntu Server is recommended due to its performance, stability, and efficient use of resources.
2. Choose Ubuntu Desktop if your priority is a desktop OS with built-in applications and a GUI but want the flexibility to add server features as needed. 

Conclusion

In the end, it all comes down to what your particular project needs. On the off chance that Ubuntu Server possesses all the necessary qualities, use it and add a GUI if important. In the situation that you really want an easy-to-understand interface yet, in addition, require server capacities, the Ubuntu Work area will turn out only great with the right designs.