99.9% Uptime SLA

Ubuntu

User-friendly, versatile, and widely adopted

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution built for usability, wide hardware support, and a strong balance between stability and modern tooling. It works well across desktops, servers, cloud deployments, and developer environments.

Ubuntu logo

Choose Ubuntu if you need

Beginner-friendly experience

Beginner-friendly experience

Regular updates & LTS releases

Regular updates & LTS releases

Broad hardware compatibility

Broad hardware compatibility

Reliable desktop & server performance

Reliable desktop & server performance

Use Cases

When is Ubuntu a Good Choice?

Personal desktops and laptops

Ubuntu’s polished installer and broad hardware support make it an excellent choice for everyday computing, browsing, and media.

Developer workstations and programming environments

With easy access to development tools, package managers, and container platforms, Ubuntu is a natural fit for software engineers.

Production servers, web hosting, and network services

Ubuntu LTS releases provide long-term stability and security, making it widely trusted for production web servers and infrastructure.

Cloud and containerized workloads (Docker, Kubernetes)

Ubuntu is the most popular OS for cloud instances and containers, with first-class support from major cloud providers.

Rapid prototyping and DevOps pipelines

Frequent updates and a rich ecosystem of CI/CD tools make Ubuntu well-suited for fast iteration and automation workflows.

Educational and research environments

Ubuntu’s accessibility and extensive documentation make it a top choice for teaching, learning, and academic research.

Ubuntu Requirements

Ubuntu runs on modest hardware but benefits from extra resources for smooth performance.

Minimum Practical Resources Recommended for Desktop or Server Workload Tips
CPU

1 CPU core

2+ CPU cores

Web servers and cloud deployments: add CPU cores for handling concurrent connections

RAM

1 GB RAM

2–4 GB RAM (4+ GB for GUI desktops)

Desktop: prioritize RAM for GUI performance
Docker hosts: allocate extra RAM for container workloads

SSD (Disk Space)

10 GB storage

20+ GB SSD

Development environments: ensure extra storage for tools and containers

Swipe to view the full table

Ubuntu Packages & Costing

Ubuntu is completely free and open-source. Its official repositories cover thousands of stable packages, while LTS releases ensure long-term reliability. Canonical also offers optional paid support for enterprises seeking professional assistance.

Ubuntu Installation Tips

1

Use the Ubuntu Installer

The graphical or server installer simplifies partitioning, networking, and package selection, making setup straightforward.

2

Update Immediately After Install

Run apt update && apt upgrade -y to apply security patches and bring your system fully up to date.

3

Create a Non-Root User Early

Set up a sudo-enabled user for daily operations to improve security and reduce risk.

4

Install Only Necessary Packages

Avoid bloat by installing software selectively, keeping the system lean and maintainable.

5

Leverage Ubuntu Repositories and PPAs Carefully

Use official repositories for stability; third-party PPAs can provide newer versions but should be vetted for reliability.

Frequently asked questions

How to check Ubuntu version

Run lsb_release -a or cat /etc/os-release in the terminal to see the installed Ubuntu version.

Debian vs Ubuntu: Which is better?

Debian prioritizes stability, while Ubuntu offers user-friendly features, regular updates, and commercial support options. Choose Debian for conservative deployments; Ubuntu for desktops, cloud, or faster iteration cycles.

Is Ubuntu Linux?

Yes—Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian, combining Linux kernel stability with modern features, hardware support, and usability improvements.

Does Ubuntu have a GUI?

Yes—Ubuntu Desktop includes GNOME by default, while Ubuntu Server is minimal but allows optional GUI installations depending on needs.

Should I choose Ubuntu LTS for a VPS?

Usually yes. Ubuntu LTS releases are built for long-lived server deployments and receive five years of standard security updates, which is why they are commonly chosen for production VPS hosting.

What package manager does Ubuntu use on a VPS?

Ubuntu uses apt and the Debian package ecosystem. That makes it easy to install web stacks, developer tooling, databases, and routine security updates on a VPS without needing a specialized workflow.