Ubuntu Linux Reviews

Name: Ubuntu Linux
Brand: Canonical
Rating: 4.3 (139 reviews)

Vendor: Canonical

4.3 out of 5

139 reviews
95% willing to recommend

1,281 followers

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What is Ubuntu Linux?

Ubuntu Linux is an powerful, easy-to-use, customizable, free, and safe open-source operating system. Some of the world’s top tech corporations, like Intel and Microsoft, rely on Ubuntu Linux to power their operations. It is an operating system that is so trusted by the tech community that it comes pre-installed on global computer vendors like HP and Dell. It is therefore little wonder that Ubuntu Desktop is the world’s most widely-used Linux workstation platform.

Get the Ubuntu Linux Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Ubuntu Linux, Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and more!

Ubuntu Linux is the #1 ranked solution in top OpenStack solutions and #2 ranked solution in top Operating Systems for Business. PeerSpot users give Ubuntu Linux an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Ubuntu Linux is most commonly compared to Oracle Linux: Ubuntu Linux vs Oracle Linux. Ubuntu Linux is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 59% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 14% of all views.

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Featured reviews

Kevin Haury

Head of mission at CapHornier

Initially, there was nothing complicated. It's easy since I have many years of experience with it. However, if I were a beginner with Linux, it could be completely disruptive compared to Windows. So, I would have to spend some time practicing with Linux to understand how it works and how I can accomplish the same tasks compared to Windows. Maybe one month, at least.

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Franco PaoloCarranza

Founder and CEO at Applied Labs

What I'd like to see included in the next release of Ubuntu Linux is for the interfaces to become richer, so they'll have the capability to absorb traditional and normal technologies. For example, Canonical makes such high-end technologies to run and manage several servers at the same time, but they couldn't succeed because they were focusing all their efforts on just Linux-based systems. If someone starts by providing things to assess and migrate the workloads you have in a data center where you have 200 to 300 Windows instances, you can provide some studies to these executive directors and say: "Today you're spending this money on licensing and operations, and you're getting 40% of your operational performance. If you start running Linux and you move your workloads into Linux, you'll be able to cut costs, and you'll get more out of your operational performance which you can present and provide data to your end customers more quickly and safely." What we need to have is more tools to access the Windows environment of Ubuntu Linux, so we'll be able to say: "These are opportunities for your operational expenditure and cost cutting. These can help make your company better and allow you to provide more data to your customers more quickly." Having more tools in the next release that can help provide information to executives: letting them know that there's money waiting in those opportunities for migration and change, is what I'd like to see.

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AtulChaurasia

Operational Technical Security at Metro Bank

Ubuntu improves its products every year. Earlier, the GUI was not good, so Ubuntu improved it. They have removed the complexity of the software. My recommendation depends on people’s use cases. If someone wants to test something that is more stable on Ubuntu, they can use the solution. They can use other Linux flavors like Red Hat, too. Overall, I rate the solution an eight or nine out of ten.

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Ubuntu Linux mindshare

As of January 2025, the mindshare of Ubuntu Linux in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category stands at 16.8%, down from 23.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Operating Systems (OS) for Business	Jan 29, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jan 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	Ubuntu Linux vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)	Jan 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	Ubuntu Linux vs Oracle Linux	Jan 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	Ubuntu Linux vs Windows Server	Jan 29, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Oracle Linux	4.2	14.5%	92%	112 interviews Add to research
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)	4.4	11.8%	97%	268 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Ubuntu Linux is appreciated for its built-in security minimizing virus concerns and its open-source nature offering freedom and flexibility. Users value the speed, stability, and easy upgrades without reinstallation. Its large community supports troubleshooting. Its user-friendly interface is praised, making it ideal for beginners. Canonical's package management is efficient. Comprehensive documentation aids use. Users value its customization, minimal resource requirement, scalability, and vast software availability. It supports various hardware and is effective for development.

"Overall, I rate this solution ten out of ten."
"The setup cost is free."
"It's an open-source and free platform, which makes it accessible and useful."

Room for Improvement

Users express a need for better support for Windows applications, particularly 3D games. They discuss challenges with system management tools compared to other distributions. The user interface and stability require enhancement. Users desire improved hardware support, especially for drivers and multiple display setups. They mention integration issues with Microsoft products and note that the user interface could be more user-friendly. Users also point out that automation, security, and application availability could be improved.

"There were stability issues at specific times."
"There were stability issues at specific times."
"One thing I've noticed is network connectivity issues where packets are sometimes lost."

ROI

Organizations report high ROI with Ubuntu Linux, primarily due to zero cost for acquisition and support. Older equipment remains operational for several more years, contributing to significant savings. Companies note the stability and usefulness in managing data-intensive processes. Ubuntu Linux requires no financial investment for download and use, enhancing profitability. Users find it a highly valuable tool that performs essential tasks efficiently, emphasizing its substantial return on investment.

Pricing

Ubuntu Linux is open-source and free to use, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses. While no licensing fees are required, enterprises can choose to pay for support services and packages depending on specific requirements. Many users leverage its free nature to manage systems independently, though subscriptions for enterprise-level support and additional services are available. This flexibility makes Ubuntu an attractive option for organizations seeking low-cost infrastructure solutions.

"Ubuntu is essentially free to download and use, making it accessible to anyone without the need for licensing costs."
"Ubuntu Linux is an open-source operating system."
"We don't pay a licensing fee for the solution."

Popular Use Cases

Ubuntu Linux is extensively used as an operating system for running applications, managing servers, and supporting infrastructure tasks. Many organizations deploy it for teaching, research, software development, network management, testing, and data storage. It serves for personal and professional needs, including coding, web servers, cloud solutions, and database hosting. Users appreciate the ease of installation, resource efficiency, and broad compatibility with various applications and environments.

Service and Support

Many users rely on Ubuntu Linux's community support and online resources instead of official technical support. Documentation, forums, and community platforms provide extensive assistance, often resolving issues without paid services. Users find adequate solutions via internet searches and community forums like Ask Ubuntu. While some have never used official support, a small number mention responsive support through tickets, highlighting a satisfaction with both community resources and occasional official support interactions.

Deployment

Ubuntu Linux's initial setup is generally straightforward and easy. Users often find installation quick, typically taking around 15 to 30 minutes. Many appreciate the simplicity and user-friendliness, even for those unfamiliar with Linux. While some mention driver complexities or learning curves, especially when compared to Windows, resources and community support help overcome challenges. The setup allows for easy customization and deployment, appealing to both beginners and advanced users.

Scalability

Ubuntu Linux demonstrates strong scalability, effectively accommodating various user loads and infrastructure sizes. Organizations utilizing it appreciate the ease of scaling, often contingent on hardware capacity. Many have seamlessly expanded usage, leveraging its flexibility for both small teams and extensive networks. The open-source nature attracts developers who value cost-effectiveness despite requiring expert administration. For users prioritizing scaling, Ubuntu provides versatile support, integrating well with technologies like containers and cloud services, facilitating significant user and server base expansions.

Stability

Ubuntu Linux is widely considered stable. Users frequently praise its reliability and robust performance, especially with LTS versions. Some note minor issues with specific packages or when used as virtual machines, but many find it more stable than other systems like Windows. Administrators appreciate its resilience and minimal bugs. Occasional glitches are reported, yet long-term users often rate its stability highly, with several expressing contentment with how it handles extensive workloads and diverse server environments.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Ubuntu Linux Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

University

11%

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

Government

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Media Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Non Profit

Hospitality Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Construction Company

Outsourcing Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Legal Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Compare Ubuntu Linux with alternative products

Learn more about Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu Linux comes in a variety of derivatives that enable organizations to select the operating system type that will best meet their needs. There are four derivative types and a number of flavors. The derivative types are:

1. Ubuntu Desktop. As indicated by the name, this derivative is specifically designed to run on laptops and desktops. That said, it is a solution that can be and is used to power other hardware-based systems, such as servers and data centers. However, without the addition of software that primes it to serve as a server program, it only functions on desktops and, as a result, only runs applications that are meant for general use. These can include applications like web browsers and multimedia programs. Users can install it through a prompt-driven process that plays out on their graphical user interfaces.

2. Ubuntu Server. This version of Ubuntu differs from Ubuntu Desktop in a number of ways. The first is that, as suggested by the product name, it is designed for use on an organization’s servers. It is for this reason that Ubuntu Server supports applications that are more focused on the operations of the server and the network that it runs. This differs from Ubuntu Desktop in that Desktop is basically only concerned with the device that is running it. Their methods of installation also differ, as Ubuntu Server has no graphical user interface. Instead, it is installed by way of a process-driven menu.

3. Ubuntu Core. Ubuntu Core is a stripped-down version of Linux that is specifically designed to handle embedded device projects.

4. Ubuntu Cloud. The designers of Ubuntu Cloud focused on providing users with a highly secure and versatile operating system that they can run on the public cloud.

Ubuntu Linux Benefits

Some of the ways that organizations can benefit by deploying Ubuntu Linux’s open-source operating system include:

Ease of installation and use. Ubuntu Linux is simple for beginners to install and then use. Anyone who has some knowledge of computer systems should be able to deploy Ubuntu Linux. The user interface is as simple to use as those available to users of Windows or macOS.

Customization. Users of Ubuntu Linux have access to many different flavors of the operating system. This enables them to customize it so that it best meets their operational needs.

Operational flexibility. Users can install Ubuntu Linux onto a wide variety of device types. Windows and Mackintosh computers and devices are both fully compatible with this operating system.

Ubuntu Linux Features

Data security. Ubuntu Linux employs various security practices and features that enable users to safeguard their data against malware attacks.

Applications. Users have access to a wide variety of applications that can easily be downloaded for use on Ubuntu.

Hardware autoconfiguration. The hardware drivers that users need in order to configure the hardware correctly so that Ubuntu Linux can be properly installed come built -in to the Ubuntu Linux operating system.

Reviews from Real Users

Ubuntu Linux is an operating system that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Two of its major advantages are the high level of security that it offers applications that run on it and the low level of maintenance that it actually requires system administrators to do once it has been deployed.

Franco P., the founder and CEO of Applied Labs, writes, “When you have this relationship with Linux and you start working with very secure environments, there's less possibility of being directly attacked by a group of hackers. You will lose less data and you will have a more reliable ecosystem.”

The principal cloud architect at a wholesaler and distributor writes, “With Ubuntu Linux, you can set it and forget it. It requires a low amount of administrative overhead.”

Ubuntu Linux was previously known as Ubuntu.