I use Ubuntu Linux just for testing, e.g. as a workstation. I also use it for running some applications.
Infrastructure Security Architect at a comms service provider with 11-50 employees
Stable operating system with a straightforward setup and good patch management
Pros and Cons
- "Linux-based operating system with good stability, good patching, and a straightforward setup."
- "From a stability perspective, Ubuntu Linux is quite stable, which is the reason I'm using it at home for the lab, and when I deploy it, it's quite stable and I don't need to do anything else."
- "Ease of use and ease of deployment could still be improved in this system."
- "The system is already user-friendly, but what could be improved is its ease of deployment."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
Ubuntu Linux is user-friendly. Patching and patch management for the system is also good.
What needs improvement?
The system is already user-friendly, but what could be improved is its ease of deployment. Its ease of use could also be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Ubuntu Linux for more than five years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
From a stability perspective, Ubuntu Linux is quite stable. This is the reason I'm using it at home, e.g. for the lab. When I deploy it, it's quite stable, and I don't need to do anything else.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup for Ubuntu Linux was straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
I implemented the system myself, and it took me less than an hour to deploy it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The Ubuntu Linux version that I use is free. I just download it, install it on a VM, and that's it. It's because I don't require any support, so I don't need to pay.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I evaluated RedHat and Debian.
What other advice do I have?
I have a personal experience with Ubuntu Linux in virtual machines.
The system can be deployed on-premises or on cloud, and this will depend on the testing required. We usually use the latest version of Ubuntu Linux.
I'm not using the system in a production environment, so its scalability is not something I care about.
I have not contacted technical support for Ubuntu Linux. I fix any issues myself, e.g. I go to their website and find the answers online.
I can certainly recommend Ubuntu Linux to other people who may want to start using it.
I'm rating Ubuntu Linux an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Cloud Architect and Team Lead at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Scalable, open-source, and quick installation
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is scalable, it is open-source, and can be developed. You are able to install it on many different systems."
- "I am very satisfied with Ubuntu Linux and I would recommend it to others."
- "Ubuntu Linux could improve by having more out-of-the-box functionality for common plug-and-play devices, such as printers. It's sometimes more difficult to plug-and-play printers with Ubuntu Linux. You need to work a bit and make some drivers work. They need to work a bit on plug-and-play devices."
What is our primary use case?
Ubuntu Linux is an operating system and we use it for day-to-day operations.
What needs improvement?
Ubuntu Linux could improve by having more out-of-the-box functionality for common plug-and-play devices, such as printers. It's sometimes more difficult to plug-and-play printers with Ubuntu Linux. You need to work a bit and make some drivers work. They need to work a bit on plug-and-play devices.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Ubuntu Linux for approximately a few years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable, it is open-source, and can be developed. You are able to install it on many different systems.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have used Debian and Microsoft Windows previously.
How was the initial setup?
The installation of the Ubuntu Linux tool is approximately 10 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
I did the implementation of the solution myself.
What other advice do I have?
I am very satisfied with Ubuntu Linux and I would recommend it to others.
I rate Ubuntu Linux a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Ubuntu Linux
October 2026
Learn what your peers think about Ubuntu Linux. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2026.
921,148 professionals have used our research since 2012.
IP/MPLS Engineer at a comms service provider with 1,001-5,000 employees
Secure and easy to deploy but there needs to easier to access online troubleshooting
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very stable, it's great for security and it is very safe."
- "There aren't enough experts in my country to be able to help troubleshoot or to post answers to problems."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use it for our personal applications. We use it in our day-to-day work.
What is most valuable?
It's easy to deploy. We can deploy it whenever we want.
It's great to use with the Linux system. They work well together.
If you know what you want to program, they make it very easy to do so.
The solution is very stable. It's great for security and it is very safe.
The installation process is simple.
What needs improvement?
We don't have enough information about this system. When we run into problems, we'd like for it to be more clear what a valid solution might be. For example, if I try to deploy a certain technology, I have to look all over the internet to figure out how to accomplish this. There aren't enough experts in my country to be able to help troubleshoot or to post answers to problems. I'm not sure if there are enough domestic or regional experts who know enough about the solution.
The interface could be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used this solution for quite a long time. It's been more than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is quite stable. Its performance is good. There are no bugs or glitches. it doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I'm not sure if the product is scalable. I haven't attempted to scale it and therefore could not accurately comment on that aspect.
We have the solution in different departments and on different servers. In our department, maybe five or six people use it.
How are customer service and support?
We don't get technical support from people. If we need an answer to a problem, we need to seek it out online.
How was the initial setup?
I have found that the solution is
That said, it depends on the type of server that you are using. You need to ensure it has enough resources. The deployment is quick and we were able to do it in 30 minutes or so.
While we have a technical team of about 15 people in our department that can handle deployment and maintenance tasks, there are other departments and other people on different teams that can as well.
What about the implementation team?
I'm quite comfortable with the solution. I can handle the implementation process myself. I did not need the help of any integrators or consultants.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is free to use and free to explore. People can go ahead and discover it and experiment with it.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend the product to other users and other companies. It's a good solution in general.
I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Pre-sales Analyst at Algar Telecom
Dynamic solution with many applications and a user friendly interface
Pros and Cons
- "What makes Ubuntu easy to use is the large set of applications and the interface. The graphical interface is user friendly."
- "When installing software, an online interface has to be used and commands written to run the installation. The solution could be improved if it was possible to click twice in an icon for the installation process to begin."
What is most valuable?
What makes Ubuntu easy to use is the large set of applications and the interface. The graphical interface is user friendly.
What needs improvement?
When installing software, an online interface has to be used and commands written to run the installation. The solution could be improved if it was possible to click twice in an icon for the installation process to begin.
In the next release, I would like to be able to use Microsoft Office within Linux.
For how long have I used the solution?
.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Director, EPS at a healthcare company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Satisfactory performance, free, and easy to install
Pros and Cons
- "Its performance is valuable, and I am satisfied with it."
- "They can improve the interface and give it an appearance similar to the Windows 11 operating system."
What is our primary use case?
I am using it for my personal use. I am mainly using it for some experimental things.
I am using its latest version.
What is most valuable?
Its performance is valuable. I am satisfied with it.
What needs improvement?
They can improve the interface and give it an appearance similar to the Windows 11 operating system.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using it for eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable. We can scale it.
How are customer service and support?
I have never used their support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have used Windows and Unix.
How was the initial setup?
Its initial setup is straightforward. If I remember correctly, it took around 10 to 15 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
I did it on my own.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
On a personal level, I'm using the free version.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend it to others. I would rate it a 10 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Engineer - Cloud and datacenter at a media company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Helpful community for technical support
Pros and Cons
- "It is a widely used and stable solution. Community members can offer support and technical guidance."
- "Ubuntu is very widely used and you can easily get help and technical guidance from community members, and support for the hardware drivers is there."
- "For a broken Ubuntu system, you must do a new installation. There is no existing repair option."
- "One thing that could be improved is that there are no repair options for the existing Ubuntu installation."
What is most valuable?
There aren't exactly any particular features, but in general, it's the most compatible for us.
What needs improvement?
Up until now, I don't have any issues with Ubuntu, but one thing that could be improved is that there are no repair options for the existing Ubuntu installation. You can do a new installation, which is what I've seen, but you can't repair the broken existing installation, or recover from an OS that's broken down.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using it for that past six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is very stable and there are supports for the newer drivers, or support from the community and from the Ubuntu on help documents.
How are customer service and support?
I have not used Ubuntu technical support directly. I've mostly used the community and documents available.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I don't use the enterprise version. I use the open source version, so it doesn't have any licenses.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.
My advice would be that Ubuntu is very widely used and you can easily get help and technical guidance from community members. Support for the hardware drivers are there.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Web Developer at doodleblue
Open-source, free of viruses, and easy to set up
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is free to use and open-source."
- "The solution is stable and does not get infected with viruses."
- "In general, Windows is easier to use and friendlier to deal with than Ubuntu."
- "Windows we can handle by ourselves when it comes to troubleshooting, however, Ubuntu is a bit difficult."
What is our primary use case?
It's very helpful for development. I'm a software developer. Linux is very easy to install a couple of things from the terminal. We can do most of the things from the terminal. It's very useful, in terms of their application in the cloud server. We can install it in the server, in our community server. If I do something in my local machine in the terminal, I can do the same thing in the cloud server. That's why I'm using Linux Ubuntu.
A few years ago, maybe two years ago, we were affected by some kind of encryption virus, a malware virus. It affected most of the Windows system due to the fact that our system was connected with some LAN connection. However, the Linux-based systems were not affected as it's a different OS. In our office, we just removed the Windows thing and put everything over on the Linux OS.
What is most valuable?
It's stable.
The solution is free to use and open-source. There is no license needed, which is actually better, even though I like Windows.
Our cloud server's a Linux-based operating system. I need to deploy my software on our cloud server. I just use Linux on my local server. Whatever I do for my software in my local server, the same needs to happen in the cloud server. That part is easy. I can replicate that software in my cloud server. If I do it in Microsoft Windows in that local development, that is totally different from our cloud server. It will cause issues in our cloud server. That's why I am using Linux in my system.
Linux is virus-free.
The GUI in relation to the initial setup is very simple.
What needs improvement?
If you are in the middle of an update, and things are disrupted, it can cause issues. You need to wait for the update to complete before doing anything.
Windows we can handle by ourselves when it comes to troubleshooting, however, Ubuntu is a bit difficult. We need some other technical person to troubleshoot things for us. It's kind of difficult to maintain as compared to Windows.
In general, Windows is easier to use and friendlier to deal with than Ubuntu.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using the solution for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable and does not get infected with viruses. It's very resilient and the performance is good. I haven't dealt with bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have about 150 people using the tool.
We do plan to increase usage in the future.
How are customer service and support?
Ubuntu has some community over the internet. There is an Ask Ubuntu community online. Whenever I have some problems, I can check through the website and get some solutions. Sometimes it can take a little longer to resolve things if the question doesn't have an answer online.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I'm also familiar with Windows. In many ways it is easier to use, however, it is more prone to viruses and malware, which can be an issue.
How was the initial setup?
This is an open tool. It's easy to install. From the GUI, we can just click next, next, next, and then install.
The process is very simple. It's not overly difficult.
In terms of maintenance and troubleshooting, we do require a more technical person.
What about the implementation team?
I can handle the initial setup myself. I do not need the assistance of any integrators or consultants.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is open-source. It doesn't cost anything to actually use it. You just download it from their website and you can start using it.
What other advice do I have?
Currently, I'm using Ubuntu 20 LTS, 20.04 long-term support.
I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten. I tend to prefer Windows and would recommend it over Unbuntu.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Technical Content Writer at a computer software company with 51-200 employees
Safe and fast but needs a better user interface
Pros and Cons
- "It's offered as open-source, and therefore does not cost anything to use."
- "This solution is ideal for people who want to build safer applications or if their goal is to quickly do their development."
- "Linux does not provide a user-friendly interface."
- "For user interfaces, there are other operating systems such as Windows and Mac that are more user-friendly. Linux does not provide a user-friendly interface."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for running some applications and for various apps or software. It provides integration with operating systems.
What is most valuable?
The solution is stable.
The scalability is good.
In terms of deployment, it's a pretty quick process.
Ubuntu's safe and fast. People have migrated from Windows to Linux due to this.
It's offered as open-source, and therefore does not cost anything to use.
There is a strong community around it that can help with troubleshooting.
What needs improvement?
I don't have many technical insights about the product. I can't speak to what features are missing.
For user interfaces, there are other operating systems such as Windows and Mac that are more user-friendly. Linux does not provide a user-friendly interface.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using the solution for quite a while. It's been five years or so.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good overall. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable. The performance is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution does not need to be scaled.
We have 30 to 35 users on the solution currently.
We might increase usage in the future. However, it's hard to say, as we have many Mac users as well. They would not migrate to Linux Ubuntu.
How are customer service and support?
We've never contacted technical support. It's open-source. There is a growing community around it. The tech support is only available through that community.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward. It's not too difficult or complex.
The deployment takes about 30 or 40 minutes. It's fairly quick.
What about the implementation team?
I can handle the implementation myself. I don't need the help of integrators or consultants.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is open-source. It's free to use. We don't have to pay for it.
What other advice do I have?
We're using the latest version of the solution.
I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten.
This solution is ideal for people who want to build safer applications or if their goal is to quickly do their development. Those types of users should definitely try this system.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Systems Architect at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
You can do everything with a browse
Pros and Cons
- "You can do everything you need to do with a browser."
- "If people are scared of Linux machines they don't need to be, it is as simple as Windows."
- "Could be even more light weight than it currently is."
- "I would like to see an even more lightweight version because I believe it is possible."
What is our primary use case?
I have installed Ubuntu Desktop on my personal laptop.
What is most valuable?
Nowadays, you can do everything with a browser, meaning you don't need a vulnerable, fancy solution like Windows for example.
What needs improvement?
I am aware that they package some versions that are lightweight and are not so process or memory-intensive however, I would like to see an even more lightweight version because I believe it is possible.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have using Ubuntu for about 15 years and intend to increase my usage.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Ubuntu is very stable, I have zero issues.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I used Windows for a very long time, however my specialty has been on Unix systems.
How was the initial setup?
I did the initial setup on my own. It takes about two hours, unattended, as it takes time to update and download.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I do not pay a licensing fee for this operating system.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Ubuntu Linux. If people are scared of Linux machines they don't need to be, it is as simple as Windows. Don't be scared of the fact that it says Linux on the box, it's a desktop in itself.
I would rate Ubuntu Linux an 8 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Director, CTO, Co-Founder at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Stable, scalable and well-priced with an easy and straightforward initial setup and good security
Pros and Cons
- "Ubuntu provides a cheaper and better option, and we use Ubuntu Linux because it is scalable, stable and developer-friendly."
- "It would be nice to see more compatibility with certain Microsoft solutions, such as OneDrive."
What is our primary use case?
I have used versions 16, 18 and 20, mainly the first two.
We mostly use the solution for development purposes and also test it on products before and after their release.
What is most valuable?
The solution has a unique flavor. It is difficult to hack. It has good security features and, from a developer's point of view, provides greater control, including in respect of the processes, internals, networking and IO and voice usage, everything really.
What needs improvement?
While there are not many features which need to be added, we sometimes are forced to resort to Google Drive sync or OneDrive sync, owing to the lack of availability of certain Microsoft solutions. The team is disparately comprised nowadays, some of whom may be using Microsoft. This would, in turn, require one to use Microsoft himself and there is some compatibility which is simply lacking. Generally speaking, it's okay. Nowadays, everything is moving to the cloud, making browser-based usage easy.
It would be nice to see more compatibility with certain Microsoft solutions, such as OneDrive. One would want to sync OneDrive, in which case, when the client makes the data available there, we would have easy access to it. These kind of syncing features are not fast.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Ubuntu Linux for more than three or four years. I have been using it for 20.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
When it comes to the stability of Ubuntu Linux versus that of Windows, the former, in respect of developer machines, is less energy consuming, which translates into a longer shelf life.
The stability is one of the reasons that we use the solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable and easy when it comes to the storage RAM. There is no need to do anything extra.
One of the reasons we use the solution is for its scalability.
How are customer service and support?
We have not required canonical support. There is a good online community for support issues which may arise and, as things are easy and straightforward, I generally rely on Google.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
In the past we used RHC Fuse, SUSE and Unix, as Ubuntu was not an option.
Nowadays, SUSE is considered antiquaited and Linux Ubuntu new.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward and very quick.
What about the implementation team?
I do not believe we have required any staff for the deployment and maintenance as of yet. So far, everything has been straightforward and easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The main advantage of Unix is that it's free.
Windows Unix and Ubuntu provide a free license and one need just pay for the hardware. Mac is costly. Ubuntu provides a cheaper and better option.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
There are those who prefer Windows for its UI features, but I am not one of them.
When it comes to the stability of Ubuntu Linux versus that of Windows, the former, in respect of developer machines, is less energy consuming, which translates into a longer shelf life.
We prefer both Mac and Unix.
The main advantage of Unix is that it's free.
Windows Unix and Ubuntu provide a free license and one need just pay for the hardware. Mac is costly. Ubuntu provides a cheaper and better option.
However, the price criteria is not why we use Ubuntu Linux, but because it is scalable, stable and developer-friendly.
What other advice do I have?
Around 50 to 70 percent of our staff make use of Unix and Mac, because we are all developers and like these solutions.
The salespeople make use of Recruitment HR. They use Windows, as do some of the junior staff. However, most of the developers and all of the senior ones use Unix, Ubuntu and Linux.
I cannot think of any particular advice I would impart to others looking into implementing the solution.
As I cannot think of any issues I have with Ubuntu Linux, I rate it as a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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