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Consultor at Scitum
Consultant
​Old equipment works for at least two or three years more
Pros and Cons
  • "Use of the tools for systems and software to test functionalities."
  • "The integration with other applications, like Chrome or Firefox, works excellent for users navigating and test browsing."
  • "Developing more applications for businesses could work better, but that is not part of the OS piece. Let the developers work on other apps, therefore the needs for consuming less memory do not affect the performance of this OS version."

What is our primary use case?

  • Surprised with the better use of resources for old machines.
  • The GUI is easy and friendly.
  • The environment was a test machine with Intel i586 (recommended).

    How has it helped my organization?

    Improved on the recycling of old computers, but most users ask for a solution for new equipment. 

    What is most valuable?

    Use of the tools for systems and software to test functionalities. The integration with other applications, like Chrome or Firefox, works excellent for users navigating and test browsing.

    What needs improvement?

    Developing more applications for businesses could work better, but that is not part of the OS piece. Let the developers work on other apps, therefore the needs for consuming less memory do not affect the performance of this OS version.

    Buyer's Guide
    Ubuntu Linux
    January 2025
    Learn what your peers think about Ubuntu Linux. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
    838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    One to three years.

    What was our ROI?

    Old equipment works for at least two or three years more, which means a significant savings.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    PeerSpot user
    Senior Consultant IT Infrastructure at a tech consulting company with 51-200 employees
    Consultant
    Since it provides LTS releases with 5 years of support, you can have longer server lifecycles without having to worry about security patches.

    What is most valuable?

    Although Ubuntu is based on Debian Linux, it ships with (more or less) current software. In addition, there a are a lot of community-based repositories which can easily be added.

    Since Ubuntu provides LTS releases with 5 years of support, you can have longer server lifecycles without having to worry about security patches.

    One of the greatest things about Ubuntu is the possibility of upgrading to the newer release on the fly - no reinstallation is needed.

    Other great things/features include: Great AppArmor support, huge official package repository from Canonical and the community, decent hardware support.

    How has it helped my organization?

    Ubuntu powers many servers in most of the companies I worked for. Maintaining them was - in most cases - easy and painless.

    What needs improvement?

    The rpm-based distributions (such as Suse, Red Hat, CentOS, Fedora) ship with support for awesome system management software (Spacewalk, just to name one example). Ubuntu often provides *some* support for these tools, but it is very rarely supported a 100%. Canonical has Landscape and some other stuff; however, this is not sufficient. Canonical clearly should provide more system management tools which integrate into enterprise environments. Red Hat, CentOS and Suse clearly have more advantages here.


    Furthermore, the Unity desktop and the advertisment integration of third parties are horrible.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been working with Ubuntu since 2010.

    What was my experience with deployment of the solution?

    Deployment was always straight-forward; however, upgrading to latest releases (e.g. from 12.04 to 14.04) could mean that you have to adapt your system management tools since some package names can change.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    Not with Ubuntu itself, but some software being packaged by the community for Ubuntu is not built with optimum parameters. E.g. I had many struggles with the libvirt/KVM builds for Ubuntu.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    Before using Ubuntu, I was used to Debian and their concept of having rock-solid (but also very old) software in their repositories. Ubuntu, however, is not so extreme in this point: It is stable, but the provided software is not thaaaat old. In addition, Ubuntu/Canonical are eager to provide at least some management tools.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup of Ubuntu is very easy.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    I also like Red Hat, CentOS and Fedora; however, upgrading to latest releases without reinstalling the complete OS seems only to be painless with Ubuntu (please correct me if I am wrong, maybe it always went well for you?).

    What other advice do I have?

    Try Ubuntu. Seriously. If you are looking for a good Linux distribution with a large community and lots of packages, Ubuntu is the way to go. However, if you need management tools (e.g. for automated installation, patch management etc.) you might have to invest some time in getting open-source projects involved or by writing your own solutions (if you don't want to use Landscape).

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Ubuntu Linux
    January 2025
    Learn what your peers think about Ubuntu Linux. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
    838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
    LeandroCoelho - PeerSpot reviewer
    Pre-sales Analyst at Algar Telecom
    Real User
    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: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Manager at global trading
    Real User
    Useful pseudo-terminal, free, and highly scalable
    Pros and Cons
    • "The most valuable features are the pseudo-terminal and it is the most open-sourced operating system that can be used."
    • "There is not a lot of support for applications in Ubuntu Linux. In the industry, most of the applications work for Windows and Mac. There should be better integration with applications in the future."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use this solution for testing virtual servers and kernel-based programming.

    What is most valuable?

    The most valuable features are the pseudo-terminal and it is the most open-sourced operating system that can be used.

    What needs improvement?

    There is not a lot of support for applications in Ubuntu Linux. In the industry, most of the applications work for Windows and Mac. There should be better integration with applications in the future.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using this solution for approximately two years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is stable.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    I have found the solution is highly scalable. We can use any virtual hardware that we can think of, there are no boundaries with scalability.

    We have five engineers that use this solution in my organization and we plan to increase usage.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    I have previously used Microsoft Windows 10 and I am still using this solution for personal use.

    What about the implementation team?

    We have five engineers that do the implementation and maintenance of the solution.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    This is a free solution.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would recommend this solution to others.

    I rate Ubuntu Linux a nine out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    System Manager at a educational organization with 1,001-5,000 employees
    Real User
    The updates are very helpful and the way they update their OS is very helpful
    Pros and Cons
    • "The most valuable features are stability and updates. We are not using the interface, the interface of the OS, we are using it as the server. We actually sync it through SSH and we deploy our application, so we don't have access to do it. The updates are very helpful and the way they update their OS is very helpful."
    • "The ZFS needs improvement. They do an implementation of the ZFS storage that needs improvement."

    What is our primary use case?

    Our primary use case is to have as an operating system, to install some applications.

    What is most valuable?

    The most valuable features are stability and updates. We are not using the interface, the interface of the OS, we are using it as the server. We actually sync it through SSH and we deploy our application, so we don't have access to do it. The updates are very helpful and the way they update their OS is very helpful.

    I think the operating system is very stable and this is a major advantage.

    What needs improvement?

    We don't have any kind of support. We have our own skills here at the university and it's enough.

    The ZFS needs improvement. They do an implementation of the ZFS storage that needs improvement. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have a few years of experience with Ubuntu Linux.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    It depends more on the hardware layer, not on the operating system. If it can grow on the hardware, CPU memories, then we can put more stress on it. But usually, when we configure it, we configure it on the VM machine and then I start the OS and the application. When we want to expand, we create a new VM, and we start a new Ubuntu OS and we deploy another application. This is how we expand.

    We have around 500 to 600 users. We are a university and we have a lot of staff here. 

    How are customer service and technical support?

    We don't use any external support. 

    The documentation is very useful with any kind of issues and we easily find a solution on the net variety suite. That is why also we choose Ubuntu. Because any kind of problem or any kind of implementation issue, we have a solution, we are able to find a solution on the net.

    How was the initial setup?

    We usually acquire a solution application and then we deploy it. It is a matter of one hour or two.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would recommend Ubuntu Linux. 

    I would rate it an eight out of ten. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    reviewer1289604 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Infrastructure Security Architect at a comms service provider with 11-50 employees
    Real User
    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."
    • "Ease of use and ease of deployment could still be improved in this system."

    What is our primary use case?

    I use Ubuntu Linux just for testing, e.g. as a workstation. I also use it for running some applications.

    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.

    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: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    reviewer1294218 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Senior Cloud Architect and Team Lead at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
    Real User
    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."
    • "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: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Syed Masood - PeerSpot reviewer
    Web Developer at doodleblue
    Real User
    Open-source, free of viruses, and easy to set up
    Pros and Cons
    • "The solution is free to use and open-source."
    • "In general, Windows is easier to use and friendlier to deal with than Ubuntu."

    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: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free Ubuntu Linux Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
    Updated: January 2025
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free Ubuntu Linux Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.