There are many types of operating systems that can be use by Desktop device users. But the most popular and widely used are Microsoft Windows, Linux, and MacOS. However, this time we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of linux ubuntu Desktop globally
All three have different characteristics. But the only one that is free and open and can be develop by anyone is Linux.
And for the distribution of the operating system from Linux itself there are also a lot. But one of the most popular is Ubuntu.
And even this there are also two 4 different versions, besides x86 and x64. There is also a Desktop version and also a Server. Each has different characteristics and systems, depending on what kind of user needs.
Therefore you can understand which operating system is the most appropriate and compare it with a series of other operating systems.
What is Linux Ubuntu?
First released in 2004, Ubuntu is a free and open-source Debian-based operating system and Linux distribution. This operating system is built using the Debian infrastructure and consists of a server, desktop, and Linux operating system.
Since its release, this operating system has become a favorite of many people because it is easy to install and use. The default desktop environment for Ubuntu is known as Unity.
Its a desktop environment that has a powerful search tool to find all your applications and documents. This desktop environment also integrates with other applications such as audio player, video player, and social media.
Apart from Unity, you can also use other environments such as GNOME, XFCE, MATE, KDE, and LXDE. Not only that, there are specific versions design to work with these environments such as Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu GNOME, Ubuntu MATE, and Kubuntu.
Maybe you’re wondering, how can an operating system as good as Ubuntu be used for free?. Because ubuntu is managed and financed by a company called Canonical.
The company was founded in 2004 by a South African, Mark Shuttleworth. Canonical itself earns money from the commercial support they offer to companies that use Ubuntu.
Revenue from commercial support is then has been use to continue to develop Ubuntu. Canonical is also responsible for releasing new versions every six months, taking care of security, and hosting servers for the Ubuntu online community.
Below is an explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of ubuntu that you should know.
Advantages of Linux Ubuntu
1. Friendly Appearance
The first advantages of ubuntu instead of disadvantages is Friendly Appearance. In contrast to the Server version, which for the Desktop offers a more friendly appearance.
It allows users not to study much even though they can learn independently. Moreover, which is a move from Microsoft Windows
It is already accustomed to graphical-based commands. For this version of the server, the user must enter commands which will be quite difficult for the user.
Moreover, if you are still not use to typing and understanding a foreign language. You will have a little difficulty in learning it.
Maybe there are some parts that experience differences. But not many and overall this Desktop version is more or less the same as other Computer/Laptop operating systems.
Such as the start button to bring up a list of installed applications, basic commands, folders, files, and many others.
2. Open Source
Not just Ubuntu, but this has indeed become the basis of the Linux operating system, which is open source. So that developers or creative people can develop it freely to suit their needs and desires.
They don’t have to worry about copyright, or infringement on editing, because the Linux OS gives full freedom to users.
Indeed, there are several versions or types of Linux that are paid, whether it’s the product or maybe you pay for the support.
Where it’s more or less the same as Microsoft and MacOS, where you don’t carelessly make changes to the programs in it. Because you can be subject to prosecution if you get caught.
That’s why today there are far more Linux variants than Microsoft’s or Apple’s OS. Because there are many people and developers who are has been interest in developing using Linux’s basic method.
Even the most popular right now is Android, where it actually use the basic Linux OS mode which has been modify by Google. Therefore it can run smoothly on Smartphones.
3. Easily Accessible Repository
This repository has the meaning of a warehouse. Which is indeed a place for a series of applications that can be already install on the Linux operating system for free and continues to develop.
Maybe you know it on the Windows operating system, which is an application warehouse full of cracks to activate it. Sometimes it can even infect a computer / laptop because there is a virus that has been already embed.
However, if on Linux Ubuntu or maybe other versions, there is a Repository that provides a variety of applications to install on the user’s device and these are generally free and users can install them easily, without worrying about a virus infection entering.
In addition, for fast access, users can use terminal commands to make it easier to install an application or download it.
However, yes, you must first master the basic commands, because this is important for the convenience of doing something.
And it can be say that it is faster than having to download from the web, then search for files and install them manually.
There are many servers that offer Linux repositories, and most of these are University-owned servers in some areas.
That way, you can see which one is closest to your location, so choosing that server is likely to get faster access rights than using another.
4. Complete Default Application
Maybe for those of you who are already familiar with the Windows operating system. Therefore after installing this operating system you need drivers to provide better functions for all hardware components in it.
Such as chipsets, graphics, memory, batteries, and so on. However, on Linux Ubuntu Desktop this is not the case. Because everything is already in the installation package without the need for further upgrades.
Not only that, but the default application offered itself is no less complete than its competitors. Users can immediately get various kinds of applications need for everyday users.
Such as browser applications, media players, and many others. However, this must check the standard package option during installation.
Because if you choose the minimal package, too many applications will not be offer, maybe only the Firefox browser application is has been add.
The rest, users can install it themselves by getting the application or maybe using terminal commands for application installation.
5. Safer From Virus
The Linux operating system has no such thing as a built-in anti-virus that can be see by users. But almost every folder, especially the most important for OS security has been already lock.
Lots of folders are locked and require an administrator password to access or open them.
Well, with so many locking methods like that, hackers can’t easily access user data, remotely do it remotely, or synchronize devices or infiltrate malware into the victim’s device.
This is the thing that stands out the most in the advantages of ubuntu in addition to the disadvantages.
6. Flexible and Fresh User Interface
Maybe you are one of the users who easily feel bored when using a computer/laptop. If that’s the case, then you can use Linux Ubuntu Desktop.
Because it can offer fresh fonts and icons, users can also change them according to their individual tastes.
In addition, when you are use to the UI appearance of other operating systems, you will see the difference and get a refresher when you see the appearance of Ubuntu.
Or maybe when using other Linux operating systems will also get more or less the same appearance when using it.
Disadvantages of Linux Ubuntu
1. Heavier Than Server
For Ubuntu Desktop itself, it basically functions as the daily needs of Computer/Laptop users. While the server is to meet the needs of many people and is only use for remote access and is more focused on network capabilities, storage and several other things.
Therefore, it is natural that this Desktop version is a little heavier and requires more resources for the operating system only.
Unlike the server, which is made lighter in terms of system resource usage. Because its ability is more focused on serving a series of clients who access the server.
Therefore the best solution for the Desktop version to run smoothly is to use /Swap.
2. Must Recognize in Advance and Adapt When Moving
Maybe previously you were too fixated on the Windows operating system, and making the move to Linux Ubuntu. You have to learn first in order to make the most of it.
That’s because in terms of appearance they are similar, but the interior is different. For the C: folder, the alias for system installation is no longer like a user, application program or other.
But much more and is divide into root, usr, etc, var, html, and many others. Not to mention for the use of access that can not be made changes with simple click commands.
3. Not Suitable For Gaming
For game lovers, it is not recommend to use Ubuntu Desktop, because the operating system does not have support for it.
Linux has been use as a normal requirement and tends to technicians to provide support for system repairs or get better security.
It is possible to play games, but the features and support are not complete so that gaming activities cannot be satisfied when using a Linux-based computer/laptop.
Unlike Windows 10, which is rich in support for user gaming needs, such as recording, DirectX series, and much more
This is the thing that stands out the most in the disadvantages of ubuntu in addition to its advantages. How not if you are forced to not be able to do your gaming activities. But for those of you who are not gamers then this is not an obstacle.
4. Few Application Options
Although it is based on open source, there are not many supporting applications that can be install on Linux Ubuntu.
Maybe from certain functions there are only a few choices, such as photo and video editing applications, for example. Unlike in Windows, users may get various choices, depending on the specs of the device used.
Even so, users can outsmart it by using the Windows Emulator, where users can install a variety of Windows compatible applications on the Linux Ubuntu Desktop operating system.
However, this is also vulnerable. Because the virus file will also be made easier to enter and infect the existing system.
Conclusion
Those are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Linux Ubuntu Desktop that are important for you to know.
Understand very well what you need before deciding to install an operating system on your device. Because it’s useless if you don’t use it to its full potential.
