Xubuntu Vs. Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a well-known Linux distribution that may be used for practically any purpose. It was first introduced in 2004, and Xubuntu is a derivative of Ubuntu that was released in 2006 along with other derivatives. We will compare both of these distributions in depth. After reading the article, you will be able to determine which of them is most suited for your use case and which is superior in terms of numerous aspects to the others.

Xubuntu

Xubuntu is a Canonical Ltd.-recognized community derivative of Ubuntu and a low weight Linux distribution with “XFCE” pre-configured as its standard desktop environment rather than GNome. XFCE consumes fewer resources than current desktop environments such as Unity, Gnome, or KDE. However, unlike other dedicated lightweight desktop environments, it provides most of the functionality and features that users expect from a modern Desktop Environment. Xubuntu was launched in 2006 in Ubuntu’s “Dapper Drake line” alongside Edubuntu and Kubuntu. The major goal of this variation is to use fewer resources than the normal Ubuntu setup. You can install the same software and perform anything you could on an Ubuntu with the same version number. You may also install and use any of the other Ubuntu Desktop environments.

Variants of Xubuntu

• Element OS is a home theatre PC distribution.
• GalliumOS is designed primarily for Chrome OS devices.
• OzOS is based on a heavily modified version of Xubuntu.
• Black Labrador Linux (formerly OS4 and PC/OS) is a Xubuntu version with a UI modeled after BeOS. In May 2009, a 64-bit version was launched.
• Linux UberStudent is a version of Xubuntu LTS that was developed for educational usage.
• Ultra UserOS was developed for Australia’s PC User magazine.
• Voyager is a French distribution that includes the Avant Window Navigator.
• ChaletOS is an English distribution that resembles the Windows operating system.

Features of Xubuntu

Free and Open Source
Ubuntu is an operating system that is both free and open source. This is beneficial since there may be many unique ideas that may be put into the source codes. Because users may post issues on GitHub, which contributors can swiftly solve, open source also aids in the quick resolution of defects.

Multiple Derivatives
There are multiple derivatives of Xubuntu present, including Element OS, GalliumOS, OzOS, Black Labrador Linux, Linux UberStudent, Ultra UserOS, Voyager, ChaletOS, etc.

Multi-User and Privacy
Ubuntu is a multi-user operating system that enables several users to work on the same machine simultaneously. Furthermore, another user cannot access a user’s data without authorization, and this is quite beneficial in organizations when several people are working on the same machine instance.

Lightweight
Xubuntu is a light operating system that can be used by almost everyone today as it requires very few hardware resources for operation.

Desktop Environment
Xubuntu uses the XFCE Desktop Environment, a highly stable, configurable, and light desktop environment.

Advantages of Xubuntu

• It has a user-friendly interface that novices can use
• It has less memory consumption which ensures small tasks are not restricted due to memory limits.
• It provides all the necessary features of Linux with lesser memory requirements.
• It ensures privacy and security.
• Works well on old hardware.
• The default desktop environment of Xubuntu is highly customizable.
• It is a stable distribution of Linux.
• Good hardware support and simple installation of printers, network drives, and so forth.
• It has the support for multiple desktop environments.

Disadvantages of Xubuntu

• Not suitable for server-related tasks.
• We can’t play high graphics games in this distribution.
• Not suitable for people with no prior programming experience as many tasks are carried out by scripts and commands.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system (OS) managed by Canonical Ltd. that is based on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution. It was first introduced in 2004 and has been under constant development since then. A new version of Ubuntu is released every six months, with a Long Term Support (LTS) version released every two years. Ubuntu’s default Desktop Environment is GNome, which has a user-friendly interface. Ubuntu is primarily intended for use on personal computers, though server editions are also available and have become popular as well. Ubuntu supports various languages and keyboard combinations, ensuring that individuals from all communities and regions may use it.

Variants of Ubuntu

• Ubuntu Server Addition
• Ubuntu Studio
• Edubuntu is a variation of Ubuntu designed specifically for educational reasons.
• Kubuntu uses KDE (Kool Desktop environment) as the primary GUI environment
• Xubuntu, which is used when computing capacity is limited.
• JeOS (just enough operating system) is appropriate for virtual applications.

Features of Ubuntu

Desktop Environments
Ubuntu supports a variety of desktop environments, including Gnome, KDE Plasma, Mate, and more. Gnome is the default desktop environment that comes with the operating system when you install it. Gnome is a user-friendly environment that makes Ubuntu suitable for novices as well.

Open Source and Freely Available
It is an open-source distribution that any developer may download and configure. Ubuntu was created with the premise that everyone has an equal right to contribute to its source code. This functionality also guarantees that bugs are fixed as soon as possible. Furthermore, every student has the opportunity to examine the source code of the operating system and comprehend the efficient algorithms hiding behind the hood.

Multiple Variations
You can choose from many variations of Ubuntu, including Ubuntu Server Addition, Ubuntu Studio, Edubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, JeOS.

Multi-user
Ubuntu is a multi-user operating system that enables multiple people to work on the same machine simultaneously. Furthermore, another user cannot access a user’s data without permission. This is quite beneficial in companies when several people are working on the same machine instance. It also allows numerous developers to work on the same application on the same workstation rather than building separate applications on their machines.

Advantages of Ubuntu

• Support for Multiple Desktop Environments like Gnome, KDE, etc.
• Regular updates help resolve bugs faster. The LTS release cycle of Ubuntu is around two years.
• Ubuntu has a large and helpful community that helps in resolving minor issues faster.
• Ubuntu has a package management system installed by default and makes software installation and removal very easy.
• It does not have built-in advertisements.
• Third-party antivirus softwares is not needed in Ubuntu.
• Excellent hardware support and easy installation of printers, network drives, and so forth.

Disadvantages of Ubuntu

• Not suitable for server related tasks
• By default, Ubuntu is not installed in the machine in most computers, and you will need to install it explicitly.
• Not suitable for high graphics games.
• Not suitable for people having no prior development experience.

Descriptive Comparison of Ubuntu and Windows

Desktop Environment
Xubuntu uses the XFCE Desktop Environment, which is a more stable, configurable, and light environment than GNome, which is the default environment of Ubuntu. This is one of the reasons why Xubuntu requires fewer hardware resources to operate.

Low-end Hardware Support
Xubuntu works well with low-end and old hardware due to its low memory requirements, whereas it is impossible to run Ubuntu on very old or with fewer resources.

Integration
Xubuntu is not compatible with every Ubuntu application due to the limited usage of resources.

Development
Xubuntu is a Linux distribution that is derived from Ubuntu. Unlike Ubuntu, it is a community-developed derivative. On the other hand, Ubuntu was developed by Canonical Ltd. Ubuntu is a general-purpose distribution, while Xubuntu has been developed for a special purpose, as we discussed earlier.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Conclusion

This article went through a detailed comparison of Ubuntu and Xubuntu. We discussed the definitions, pros/cons, and features of both operating systems. In conclusion, Xubuntu is a lightweight distribution primarily intended to run on fewer resources. Whereas, Ubuntu is a general-purpose distribution.