Difference Between Ubuntu and Xubuntu

Edited by Diffzy | Updated on: May 31, 2023

       

Difference Between Ubuntu and Xubuntu

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Introduction

Ubuntu and Xubuntu are two of the most popular Linux distributions in the Linux world. Users may be perplexed by these two versions, one of which was conceived first and the other developed later. To distinguish their purpose and characteristics, let's compare them based on several distinguishing factors. The application software and processes are very similar in both scenarios.

Ubuntu vs Xubuntu

The primary distinction between Ubuntu and Xubuntu is the desktop experience. Ubuntu offers a Unity workspace that can interface with all standard apps, but Xubuntu has an XFCE runtime environment that can. Ubuntu can run on low-end hardware, however, Xubuntu can.

The word Ubuntu relates to the distro's core software, on which more complex organizational systems are built. It can be readily installed on any new current hardware technology. It doesn't even need 4GB of RAM to expand its storage space. Users of Ubuntu are free to study, edit, utilize, and enhance the design.

The word Xubuntu refers to a variation of Ubuntu software that uses the XFCE window interface and has similar operational aims to Ubuntu. It offers a graphical desktop that uses less RAM. Xubuntu upgrades are published every two years. It has a conservative process function that makes use of XFCE elements.

Difference Between Ubuntu and Xubuntu in Tabular Form

Pointers of ComparisonUbuntuXubuntu
MaintenanceUbuntu is properly handled and supported by key Ubuntu developers.Xubuntu is properly handled and supported by key Xubuntu developers.
CustomizationUbuntu has limited desktop customization options.Xubuntu offers a more customizable, flexible, and lightweight XFCE desktop.
PurposeUbuntu supports the Unity Workspace Interface.Xubuntu aims to save system resources by utilizing the XFCE Desktop Environment.
TechnologyThe Ubuntu version of the operating system is compatible with system resources.The Xubuntu Desktop Environment is fully interoperable with the operating system.
SignificanceUbuntu is an older version of a free and open-source Linux system.Xubuntu is a modernized community-based variation of the Linux operating system.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is an open-source Linux distribution that is free for users to use, modify, and study. It is user-friendly since it interacts well with all standard programs. It offers both community and appropriate support in terms of functionality. It was created in accordance with the Ubuntu Philosophy and is completely free to use. It is used by individuals who do not have any limitations. In the context of Ubuntu, the free version is also free.

It includes free translations and mobility technology. Ubuntu is widely compatible with portable, tablet, desktop, and application software. Ubuntu has several notable features, including assisting with the office suite and LibreOffice. Users can upload and share movies, and desktop compatibility works well with Firewall, Chrome, VLC, and makes them available to email services.

Using Ubuntu's search function, it is straightforward to find material. Canonical Limited is a sponsor of the Debian-based software. The phrase Ubuntu comes from the Zulu language. Ubuntu has several variations, including Ubuntu Studio for video processing, Ubuntu server versions, and Edubuntu for academic purposes. Updates are scheduled every six months, with an 18-month security update pledge.

Canonical Ltd. manages Ubuntu, a free and open-source operating system (OS) based on the Debian GNU/Linux release. It was initially introduced in 2004, and it has been constantly improving since then. Every 6 months, the latest edition of Ubuntu is released, with a Long Term Support (LTS) version issued every two years. GNOME, Ubuntu's standard Workspace Environment, features a user-friendly layout. Ubuntu is primarily designed for use on home computers, although server variants are also offered and have grown in popularity. Ubuntu supports a wide range of languages and keypad layouts, allowing people from different cultures and areas to utilize it.

Variants of Ubuntu

Ubuntu Server Edition

Ubuntu Studio and Edubuntu are versions of Ubuntu that were created primarily for educational purposes.

Kubuntu's major graphical user interface (GUI) is KDE (Kool Desktop Environment).

When computational capacity is restricted, Xubuntu is utilized.

For virtual programs, JeOS (Just Enough Operating System) is acceptable.

Features of Ubuntu

Workstation Environments

Ubuntu supports GNOME, KDE Plasma, MATE, and other desktop environments. GNOME is the operating system's default desktop environment, and it is included when you install Ubuntu. Because GNOME is a user-friendly environment, Ubuntu is also suitable for beginners.

Open Source and Free to Use

Ubuntu is a free and open-source system that any programmer can install and run. Ubuntu was founded on the notion that everyone should have an opportunity to add value to its code. This feature also ensures that errors are repaired as soon as possible. Additionally, each student has the opportunity to inspect the operating system's source code and grasp the sophisticated techniques hidden underneath the hood.

Several Variations

Ubuntu comes with a variety of flavors, including Ubuntu Server Edition, Ubuntu Studio, Edubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and JeOS.

Multi-user

Ubuntu is an operating system that allows multiple users to work on the same system at the same time. Furthermore, a user's data cannot be accessed by another user without authorization. This is quite useful in businesses when many employees work on the same computer instance. It also enables several developers to collaborate on the same program on the same laptop rather than building different apps on their own PCs.

Advantages of Ubuntu

  1. Compatibility with several desktop environments such as Gnome, KDE, and others.
  2. Regular updates help resolve issues. Ubuntu's LTS (Long Term Support) release cycle lasts around two years.
  3. Ubuntu has a large and supportive community that assists with resolving minor concerns.
  4. Ubuntu includes a command line system that simplifies program deployment and deletion.
  5. Ubuntu does not have any built-in ads.
  6. Third-party antivirus software is not required for Ubuntu.
  7. Good analysis reveals and simplifies printer, network drive, and other device installations.

Disadvantages of Ubuntu

  1. Not suitable for server-related operations.
  2. Most PCs do not come with Ubuntu preinstalled, so manual installation is required.
  3. High-graphics games are not recommended on Ubuntu.
  4. People with no prior design experience should avoid using Ubuntu.

What is Xubuntu?

Xubuntu is an Ubuntu-based operating system with an XFCE desktop environment for simple and efficient use. The software platform is lightweight, customizable, and also supports graphics. It is beneficial for daily desktop work. Xubuntu was first published in June 2006 with the version number 6.06 and is built on Ubuntu's mission of providing a fee-free experience.

Xubuntu uses the same libraries as Ubuntu to access URLs. While there are certain default apps that are incompatible with Xubuntu, they can function quickly in compatibility mode. Xubuntu utilizes less CPU power and memory compared to GNOME, and it features a pre-configured full desktop environment. Xubuntu has various variations, such as Component OS for home entertainment systems, Linux UberStudent for learning, and Pioneer for Avant panel navigation.

Xubuntu has several variants, including Black Labrador Linux, Ultra User OS, OzOS, and ChaletOS. It includes a multiuser function that allows multiple users to connect to a single system. Data privacy is enhanced by the authorization mechanism. Xubuntu has minimal system requirements due to its reliability.

Ubuntu is a well-known operating system that is based on Linux and can be used for various purposes. It was initially released in 2004, and Xubuntu is one of its derivatives launched in 2006. In this article, we will thoroughly compare some of these distributions. After reading the full article, readers will be able to identify which distribution is most suitable for their specific use case and which one outperforms others in different ways.

Xubuntu is a recognized variant of Ubuntu by Canonical Ltd. It is a lightweight Linux distribution that comes with XFCE as its default desktop environment, instead of GNOME. XFCE consumes fewer resources compared to contemporary desktop environments like Unity, GNOME, and KDE. However, Xubuntu includes most of the functionalities expected from a modern desktop application, unlike some other specialized compact window managers. Xubuntu, along with Edubuntu and Kubuntu, was released in 2006 as part of Ubuntu's "Dapper Drake" line. The main goal of Xubuntu is to offer more lightweight options compared to the standard Ubuntu installation. Users can run the same applications and perform similar operations as they would on an Ubuntu system of the same version. Xubuntu can also be installed and used alongside other Ubuntu flavors.

Variants of Xubuntu:

  • Element OS: A distribution designed for home entertainment PCs.
  • GalliumOS: Primarily intended for Chrome OS machines.
  • OzOS: Based on a slightly different version of the Ubuntu operating system.
  • Black Labrador Linux: A variant of Qubuntu with a BeOS-inspired user interface. A 64-bit edition was developed in May 2009.
  • Linux UberStudent: A variant of Xubuntu LTS designed for academic purposes.
  • Ultra UserOS: Created for PC User publication in Sydney.
  • Voyager: Includes the Avant Window Explorer.
  • ChaletOS: An English-language release with a user interface similar to Windows software.

Features of Xubuntu

Source Software and Free

Xubuntu is a free and open-source Linux distribution. This is advantageous since the programs may include numerous original ideas. Source code also assists in the rapid resolution of flaws, as users can report issues on GitHub for developers to quickly resolve.

Several Derivatives

Xubuntu variants include Element OS, GalliumOS, OzOS, Black Labrador Linux, Linux UberStudent, Ultra UserOS, Voyager, ChaletOS, and more.

Lightweight

Xubuntu is a lightweight Linux distribution that can be used by virtually everyone today due to its low hardware requirements.

Workstation Environment

Xubuntu makes use of the XFCE Windows Desktop, which is a very reliable, flexible, and lightweight desktop environment.

Advantages of Xubuntu

  • It offers an easy-to-use UI that even beginners can use.
  • It consumes less memory, ensuring that small activities are not hampered by memory constraints.
  • It has all the required Linux functionality but requires less RAM.
  • This protects your online privacy.
  • It works nicely with old hardware.
  • Xubuntu's default software platform is highly customizable.
  • It is a reliable Linux distribution.
  • Excellent hardware support and ease of installation for printing, network equipment, and so forth.
  • It supports a variety of desktop applications.

Disadvantages of Xubuntu

Not suitable for intensive computer operations.

Due to its lightweight nature, it may not support playing high-resolution games.

Many activities are carried out using scripts and procedures, making it unsuitable for individuals with no prior coding skills.

Main Differences Between Ubuntu and Xubuntu in Points

Performance: Ubuntu offers robust search features and functions, as well as comprehensive filters, whereas Xubuntu works wonderfully on aging technology but lacks extensive filters.

Word Origin: The name Ubuntu means "Humanity Towards Others" in the African language. Xubuntu is a mix of the XFCE desktop application and Ubuntu, making it a distinct version of Ubuntu.

Developed By: Ubuntu was created by Team Canonical, while Xubuntu was created by the community.

Presence: Since Ubuntu is an older technology, it lacks current aesthetics, but Xubuntu combines modern looks with sophisticated functions.

Operation: The pace of outputs is slower in Ubuntu, but Xubuntu is fairly quick in processing and is popular among many businesses, although it is not recommended for high graphics.

Conclusion

Taking into consideration that if any of the required specifications are not functional with Ubuntu at the time, Xubuntu is the preferred alternative for simple installation. If the customer is not concerned about software customization, Ubuntu performs better. The graphical desktop is the greatest benefit of moving from Ubuntu to Xubuntu. Both software packages regularly improve their technologies, so no technological fault will last indefinitely.

Except for Ubuntu, all other runtime environments have different sorts of Linux distributions, while Ubuntu serves as the foundation operating system. As underlying operating systems, all other Linux distributions, including Kubuntu, Lubuntu, and Xubuntu, function similarly to Ubuntu. Xubuntu has the disadvantage of not being ideal for computer-intensive tasks.



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"Difference Between Ubuntu and Xubuntu." Diffzy.com, 2024. Tue. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.diffzy.com/article/difference-between-ubuntu-and-xubuntu-1208>.



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