Difference Between Fedora and Ubuntu

August 2022 · 5 minute read

An operating system is software that manages hardware, services, programs, resources etc. It also tries to manage the task of the computer system, output, input, and memory allocation. The operating system acts as a mediator between hardware and programs. It is used in almost all computers, mobiles, laptops, video games, supercomputers etc. Windows Operating system is very much famous around the world, capturing 76% market. Others include macOS, Linux, Fedora, Ubuntu etc.

Fedora vs Ubuntu

The main difference between Fedora vs Ubuntu is that Fedora was launched in the year 2003, and Ubuntu was launched in the year 2004. For the Nvidia graphics driver, Fedora is a little bit hard and complicated to install. Whereas Ubuntu can be installed with one click. Fedora uses package managers like DNF, RPM etc. While Ubuntu uses package managers like GNOME Software, APT etc.

Fedora is an operating system that was developed by Fedora Project, and it is community-based. It belongs to the family of Linux companies and is just like Unix only. Fedora was sponsored by RedHat, which is a subsidiary of IBM. It is software that is open source and free to create an edge for future technologies. Five editions of Fedora are available since the release of Fedora 30.

Ubuntu is also free and open-source software, and it is a part of the Linux family. It was developed by Debian company which is a community-based project. It was released in three different versions for Server, desktop and Core (IoT for different devices and robots). The Default Desktop of Ubuntu is GNOME. The New Version of Ubuntu is released six months with the help of LTS(long-term support).

Comparison Table Between Fedora and Ubuntu

Parameters of ComparisonFedoraUbuntu
DistributionRedHatDebian
Package managerRPM, DNF, Flatpak, OSTree etc.APT, DEB, Click packages, dpkg, Snap etc
Developed byRedHat, IBM etc.Canonical Ltd.
ForumHas 1 forum.Has 2 forums.
InstallerAnacondaUbiquity

What is Fedora?

Fedora Operating system is known to focus on newer technologies, innovation etc. It works closely with the Linux family. It has a very short life, unlike Ubuntu. A version of Fedora usually works for 1 year+ 1 month. But it can be updated from one to another version without reinstalling. The user interface and default desktop, which can be found in Fedora, is GNOME shell and GNOME. In Fedora, other desktops can also be installed like KDE Plasma, LXQt, LXDE, Xfce, MATE, Cinnamon, and i3.

Fedora uses security Linux which by default implements a lot of security policies, access control, complier features like PIE (position independent executable) and hardening wrapper. It has a lot of pre-installed software like Firefox, LibreOffice etc. In 2003, 17 years ago, Fedora 30 came with five different versions catering to every need like IoT, Workstation, Server, SliverBlue and Core OS. Supported by Debian, it also distributes different customised versions called Fedora Labs.

Architectures that are supported by Fedora are x86-64 and ARM-hfp. The name of Fedora has been derived from Fedora Linux. Fedora is a community distribution software that is a trademark of RedHat Inc. Core values of Fedora includes freedom, first, features, and friends. The first version of Fedora i.e. Fedora 1, was named Yarrow. Since then, 34 versions of Fedora has been released. Like the Beta version is used for testing apps, Rawhide is used for testing various versions of Fedora. It is a development tree for Fedora.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu was developed by Debian, and it comprises Linux servers. It releases its newer version every six months, and it is available for free for 9 months. The first version of Ubuntu was launched in 2004. The newer version focuses on high-impact bug fixes, security fixes, conservative, substantially beneficial low-risk bug fixes. Although Debian has given the architecture of Ubuntu, its funding is managed by Canonical Ltd. It is a foundation that provides the cost and support for the development of Ubuntu since 2005.

Ubuntu consists of a wide range of software with preinstallation like Sudoko, Chess LibreOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird, Transmission etc. Much other software can also be accessed through Ubuntu, and all the APT based package manager tools can be used as well. Default file manager and desktop of Ubuntu are GNOME Files and GNOME. GNOME Files were earlier named Nautilus.

Ubuntu aims at providing security to its users with low privileges and prevents them from corrupting files. It also contains packages that use GCC features like PIE and buffer overflow protection to harden its software. Because of these extra features, security is increased greatly. It also supports encryption of full disk for both Private and home directories. Ubuntu desktop is used most commonly for PCs, laptops etc. It has all the qualities of the Unix Operating system, and it has a customizable GUI, and it is very popular in academics and research institutions.

Main Differences Between Fedora and Ubuntu

  • The distribution system of Fedora is managed by RedHat and RHEL. The distribution system of Ubuntu is managed by Debian.
  • Fedora contains a lot of package managers like RPM, DNF, Flatpak, OSTree, etc. Ubuntu contains a lot of package managers like APT, DEB, Click packages, dpkg, Snap etc.
  • Fedora is developed and supported by RedHat, IBM and its subsidiaries. Ubuntu is developed by Debian and supported by Canonical Ltd.
  • Fedora has one forum for discussion i.e. ask.fedoraproject.org. Ubuntu has two forums for discussion askubuntu.com and ubuntuforums.org. 
  • Fedora uses an Anaconda installer. While Ubuntu uses a Ubiquity installer.
  • Conclusion

    Both Fedora and Ubuntu belong to the family of Linux companies. Both are community projects. Ubuntu is the most common operating system which is used in desktops, PCs, and laptops. Fedora is least popular than Ubuntu and comes at 4th place. Both release their newer version every 6 months. Ubuntu software supports for 18 months while Fedora software has a short life i.e. 13 months. Both are operating systems, and their performance of desktop distribution is excellent. Both have their unique feature and ecosystem. Ubuntu is more compatible as it can be used everywhere. But for administrators and developers, Fedora is best as it provides a thinner ecosystem.

    References

  • https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/1878537.1878641
  • https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=W5vItTVMLaYC&oi=fnd&pg=PT12&dq=+Fedora+and+Ubuntu&ots=57fEr7lqP1&sig=-vpxLA8SVh1O3xJcx34wIN3L0Iw
  • ncG1vNJzZmiZo6Cur8XDop2fnaKau6SxjZympmeUnrOnsdGepZydXZeytcPEnqVmnpWZvLOtjJqlnWWll8KvwNRo