Ubuntu vs Debian

There are a lot of Linux distributions to choose from nowadays for those who want to use a free operating system. Debian is one of the earliest distributions that has existed for almost two decades and spawned a lot of other distributions. One of the distributions that spawned from Debian was Ubuntu. Ubuntu forked from Debian in 2004 due to concerns over the very slow cycle of Debian. Ubuntu releases a new version every 6 months which is a huge improvement over the 2 year gap between releases of Debian. But Ubuntu also marks a release for long term support that is relased every 2 years, matching the release cycle of Debian.

Aside from the release cycle, Ubuntu and Debian shares a lot of things in common; a direct consequence of Ubuntu being based from Debian. They use the same desktop environment called GNOME and have the same software installed like open office. Although both of them use software from Mozilla, Debian uses rebranded versions to address the modifications that they did. The Firefox installed in Debian is called IceWeasel and Thunderbird was rebranded as IceDove.

There is also a bit of difference when it comes to the development of both distributions. Ubuntu is backed by Canonical Limited and gets their funding from them. Debian, on the other hand, is developed by volunteers that number in the thousands. Canonical recovers their investment by providing technical support services at a cost to those who need it.

When it comes to the rankings, Ubuntu currently holds the crown as the top dog. Debian once held second place but has been knocked lower recently. This is quite ironic, considering that Ubuntu was developed from Debian. Part of the reason might be because Ubuntu is more user-friendly. And the fact that it isn’t too strict when it comes to proprietary software and drivers makes it a little bit easier for people to use, especially those who are not that knowledgeable in the inner workings of Linux.

Summary:
1. Ubuntu forked from Debian in 2004
2. Ubuntu releases a new version every 6 months while Debian releases every 2 years
3. Ubuntu comes pre-installed with Mozilla programs while Debian runs modified versions of the same
4. Ubuntu has a company backing it while Debian is decentralized
5. Ubuntu is the top Linux distribution with Debian coming in second
6. Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution and Debian is somewhere down the list
7. Ubuntu is better for beginners compared to Debian

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