Linux has become the operating system of choice for developers, sysadmins, and business corporations due to its customizability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu are two operating systems that are the operating system of choice. Both are of choice and good, but both are suitable for other users’ requirement and configuration too. This article provides a detailed, human-friendly comparison of Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu, covering their origins, features, use cases, performance, package management, system requirements, security, and overall ease of use. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which distro best suits your needs.
Introduction to Rocky Linux and Ubuntu
What is Rocky Linux?
Rocky Linux is a business-oriented new Linux distribution that has been newly founded. Rocky Linux was founded as a substitute for CentOS with the Red Hat statement that CentOS Linux will no longer be built as a stable downstream build of RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux). Rocky Linux was founded by CentOS co-founder Gregory Kurtzer when CentOS shifted towards CentOS Stream.
Major Features of Rocky Linux
RHEL binary-compatible
- Enterprise-grade stability and support
- Server, enterprise, and data center-focused
- Community-supported free and open-source software
What is Ubuntu?
While comparing Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu, the most popular and commonly used Linux distro is Ubuntu. It is created by Canonical, and this distro rose to such levels of popularity simply because it’s user-friendly, well-documented, and being supported by end-users in terms of a community that is open and live. Ubuntu also has different flavors that include Ubuntu Desktop for home consumer use, Ubuntu Server for use by businesses, and those customized for Internet of Things devices like Ubuntu Core.
Ubuntu’s Key Features
- Based on Debian, supported and updated regularly
- Supports several flavors (Desktop, Server, Cloud, IoT)
- Simplicity focus for new users
- Commercial and community support
Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu: Comparison
| Feature | Rocky Linux | Ubuntu |
|---|---|---|
| Base Distribution | Based on RHEL | Based on Debian |
| Target Users | Enterprise, servers, IT professionals | General users, developers, enterprises |
| Package Manager | dnf (RPM-based) | apt (DEB-based) |
| Default Desktop Environment | No GUI by default (server-focused) | GNOME (Ubuntu Desktop) |
| Stability | Extremely stable (RHEL compatibility) | Stable, but updates more frequently |
| Security Features | SELinux enabled by default | AppArmor enabled by default |
| Release Cycle | Long-term support (10 years) | Short-term (9 months) and LTS (5 years) |
| Ease of Use | Requires more manual configuration | More beginner-friendly |
| Community Support | Strong but smaller than Ubuntu | Large and active community |
| Enterprise Support | Community-based but enterprise-ready | Commercial support from Canonical |
Package Management: DNF vs APT
The second very important difference between Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu lies in their package managers.
Rocky Linux – DNF Package Manager
- Rocky Linux, RHEL’s fork, employs DNF (Dandified YUM) package manager to update and install software.
- Based on RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) packages
Syntax Example:
bash
sudo dnf install httpd
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- Supports module streams in a manner that various versions of packages are supported
- Supports transaction safety in a manner that updates never leave the system in a state of broken dependencies
Ubuntu – APT Package Manager
Ubuntu employs APT package manager which is a part of Debian universe when there are .deb files.
Syntax Example:
bash
sudo apt install apache2
- Optimized for use on server and desktop
- Colossal package repository
Which One is Best?
In corporate, it is DNF as a default rule due to the RHEL compatibility and better dependency management. For new users as well as for quicker package installation of the desktop environment, APT is easier.
System Specifications and Performance
Rocky Linux Minimum System Specification
- CPU: 64-bit CPU
- RAM: 2 GB (minimum), 4 GB+ recommended
- Disk Space: 10 GB (minimum), 20 GB+ recommended
- Architecture: x86_64, ARM64
Ubuntu Minimum Hardware Specs
- CPU: 64-bit CPU
- RAM: 2 GB (Desktop), 512 MB (Server)
- Disk Space: 25 GB (Desktop), 10 GB (Server)
- Architecture: x86_64, ARM, PowerPC
Comparison of Performance between Rocky Linux and Ubuntu
- Rocky Linux is performance-optimized for commercial purposes and hence the best fit for security and stability-oriented servers.
- Ubuntu is performance-optimized and resource-constrained to desktop specifications and hence the best option for development and personal needs.
- Rocky Linux provides long-term stability and fewer update and hence it is best if stability is a sheer necessity and fewer update is needed.
- If updates and fresh packages are the need, Ubuntu is suitable.
Security: SELinux vs AppArmor
Security, in Linux operating systems, is one of the most important features, especially for servers.
Rocky Linux Security: SELinux
- Rocky Linux, being RHEL, has SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) enabled.
- Enforces mandatory access control (MAC)
- More security-constrained fine-grained policies
- Difficult to install but highly secure
Ubuntu Security: AppArmor
- AppArmor is the Ubuntu security module that is employed to limit programs with pre-defined profiles.
- Less invasive than SELinux
- Encourage that there is a proper level of security with which home and server systems can function properly
- Less adjustable but simpler to use than SELinux
- Rocky Linux with SELinux if enterprise security is what you require. Ubuntu with AppArmor is a snap for simpler security policy.
Use Cases: When to Use Rocky Linux or Ubuntu
When to Use Rocky Linux?
- If you require a CentOS alternative with RHEL compatibility
- If you are installing enterprise servers, web hosting, or cloud computing
- If you require a secure and stable environment
- If you have an enterprise IT platform requiring long-term support
When to Use Ubuntu?
- If you’re a new Linux user and desire an easy-to-use environment
- If you desire a desktop-focused distro with community support
- If you’re a developer and need access to newer software
- If you need stability with newer features
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
Both Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu are great Linux distros, but both have their time and environment.
If you need a good enterprise-level server OS in the long run, Ubuntu’s your access ticket. When you need a great, rock-solid Linux OS that is user-friendly and support-friendly, Ubuntu’s your ticket. Enterprise rollout, security settings, and data centers must utilize Rocky Linux. Home, dev, and cloud environments could do well with Ubuntu. You would regret losing the good one later. Do you need enterprise stability? Use Rocky Linux. Do you need community, flexibility, and simplicity? Use Ubuntu.
FAQs
1. Which is more suitable for beginners, Rocky Linux or Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is more suitable for beginners since it offers a friendly interface, full documentation, and there is a large support community. Rocky Linux, as an enterprise OS, is better suited for experts and system administrators.
2. Is Rocky Linux a good replacement for CentOS?
Yes, Rocky Linux is planned as a 1:1 binary-compatible drop-in replacement for CentOS following the time CentOS switched to CentOS Stream. It has the same long-term support and stability that users of CentOS trusted.
3. Which is preferable on a server, Rocky Linux or Ubuntu?
Both are excellent for servers, but Rocky Linux is used in enterprise environments because it is RHEL compatible and has long-term stability. Ubuntu Server is more versatile and popular for cloud and web hosting services.
4. How is the package management different in Rocky Linux and Ubuntu?
Rocky Linux employs DNF (Dandified YUM), an RPM-based package manager. Ubuntu employs APT (Advanced Package Tool), which operates on DEB packages. Both are effective, but APT is generally regarded as more user-friendly for beginners.
