Rocky Linux vs Ubuntu Linux comparison

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Rocky Linux Logo
8,295 views|7,839 comparisons
100% willing to recommend
Canonical Logo
35,897 views|32,560 comparisons
95% willing to recommend
Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary
Updated on Sep 14, 2023

We compared Ubuntu Linux and Rocky Linux across several parameters based on our users' reviews. After reading the collected data, you can find our conclusion below:

  • Ease of Deployment: Users find the initial setup for Ubuntu Linux to be quick and straightforward, similar to installing Windows. The installation process is user-friendly and takes around 15 minutes. Rocky Linux is also praised for its ease of deployment, with a well-documented installation process and a user-friendly interface. 

  • Features: Ubuntu Linux is known for its excellent performance, flexibility, and its ability to support machine learning and application development. In contrast, Rocky Linux is praised for its stability, security, and compatibility with CentOS. However, it may have limited documentation, slower updates, and less community support compared to Ubuntu Linux.

  • Room for Improvement: Ubuntu Linux could improve its hardware support, security features, and compatibility with Microsoft solutions. Rocky Linux requires more extensive documentation, a wider range of available packages, improved community support, and an updated user interface.

  • Pricing: Ubuntu Linux is known for its affordability and is available in an open-source version without licensing fees. There is limited information available regarding the setup cost for Rocky Linux.

  • ROI: Ubuntu Linux offers significant cost savings as it eliminates the need for operating system payments. In contrast, the ROI for Rocky Linux depends on various factors including cost savings, stability, community support, and compatibility with CentOS. 

  • Service and Support: Ubuntu Linux's customer service is mainly based on online resources and the community, whereas Rocky Linux stands out for its active and supportive community, prompt assistance, and comprehensive documentation.

Comparison Results: Ubuntu is a reliable, affordable solution that's highly regarded for its simple installation process, strong performance, and adaptability. It provides a diverse selection of applications and functionalities. However, users feel that Ubuntu could offer better documentation, more security features, and more seamless compatibility with Microsoft solutions. Rocky Linux is commended for its straightforward deployment, security, and compatibility with CentOS. Still, users have noted drawbacks such as limited documentation and infrequent updates.

To learn more, read our detailed Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux Report (Updated: March 2024).
768,857 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"It helps us keep our workstations in sync and ensures consistent settings across most of our machines.""It's very simple to work with, easy to learn, and know where things are.""I haven't needed to use customer service or support, which speaks volumes about their product's reliability and ease of use."

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"I think Ubuntu's main strength, as opposed to using the other Linuxes, has been its ability to encourage user feedback.""Of value is that the solution is stable, easy to use, has features that are easy to connect to other Linux systems and can be managed and administered.""Ubuntu is free and stable.""It is more powerful because you have more control over it.""The solution has high fantastic performance.""The most valuable feature is that it's developer-friendly and easily accessible. Like any other Linux operating system, you have access to open sources, all the necessary tooling, and anything that helps developers do their work. I'm no Linux guru, but Ubuntu offers packages that I find easy to use. There are other options for people who are very skilled with Linux, but this solution has the perfect balance of having enough technical requirements to meet your needs while still being usable. It doesn't require you to be so technically proficient that you need to recompile kernels or anything like that. It's a Linux operating system for normal people.""The most valuable features are that it's free and that it is simple to use.""Ubuntu is great because you get most of the packages or software you need. You get the latest updates and stuff fairly fast."

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Cons
"The solution's audio integration for virtual machines could be improved.""In terms of improvement, Rocky Linux needs to clarify its identity and target audience.""One of the potential issues is that if you don't pay for support, you may need to manage certain aspects on your own and rely on the community for assistance."

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"Ubuntu Linux does not easily detect the drivers of new devices, and you need to do some trial and error for some of the third parties porting into it.""The solution could be better integrated with Microsoft.""The performance of this product could still be improved, as it's always good to improve on the performance of any product, no matter how satisfied you are with it.""I find the solution could be easier to use, more flexible, user-friendly, and have a better UI.""Could be even more light weight than it currently is.""I would like to see the group policies and the GUI improved in the next release.""They can keep improving the solution's ability to be adopted by users by adding features, such as better tutorials and integration into the system.""There are some drivers that are not there encoded, however, I thought that was pretty normal. They could be more comprehensive."

More Ubuntu Linux Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "Compared to the market prices of other tools, the solution has a very competitive pricing."
  • More Rocky Linux Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "​Old equipment works for at least two or three years more, which means a significant savings.​"
  • "I use the free version, so I don't have any license fees."
  • "It's an open-source solution that can be used free of charge."
  • "It is not a very expensive solution."
  • "Ubuntu pricing is reasonable."
  • "It is open source, so it is free. There is no licensing fee."
  • "It is a free product."
  • "Ubuntu is an open-source Linux operating system that can be used free of charge."
  • More Ubuntu Linux Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:It's very simple to work with, easy to learn, and know where things are.
    Top Answer:The solution's audio integration for virtual machines could be improved. It took me almost a day to get my audio drivers to work while running it as a virtual machine. I run Oracle Virtual Box. Within… more »
    Top Answer:I'm currently running the solution at home to teach myself all of the flavors of Linux. If a new one comes out that I don't know or haven't worked on, I'll install it and see how easy it is to… more »
    Top Answer:Ubunto Linux is a complete Linux operating system that is freely available with both community and professional support. This solution is suitable for both desktop and server use. It has a very… more »
    Top Answer: It has a good support system for loading databases.
    Ranking
    Views
    8,295
    Comparisons
    7,839
    Reviews
    3
    Average Words per Review
    649
    Rating
    8.3
    Views
    35,897
    Comparisons
    32,560
    Reviews
    23
    Average Words per Review
    441
    Rating
    8.9
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Ubuntu
    Learn More
    Rocky Linux
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    Canonical
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    Overview

    Rocky Linux is a robust and secure enterprise-grade operating system designed as a drop-in replacement for CentOS. Its primary use case is to provide a stable and reliable platform for organizations to run their critical workloads and applications.


    The most valuable functionality of Rocky Linux lies in its compatibility with CentOS, ensuring a seamless transition for organizations already using CentOS. It offers long-term support, regular security updates, and a predictable release cycle, providing stability and reliability for mission-critical systems.

    Rocky Linux helps organizations by offering a free and open-source alternative to CentOS, which was discontinued by Red Hat. It allows businesses to continue using their existing CentOS-based infrastructure without the need for costly migrations or vendor lock-in. With its strong community support and active development, Rocky Linux ensures a sustainable and community-driven future for CentOS users.

    Moreover, Rocky Linux is built with security in mind, providing robust features like SELinux and secure defaults. This helps organizations protect their data and systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

    Ubuntu Linux is an powerful, easy-to-use, customizable, free, and safe open-source operating system. Some of the world’s top tech corporations, like Intel and Microsoft, rely on Ubuntu Linux to power their operations. It is an operating system that is so trusted by the tech community that it comes pre-installed on global computer vendors like HP and Dell. It is therefore little wonder that Ubuntu Desktop is the world’s most widely-used Linux workstation platform.

    Ubuntu Linux comes in a variety of derivatives that enable organizations to select the operating system type that will best meet their needs. There are four derivative types and a number of flavors. The derivative types are:

    1. Ubuntu Desktop. As indicated by the name, this derivative is specifically designed to run on laptops and desktops. That said, it is a solution that can be and is used to power other hardware-based systems, such as servers and data centers. However, without the addition of software that primes it to serve as a server program, it only functions on desktops and, as a result, only runs applications that are meant for general use. These can include applications like web browsers and multimedia programs. Users can install it through a prompt-driven process that plays out on their graphical user interfaces.

    2. Ubuntu Server. This version of Ubuntu differs from Ubuntu Desktop in a number of ways. The first is that, as suggested by the product name, it is designed for use on an organization’s servers. It is for this reason that Ubuntu Server supports applications that are more focused on the operations of the server and the network that it runs. This differs from Ubuntu Desktop in that Desktop is basically only concerned with the device that is running it. Their methods of installation also differ, as Ubuntu Server has no graphical user interface. Instead, it is installed by way of a process-driven menu.

    3. Ubuntu Core. Ubuntu Core is a stripped-down version of Linux that is specifically designed to handle embedded device projects.

    4. Ubuntu Cloud. The designers of Ubuntu Cloud focused on providing users with a highly secure and versatile operating system that they can run on the public cloud.

    Ubuntu Linux Benefits

    Some of the ways that organizations can benefit by deploying Ubuntu Linux’s open-source operating system include:

    • Ease of installation and use. Ubuntu Linux is simple for beginners to install and then use. Anyone who has some knowledge of computer systems should be able to deploy Ubuntu Linux. The user interface is as simple to use as those available to users of Windows or macOS.
    • Customization. Users of Ubuntu Linux have access to many different flavors of the operating system. This enables them to customize it so that it best meets their operational needs.
    • Operational flexibility. Users can install Ubuntu Linux onto a wide variety of device types. Windows and Mackintosh computers and devices are both fully compatible with this operating system.

    Ubuntu Linux Features

    • Data security. Ubuntu Linux employs various security practices and features that enable users to safeguard their data against malware attacks.
    • Applications. Users have access to a wide variety of applications that can easily be downloaded for use on Ubuntu.

    • Hardware autoconfiguration. The hardware drivers that users need in order to configure the hardware correctly so that Ubuntu Linux can be properly installed come built -in to the Ubuntu Linux operating system.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Ubuntu Linux is an operating system that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Two of its major advantages are the high level of security that it offers applications that run on it and the low level of maintenance that it actually requires system administrators to do once it has been deployed.

    Franco P., the founder and CEO of Applied Labs, writes, “When you have this relationship with Linux and you start working with very secure environments, there's less possibility of being directly attacked by a group of hackers. You will lose less data and you will have a more reliable ecosystem.”

    The principal cloud architect at a wholesaler and distributor writes, “With Ubuntu Linux, you can set it and forget it. It requires a low amount of administrative overhead.

    Sample Customers
    Information Not Available
    Samsung, eBay, AT&T, Walmart, Cisco, Time Warner Cable, Bloomberg, Best Buy, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Ericsson, Orange, Wells Fargo
    Top Industries
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company14%
    Educational Organization11%
    University11%
    Government9%
    REVIEWERS
    Computer Software Company19%
    Comms Service Provider15%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Manufacturing Company6%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company13%
    Comms Service Provider9%
    Manufacturing Company9%
    Educational Organization9%
    Company Size
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business28%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise56%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business49%
    Midsize Enterprise14%
    Large Enterprise37%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business25%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise60%
    Buyer's Guide
    Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    768,857 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Rocky Linux is ranked 12th in Operating Systems (OS) for Business with 3 reviews while Ubuntu Linux is ranked 2nd in Operating Systems (OS) for Business with 133 reviews. Rocky Linux is rated 8.4, while Ubuntu Linux is rated 8.6. The top reviewer of Rocky Linux writes "Very simple to work with, easy to learn, and has a competitive pricing". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Ubuntu Linux writes "Open-source with a great support community and seamless updating". Rocky Linux is most compared with Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), openSUSE Leap, SUSE Linux Enterprise and Windows 10, whereas Ubuntu Linux is most compared with Oracle Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise, Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and CentOS. See our Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux report.

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    We monitor all Operating Systems (OS) for Business reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.