Ubuntu: Reasons Why it is Not the Best Linux Distribution

When we talk about installing a Linux distribution on our computer, one of the first that comes to mind is Ubuntu . This is one of the best known Linux distributions that we can find on the net. This operating system, developed by Canonical , allows users to find a system that offers a balance between ease of use and the famous Linux philosophy. However, although it is the best known and most used, and it is the one that is most often recommended for all types of users, it is by no means the best.

Ubuntu, for many years, has been the gateway to the world of Linux , we cannot deny it. Linux has always been considered “a difficult operating system” because, while macOS and Windows users are used to using a graphical interface, many of the tasks of this system were carried out from the terminal. The Canonical distribution was one of the first, of many, to break with this topic. Ubuntu is no more difficult to use than Windows or macOS. Although it is different, and, therefore, it is necessary to make ourselves to him.

Ubuntu

But its popularity has made Canonical overconfident. And not only that, but it has often taken advantage of its dominant position to carry out unethical practices, which have nothing to do with the Linux philosophy. And this has made Ubuntu lose the title of “best Linux distribution”, being able to find other excellent alternatives, superior in every way, much more faithful to what Linux is.

Ubuntu 20.04

9 months of support for each Ubuntu version

Windows 10 and Ubuntu are updated the same, twice a year . But there is a big difference between both operating systems. While each version of Windows 1o has 18 months of support , Ubuntu versions only have 9 months . This means that users who decide to upgrade will have to go through all of them. They will not be able to update, for example, once a year because they will run out of updates, maintenance or security. And that is dangerous.

It is true that Ubuntu, every two years, usually releases an extended support version, LTS, which allows us to stay in it for 5 years with updates and support. If we are going to use Ubuntu, of course we must bet on the LTS. But this forces us to spend two years (or more) without updating the computer, not being able to enjoy the news and improvements in which the company works.

Instalar nueva versión de Ubuntu

Canonical’s upgrade model is out of date. The best Linux distributions (Arch, for example) use a Rolling Release update system, thanks to which they can always be up to date without having to change version. But, for some unknown reason, Canonical prefers Ubuntu to use an archaic version-based update system.

Canonical forces you to “go through its hoop”

One of the principles of Linux is freedom. Each user should have control over the system and use it as they want without anyone imposing any obligation on them. However, Canonical has gone out of line on several occasions in this regard.

In the past, the company included adware applications alongside the operating system, with which the company earned revenue. This, luckily, is part of the past. However, recently the company has done it again, and has started to “force” users to use Snap packages when installing certain programs on the system, such as Chromium .

This has not only made many users angry, but even other developers, such as those responsible for Linux Mint , have criticized Canonical for this decision and have chosen not to allow the installation of the Snap packages in their distributions. Although, of course, users can activate this possibility.

You will never have the last kernel

You will never see a version of Ubuntu with the latest Linux kernel. If this OS were Rolling Release, then we could have it. But given Canonical’s system development model, we will always be a version or two behind the latest version of Linux . And if we use an LTS, then we will end up using a two, three or more year old version of the kernel.

Initially, since Ubuntu LTS usually use extended support versions, there are usually no security problems. However, we will be missing optimizations and improvements in support of the newer hardware. Of course, we will be far from using a “good Linux”.

We can install the latest version of the Linux Kernel by hand, either by commands or through programs like Ukku. But these versions will not be modified and optimized to work on Ubuntu, nor will they be supported by it. We are missing out on what little good this distro has if we go for this option.

Ubuntu is in no man’s land

Ubuntu is not the lightest and most minimalist Linux that we can find. Nor is it the easiest Linux intended to ease the transition for Windows users. Not optimal to play. Your helping community leaves something to be desired at times. And it is not the one that offers the best performance or comes with a greater amount of software. So where is Ubuntu left? What makes it stand out today from any other distribution?

Ubuntu can be “the middle ground” , the balance between all the others, and between all its features. But, today, it stands out above no other than for its popularity and for being the best known.