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6 reasons why I''ve stuck with Ubuntu-based Linux distros for the last 20 years

The article titled "6 reasons why I've stuck with Ubuntu-based Linux distros for the last 20 years" on ZDNet provides a detailed personal account of why the author has remained loyal to Ubuntu-based Linux distributions since their inception. The author, who has extensive experience with various Linux distributions over the years, outlines six key reasons for their preference for Ubuntu and its derivatives, emphasizing the user-friendly nature, reliability, and community support that have kept them committed to this particular family of operating systems.

The first reason highlighted by the author is the ease of use that Ubuntu offers, particularly for those who are new to Linux or transitioning from other operating systems like Windows or macOS. When Ubuntu was first released in 2004, it aimed to be a "Linux for human beings," a slogan that resonated with the author. Unlike other distributions at the time, such as Slackware or Debian, which required significant technical know-how to install and configure, Ubuntu simplified the process with a user-friendly installer and a pre-configured desktop environment. This accessibility made it possible for less tech-savvy individuals to adopt Linux without feeling overwhelmed by complex terminal commands or manual system configurations. The author notes that this focus on usability has persisted over the years, with Ubuntu continuing to refine its interface and installation process to cater to a broad audience, including beginners.

The second reason for the author’s loyalty is the robust community support surrounding Ubuntu. The Ubuntu community, both through official forums and unofficial channels, has been a vital resource for troubleshooting and learning. The author recalls how, in the early days of using Ubuntu, they frequently turned to the community for help with hardware compatibility issues or software installation problems. The forums were filled with knowledgeable users willing to assist, and this sense of camaraderie and shared purpose made the learning curve less daunting. Even as the author became more experienced, they continued to value the community for staying updated on new features, workarounds, and best practices. This strong support network, according to the author, sets Ubuntu apart from other distributions that might have smaller or less active user bases.

Third, the author praises the regular release cycle of Ubuntu, which provides a balance between stability and innovation. Ubuntu follows a predictable schedule, with new versions released every six months and Long Term Support (LTS) versions every two years, offering five years of updates and security patches. This structure allows users to choose between staying on the cutting edge with the latest software or opting for a more stable, long-term option for critical systems. The author appreciates this flexibility, as it caters to different needs—whether for personal experimentation or professional environments where reliability is paramount. They mention that the LTS releases, in particular, have been their go-to choice for servers and workstations, ensuring minimal disruptions due to system updates.

The fourth reason is the extensive software availability through Ubuntu’s package management system and repositories. The author explains that Ubuntu’s use of the Debian-based APT (Advanced Package Tool) system makes installing, updating, and managing software incredibly straightforward. The official repositories contain thousands of pre-vetted applications, libraries, and tools, reducing the need to hunt for software on potentially unreliable third-party websites. Additionally, the introduction of Snap and Flatpak support in recent years has further expanded the range of available software, allowing users to access the latest versions of applications even on older LTS releases. The author highlights how this ecosystem has saved them countless hours compared to their experiences with other distributions where software installation often required manual compilation or dependency resolution.

Fifth, the author values the wide hardware compatibility that Ubuntu offers. Over the past two decades, they have installed Ubuntu on a variety of devices, from old laptops to modern desktops and servers, with minimal issues. Ubuntu’s focus on supporting a broad range of hardware out of the box, including drivers for common components like Wi-Fi adapters and graphics cards, has been a significant advantage. The author contrasts this with their earlier experiences with other Linux distributions, where getting hardware to work often involved tedious configuration or kernel tweaking. While acknowledging that occasional hiccups still occur, especially with very new or niche hardware, the overall compatibility and the community’s quick response to such issues have kept the author confident in Ubuntu’s ability to run on most systems they encounter.

The sixth and final reason is the adaptability of Ubuntu-based distributions to various use cases through official flavors and community-driven derivatives. The author appreciates that Ubuntu serves as a foundation for specialized distributions like Kubuntu (with the KDE desktop), Xubuntu (with the lightweight Xfce desktop), and Linux Mint, which builds on Ubuntu to offer a more Windows-like experience. This variety allows users to tailor their Linux experience to their preferences or hardware capabilities without straying too far from the core Ubuntu ecosystem. The author mentions experimenting with several of these derivatives over the years, finding them to be reliable and well-supported due to their shared Ubuntu base. This flexibility ensures that whether someone needs a lightweight system for an old netbook or a full-featured desktop for multimedia production, there’s likely an Ubuntu-based option that fits the bill.

In elaborating on these points, the author reflects on their journey with Ubuntu over the past 20 years, starting from the release of Ubuntu 4.10 (Warty Warthog) in 2004. They recall the excitement of discovering a Linux distribution that didn’t require them to be a system administrator to use effectively. Over time, as their needs evolved—from casual desktop use to running servers and virtual machines—Ubuntu and its derivatives adapted alongside them. The author also acknowledges that while no operating system is perfect, Ubuntu’s consistent focus on user experience, community engagement, and technical reliability has made it their default choice. They note that even when they’ve explored other distributions like Fedora or Arch Linux for specific projects, they inevitably return to Ubuntu for its familiarity and dependability.

The article also touches on the broader impact of Ubuntu on the Linux landscape. The author credits Ubuntu with playing a pivotal role in popularizing Linux among non-technical users, paving the way for greater mainstream adoption. By prioritizing ease of use and accessibility, Ubuntu challenged the stereotype that Linux was only for tech enthusiasts or professionals. This democratization of Linux, in the author’s view, has benefited the entire open-source ecosystem by attracting a diverse user base and encouraging more developers to contribute to Linux-compatible software.

In conclusion, the author’s 20-year commitment to Ubuntu-based distributions is rooted in a combination of practical and philosophical reasons. Practically, Ubuntu offers an intuitive interface, reliable updates, extensive software options, and strong hardware support, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Philosophically, the community-driven ethos and the mission to make Linux accessible to everyone resonate deeply with the author. They express a sense of gratitude for how Ubuntu has evolved while staying true to its core principles, ensuring that it remains a trusted choice for both new and seasoned Linux users. The author’s personal anecdotes and detailed reasoning provide a compelling case for why Ubuntu has retained their loyalty for two decades, and they anticipate continuing to use it for years to come, as it continues to meet their needs and adapt to technological advancements. This comprehensive reflection not only serves as a testament to Ubuntu’s strengths but also as an invitation for others to consider it as a viable operating system option, whether they are new to Linux or looking for a dependable distribution to call home.

Read the Full ZDNet Article at:
[ https://www.zdnet.com/article/6-reasons-why-ive-stuck-with-ubuntu-based-linux-distros-for-the-last-20-years/ ]