diff --git a/sources/tech/20231007 Ubuntu vs Kubuntu- Which is the Better Choice for You.md b/sources/tech/20231007 Ubuntu vs Kubuntu- Which is the Better Choice for You.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..46123f09df --- /dev/null +++ b/sources/tech/20231007 Ubuntu vs Kubuntu- Which is the Better Choice for You.md @@ -0,0 +1,246 @@ +[#]: subject: "Ubuntu vs Kubuntu: Which is the Better Choice for You?" +[#]: via: "https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-vs-kubuntu/" +[#]: author: "Ankush Das https://itsfoss.com/author/ankush/" +[#]: collector: "lujun9972/lctt-scripts-1693450080" +[#]: translator: " " +[#]: reviewer: " " +[#]: publisher: " " +[#]: url: " " + +Ubuntu vs Kubuntu: Which is the Better Choice for You? +====== + +Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution for desktop users. It features a customized GNOME desktop to provide a seamless user experience. Exciting + +On the other hand, Kubuntu is one of the [Ubuntu flavours][1] featuring the **KDE Plasma desktop**. + +At its core, both distributions are similar, with the [desktop environment][2] as the striking difference. + +_What exactly are the differences? Is one of them better than the other? What is the perfect distro for your use-case?_ + +Here, we shall highlight the key differences along with essentials to help you pick one. + +📋 + +This comparison uses Ubuntu 23.04 and Kubuntu 23.04. With future releases, there can be some differences, which we will be regularly updating. + +### Desktop Environments + +Ubuntu features a customized look using the [GNOME][3] desktop. The layout is unique for new Linux users, and yet easy to use. + +![A screenshot of Ubuntu 23.04 home screen][4] + +It is not the same as the vanilla GNOME experience you get with the Fedora Linux. The entire desktop environment experience of Ubuntu is tweaked. + +Kubuntu comes baked with a vanilla [KDE Plasma][5] experience. The layout could seem familiar to users switching away from Windows, with a start menu, system widgets, and more. + +![A screenshot of Kubuntu 23.04][6] + +If you have tried any other distribution with KDE Plasma desktop, it will feel more or less the same. + +Both are some of the [best desktop environments][7] available. So, you cannot go wrong picking one based on their layout, customizability, and features. + +To give you some more idea, here's how the log-in screen for Ubuntu looks like: + +![][8] + +And, here's Kubuntu login screen with an X11 desktop session: + +![][9] + +Moreover, I got you! We have a detailed guide to help you compare [KDE vs GNOME][10] if you want to dive in deep: + +![][11] + +💡 + +Depending on the distro edition, i.e., [Long-Term Support][12] (LTS) or non-LTS; the desktop experience and feature-set will differ. + +For instance, with a non-LTS release like Ubuntu 23.10 or Kubuntu 23.10, you can expect a more recent desktop version [GNOME 45][13] or [KDE Plasma 5.27][14]. + +And, with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, you get a slightly older desktop version [GNOME 42][15] or [KDE Plasma 5.24][16]. + +### Software Management + +Considering both are Ubuntu (or Debian-based) at its core, you can expect to install the same applications on both distributions. + +However, the store that you will be using to manage or install the apps in the distro is different. + +![][17] + +For Ubuntu, it is the **Software Center** or the **Ubuntu App Center** (in newer versions starting from [Ubuntu 23.10][18]), which includes Snap integration by default. So, if you prefer using Snaps over Flatpak, Ubuntu can give you a seamless experience installing them. + +![][19] + +To use packages from Flathub, you can follow our [guide on using Flatpak][20], but there are no baked in integration options with Ubuntu's software manager. + +When it comes to Kubuntu, you get " **Discover** " as the software manager. You get applications from the repositories and Snap packages as well. + +![][21] + +Compared to Ubuntu's software store, Discover is a bit **more flexible with an available add-on to easily integrate Flatpak**. + +All you need is a few clicks to list apps from Flathub on Discover with the **Flatpak back-end add-on** under the Settings menu. + +![][22] + +**Suggested Read 📖** + +![][11] + +### Software and Feature Differences + +I know, some users care about what they can do in the distro, and the software utilities available out-of-the-box. + +![Taking screenshots in Kubuntu][23] + +They aren't concerned about the layout of the desktop or the way the lock screen and log-in screen look like. Just **features** , like the ones shown in the images here. + +![Quick toggle menu on Ubuntu][24] + +📋 + +The features available depend on the version of distribution and the software. However, I believe, you should know a couple of things that make them both stand out, which could help you choose one. + +Some important ones include: + + * The default screenshot tool on Kubuntu provides annotation and edit capabilities, Ubuntu does not offer this. + * The file manager on Kubuntu has more features than the one on Ubuntu. + * Kubuntu offers more pre-installed apps as part of its desktop environment offerings. + * More appearance tweaks available on Kubuntu compared to Ubuntu. + * Ability to connect to your mobile on Kubuntu using its KDE Connect app by default. You can install the same app on Ubuntu for the functionality. + * Adding a workspace to improve workflow is easy and automated on Ubuntu. You can add 'Virtual Desktops' on Kubuntu, but you will have to add them manually. + * Quick toggle to use dark/light mode on Ubuntu. + * Ubuntu focuses on a simpler approach for users who often get overwhelmed by a plethora of options displayed. + + + +### Release Cycle + +Ubuntu LTS editions like Ubuntu 18.04 and Ubuntu 22.04 receive software updates and security fixes for **five years** (from its release date). + +Furthermore, if you want to keep using the same version for longer, you can opt for [Ubuntu Pro subscription][25] (free for personal use) which extends **five more years of updates.** + +And, the non-LTS versions like Ubuntu 22.10 and Ubuntu 23.04 are limited to **nine months of maintenance updates**. + +💡 + +For most users, LTS releases are recommended. You can try installing non-LTS versions only if you are ready to upgrade your system after nine months to get the latest and greatest software. + +If you are new to these terms, I suggest you go through some of our resources to understand the release cycle in detail: + + * [What is End of Life for Ubuntu?][26] + * [What is a Long-Term Support Release?][12] + + + +In a nutshell, with Ubuntu, **you get a pretty long support option**. + +Most users believe that just because Kubuntu is an official Ubuntu flavour, it will also receive updates for the same duration as Ubuntu. + +**Unfortunately, that is not true.** + +With Kubuntu, the **LTS editions are supported for three years** from release. And, the non-LTS releases are maintained for **nine months**. There are no options to extend the software update duration. + +### Installation + +The installation is easy and similar for both the distributions. + +The only differences you will notice is with the user interface, and a couple of options. + +Here are a couple of screenshots for Kubuntu: + +![][27] + +![][28] + +It is incredibly easy to get both of them installed, no matter how they look. + +Here's how Ubuntu installation looks with their modern installer: + +![][29] + +![][30] + +Canonical's Ubuntu has improved the user experience for its installer in the recent releases. So, a user might find it a tad bit easier (with a modern touch) to click through the steps to install it. + +For instance, you may get the option to choose between dark/light mode right after installing Ubuntu, but not Kubuntu. + +![][31] + +### System Resource Usage + +I will not declare a winner here, but in general, the desktop environment (KDE Plasma) on Kubuntu is a lightweight and performance-focused. + +GNOME on Ubuntu is tailored to give you an intuitive user experience. + +To give you an idea, Ubuntu, right after boot, takes **1.5 GB of memory** when I checked using its system monitor: + +![][32] + +When I look at the same thing on Kubuntu, it occupies 1.2 GB of memory right after boot: + +![][33] + +Sure, Kubuntu's system monitor looks a bit more functional. And, that's about it. + +So, in terms of resource usage, you might notice differences on paper, but practically, it may not bother you at all. + +### What Should You Pick? + +When it comes to selecting a Linux distribution to daily drive, you should always consider your workflow and the layout. + +**Kubuntu should be a nice choice for users familiar with the Windows platform** (or switching away from it). + +**Ubuntu can be a simple and modern experience** if you do not have a problem getting comfortable with its layout. + +In either case, if you are looking for **customizability and more utilities, try Kubuntu**. **** Considering you **prefer** **simplicity, you cannot go wrong with Ubuntu**. + +💬 _What is your favorite Linux distribution among the two and why?_ + +-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +via: https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-vs-kubuntu/ + +作者：[Ankush Das][a] +选题：[lujun9972][b] +译者：[译者ID](https://github.com/译者ID) +校对：[校对者ID](https://github.com/校对者ID) + +本文由 [LCTT](https://github.com/LCTT/TranslateProject) 原创编译，[Linux中国](https://linux.cn/) 荣誉推出 + +[a]: https://itsfoss.com/author/ankush/ +[b]: https://github.com/lujun9972 +[1]: https://itsfoss.com/which-ubuntu-install/ +[2]: https://itsfoss.com/what-is-desktop-environment/ +[3]: https://www.gnome.org/ +[4]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/ubuntu-23-04-home-with-wallpaper.jpg +[5]: https://kde.org/plasma-desktop/ +[6]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/kubuntu-23-04-home.png +[7]: https://itsfoss.com/best-linux-desktop-environments/ +[8]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/ubuntu-log-in-screen.jpg +[9]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/kubuntu-login.jpg +[10]: https://itsfoss.com/kde-vs-gnome/ +[11]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/12/android-chrome-192x192.png +[12]: https://itsfoss.com/long-term-support-lts/ +[13]: https://news.itsfoss.com/gnome-45/ +[14]: https://news.itsfoss.com/kde-plasma-5-27-release/ +[15]: https://news.itsfoss.com/gnome-42-features/ +[16]: https://news.itsfoss.com/kde-plasma-5-24-lts-release/ +[17]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/ubuntu-23-04-software-center.png +[18]: https://news.itsfoss.com/ubuntu-23-10/ +[19]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/ubuntu-softwar-center-app.png +[20]: https://itsfoss.com/flatpak-guide/ +[21]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/kde-discover.png +[22]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/09/kubuntu-discover-23-04.jpg +[23]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/kde-spectacle.jpg +[24]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/quick-toggles-on-ubuntu.jpg +[25]: https://ubuntu.com/pro +[26]: https://itsfoss.com/end-of-life-ubuntu/ +[27]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/kubuntu-installation-1.jpg +[28]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/kubuntu-installation.jpg +[29]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/8-location.png +[30]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/6-Disk-layout.png +[31]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/10-light-and-dark-mode.png +[32]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/ubuntu-resources.png +[33]: https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/10/kubuntu-system-resources.png