Comparing Different Linux Vendors - Research Paper Example

Linux is a very popular operating system just like Windows. It is widely in use because of its efficiency and security. This operating system is free of cost and is open source, that is, it can be downloaded, installed, and distributed for free. Hence, it is used more than any other operating system. Linux was first designed as an operating system for servers and now along with server-based applications, it leads to desktops and other major systems as well. It is based on Unix. Linux was developed in collaboration with many different companies, thus, all these companies are responsible for its development. The development and research costs are shared amongst the partners and other competitors. As many companies are involved, there is a lot of innovation in this operating system. Here we will discuss three major distributors of Linux, namely: Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint. It is also important to understand their advantages and disadvantages in servers and workstations.
Ubuntu Server and Workstations –
• Installation of Ubuntu is easy which is beneficial for business.
• Its foundations are built on the bases of Debian.
• This server is fast and delivers high performance, which makes it highly reliable.
• It is composed of many new server-based applications like “LAMP, file server, firewall, and thin client support”
• “With LAMP it is easy to set up a web server, database applications, and dynamics websites.”
• “It includes the use of thin clients using LTSP (Linux terminal server project). Thus saving the cost on expensive hardware to keep up to date with the ever-growing pc demands” (Ubuntu Server, 1998, para.4).
• Ubuntu is free.
• Strong firewalls prevent the server from any attacks, thus making it secure.
• It provides high security.
• It has a “bunch of applications like Open Office, an alternative to Microsoft Office, web browsers, email clients, games, audio & movie players, image editors and many more” (Ubuntu Workstation, 1998, para.2).
• Applications can be downloaded free of cost.
• It is stable and there are rarely any errors or system crashes.
• It is a secure operating system as there are no viruses or any other applications that could harm the computer.
• Ubuntu is not easy to use.
• It has an online community, which offers support and provides updates for the improvement of the system.
• Updates of Ubuntu are available every six months.
• Ubuntu’s approach towards new technologies is conservative, unlike Fedora, which rather supports new technologies.
• Ubuntu is found to have hardware complaints, which makes it less stable than Fedora.
• It requires a reasonable space to work efficiently as it is large.
Fedora Server and Workstations –
• Fedora is an open source and, therefore, it can be downloaded, installed, and shared for free.
• It has a wide range of free applications available.
• Free from viruses, thus, no hassles with antivirus software and spyware.
• A powerful operating system, which is both efficient and secure.
• Consists of new features making it more flexible and stable.
• It is reliable as any kind of hardware failures are efficiently handled without affecting the entire operating system.
• Help docs are provided and some communities provide assistance when needed.
• Updates are released twice a year, so no long wait is required to achieve the latest software.
• Frequent updates are also a drawback as it makes it look less stable.
• It may be a good choice but a new user may find it hard to use.
• “Ruby,Python,Database Server: MySQL 5.0.67,Mail Server: Postfix ,DNS Server: BIND9 (chrooted) ,FTP Server: proftpd,POP3/IMAP server: Dovecot,Webalizer for web site” (Timme, 2012, para.2).
• If some issue arises, the user has to resort to the command line to complete the task
• In the case of software updates with two packages, it is difficult to trace the unwanted package.
• There is a less number of applications available for Fedora as compared to Ubuntu.
• A reasonable space is required in the system to work efficiently while using Fedora.
Linux Mint Server and Work Stations –
• Linux Mint is also a free operating system just like Ubuntu and Fedora.
• It is elegant, modern, and comfortable to use.
• It is a powerful operating system that provides a completely different experience.
• “ To compare Linux Mint server many distributions like Ubuntu, for example, it is more stable because the Mint community is very strong on update” (Linux Tutorial, 2011, para.27).
• It provides many software as well as various updates for them.
• It requires low maintenance but is yet efficient.
• It is free from viruses and spyware.
• It has additional system tools than Ubuntu.
• The community solves any issue that arises. The updates are available more often than Ubuntu and Fedora.
• Installation of the Linux Mint server requires patience.
• “Must have a powerful machine (because the GUI uses a lot of resources). Mint is designated primarily for basic experience ‘out-of-box for desktop/laptop”
• “Linux Mint Server applications include Apache,PHP,Mysql,PhpMyAdmin,PostgresSQL,SpamAssassin,Team Speak Server,FTP Server,SSH Server (should already be installed from the beginning),TCL / TK,Phpsysinfo,etc”(Linux Tutorial, 2011, para.9).
• Its GUI requires more resources, hence, the machine has to be highly efficient, which is a disadvantage.
• Even though it is based on Ubuntu, there are many differences between Linux Mint and Ubuntu. Based on performance Ubuntu is the better choice.
• Mint uses older technologies as compared to Fedora, which is up to date in providing new technologies.
Conclusion:
We have seen Linux servers and Linux workstations of different vendors. Each has its advantages as well as disadvantages.  Read More