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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Both Fedora and Ubuntu are great Linux distributions.
- Each distribution has a lot to offer various user types.
- Both are free to download and use.
The first Linux distribution I used with any level of success was Red Hat 5.2, which was before Red Hat became RHEL, and Fedora was a hat worn by Marc Ewing in his college computer lab.
By the time Red Hat had become Fedora, I had already departed the land of RPM and found myself happily using the APT-based Ubuntu. I found Ubuntu exponentially easier, more user-friendly. On top of that, Ubuntu had more apps to choose from.
I was sold.
Since then, I’ve primarily used only Ubuntu-based distributions, but that doesn’t mean I believe Fedora is inferior. In fact, Fedora is a brilliant Linux distribution with plenty to offer.
But which is right for you?
Let’s dive in and answer that question.
Fedora: Who is it for?
If you were to ask anyone in the Linux community who has been around long enough, they’ll immediately tell you that Fedora is for those who want a bleeding-edge operating system that’s better suited for those with plenty of Linux experience.
I would argue that case… to a point.
I don’t believe Fedora is truly a “bleeding-edge” distribution. The Fedora development team does test all OS and app updates. On top of that, Fedora is not a rolling release distribution. Given that rolling release distributions are often considered the baseline for bleeding-edge, that would rule Fedora out of the category.
For a long time, Fedora was considered primarily a developer distribution. Although it is a good option for developers, to call it a “developer distribution” is a short-sighted. Like most Linux distributions, Fedora is viable for all types of users, from those who have only toyed with Linux to those who’ve been using it for years.
But what about new users?
That’s the big question… and one that is often debated, argued, and contested.
Here’s my answer to the question:
Yes, Fedora is a viable option for those new to Linux.
How can I say that? Simple. First off, Fedora has plenty of official spins, some of which include desktop environments that are perfectly suited for new users, such as Fedora KDE. Although the default GNOME DE is great, those who’ve never experienced a minimal desktop might struggle getting up to speed with it.
Second, Fedora is very much like most operating systems in that it includes user-friendly GUIs, an app store, solid hardware support, and plenty of software. You can essentially point-and-click your way around Fedora, just like you can MacOS and Windows.
Third, Fedora is fast. Even when using a full-blown desktop environment, such as KDE Plasma, you will be shocked at how fast Fedora is.
Also: The best Linux distributions for beginners: Expert tested and reviewed
As well, Fedora is:
- Secure
- Reliable
- Enjoys a massive community
- Has plenty of variants (spins) to choose from
- Available for x86_64, Power64, and ARM64 architectures (as well as the Asahi version for Apple Silicon)
- Includes a new, user-friendly, web-based installer
- Supports Flatpak
So, who is Fedora ideal for?
- Users who want speed, reliability, and options
- Those who want a stable, modern operating system
- Developers, system administrators, and those who want the latest open-source software
- Those who prefer the SELinux security layer over AppArmor
- Those looking to leave Windows and don’t mind learning something new
- Those who want a distribution with the backing of a large company
- Those who build their own PCs and want to ensure the best support for modern hardware
Ubuntu: Who is it for?
Ubuntu is often considered the best option for those who are new to Linux. There’s a reason for that. Even though the UI might be a bit unfamiliar to some users, Ubuntu is about as easy as they come. Ubuntu is a perennial favorite for users of all types, from those who’ve never touched Linux all the way up to developers.
I would go so far as to say that Ubuntu is one of those distributions that has something to offer every single user type.
Another reason is that Ubuntu is a solid choice for just about any use case, from doom scrolling social media, creativity, productivity, shopping, entertainment, development, and everything in between.
Also: The easiest way to try out Ubuntu Linux
I’ve always considered Ubuntu a sort of “jack of all trades” distribution because it can do just about anything.
Ubuntu also ships with the Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel, which makes it compatible with most modern hardware. In fact, whenever I attempt to install a Linux distribution and it doesn’t detect all of my hardware (which is a rare occasion these days), I’ll jump to Ubuntu because I know it’ll recognize it all.
Also: While Windows 10 users panic, Ubuntu makes extending support easy – here’s how
As well, Ubuntu:
- Is a distribution that hundreds of other distributions are based on.
- Is reliable, stable, and secure.
- Ejoys a massive community.
- Offers some of the longest support windows of any OS.
- Has several “flavors” such as Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Edubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Cinnamon, Ubuntu Kylin, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Studio, and Ubuntu Unity.
- Supports AppImages, Flatpak, and Snap.
- Performs very well on new and older hardware.
So, who is Ubuntu ideal for?
- Those looking to leave Windows
- Those with little to no Linux experience
- Those with plenty of Linux experience
- Students, professionals, and retirees
- Those looking for a more reliable and secure operating system without complications
- Those who want an operating system that will be supported for up to 15 years
Which one is for you?
Honestly, either Fedora or Ubuntu is an outstanding choice for those looking for a rock-solid operating system. But if I had to sum both of them up for a specific user type, it would look something like this:
Ubuntu is for those who have little to no experience with Linux, but want a much more stable and secure platform, and don’t mind not having the latest releases of the software they use.
Also: 5 of the easiest, quickest Linux distros to install – and I’ve tried them all
Fedora is for those who value speed, want more recently released updates for their apps, and use the latest hardware.
In the end, you could do a lot worse than either one of these Linux distributions.