I use Ubuntu mostly for private purposes.
ITOM Solution Consultant at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Great alternative to proprietary operating systems; could be more user friendly
Pros and Cons
- "Ubuntu is rather stable, simple to deploy, stable, and well supported by an open-source community."
- "I think Ubuntu's performance is fine and so is its user interface. However, the latter is not as fancy as Microsoft Windows. It could be a bit fancier and easier to use."
What is our primary use case?
What needs improvement?
I think Ubuntu's performance is fine and so is its user interface. However, the latter is not as fancy as Microsoft Windows. It could be a bit fancier and easier to use.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used Ubuntu only occasionally. I am not an experienced user.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Ubuntu is a stable solution.
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Ubuntu is a scalable solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is absolutely straightforward.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There are no costs associated with Ubuntu.
What other advice do I have?
Ubuntu is rather stable, simple to deploy, stable, and well supported by an open-source community. I would recommend it as a possible alternative to Windows for those looking to avoid the cost associated with that operating system. It is definitely a cost-effective alternative for private usage.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Co-Founder at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
Developer-friendly and easily accessible
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is that it's developer-friendly and easily accessible. Like any other Linux operating system, you have access to open sources, all the necessary tooling, and anything that helps developers do their work. I'm no Linux guru, but Ubuntu offers packages that I find easy to use. There are other options for people who are very skilled with Linux, but this solution has the perfect balance of having enough technical requirements to meet your needs while still being usable. It doesn't require you to be so technically proficient that you need to recompile kernels or anything like that. It's a Linux operating system for normal people."
- "The only improvement I would suggest is to switching back to Aptitude. They switched a lot of the packages that used to be running in Aptitude to Snap. I don't find them as usable when they are in Snap. The most obvious instance of this is that it's caused me to have issues with Chrome. Starting Chrome took a couple of seconds before it was up and running, which wasn't pleasant. Back when it used to run packaging in Aptitude, I didn't have this problem. I know they're familiar with these issues because a lot of other people have experienced them too."
What is our primary use case?
My primary use case is for office work and developing software.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is that it's developer-friendly and easily accessible. Like any other Linux operating system, you have access to open sources, all the necessary tooling, and anything that helps developers do their work. I'm no Linux guru, but Ubuntu offers packages that I find easy to use. There are other options for people who are very skilled with Linux, but this solution has the perfect balance of having enough technical requirements to meet your needs while still being usable. It doesn't require you to be so technically proficient that you need to recompile kernels or anything like that. It's a Linux operating system for normal people.
What needs improvement?
The only improvement I would suggest is to switching back to Aptitude. They switched a lot of the packages that used to be running in Aptitude to Snap. I don't find them as usable when they are in Snap. The most obvious instance of this is that it's caused me to have issues with Chrome. Starting Chrome took a couple of seconds before it was up and running, which wasn't pleasant. Back when it used to run packaging in Aptitude, I didn't have this problem. I know they're familiar with these issues because a lot of other people have experienced them too.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This solution is stable.
How are customer service and support?
I have never contacted technical support, but I probably will in the future. They offer very good services.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I use Windows 10 because I have to, due to the programs I have that came with it, but I use Ubuntu on top of that.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was very quick. It is easy to install.
What about the implementation team?
I implemented myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I'm aware of the paid services that they offer and provide technical support for, which are very good. Down the road, I will use some of them, specifically the service that automatically patches the central core of the operating system because it seems useful. Another service they used to have is a paid networking service. The services they offer are useful, but they depend on your particular situation and requirements. I would consider paying for them when a situation calls for them, but I don't need them right now.
You don't need to pay for licensing.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Some of my colleagues use Mint, but it's a matter of preference and specific to each person.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Ubuntu Linux, specifically for developers.
I would rate Ubuntu Linux a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Ubuntu Linux
February 2026
Learn what your peers think about Ubuntu Linux. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2026.
884,933 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Information Technology System Administrator at a outsourcing company with 201-500 employees
Easy to manage and has easier installation than Windows
Pros and Cons
- "I feel the graphical interface to be very user friendly, as is first time installation."
- "Debian have a more stable operating system than Ubuntu Linux."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution as a desktop appliance.
What is most valuable?
I like that the solution is stable and easy to manage.
What needs improvement?
As I use Debian with KDE and love it more than Ubuntu, I choose to rate Ubuntu Linux as a nine out of ten, whereas I rank Debian as a ten. This is because I feel Debian have a more stable operating system than Ubuntu Linux. This is my sole reason for this rating.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Ubuntu Linux for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable, although I feel Debian, which I use with KDE, to have a more stable operating system than Ubuntu Linux.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
While the scalability can vary, I do feel the solution to be scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Canonical does not provide us with technical support for the solution.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I make use of Debian with KDE and feel Debian's operating system to offer more stability than Ubuntu Linux.
How was the initial setup?
First time installation is very user friendly. It is very easy, even more so than Windows.
What other advice do I have?
We make use of the solution for our in-house use.
I feel the graphical interface to be very user friendly, as is first time installation.
I also work in the private sector and have my own company for implementing surveys for reviews and clients. My first suggestion would be to go with open source. We use Proxima and also use uni version in the domain control of it. We use Ubuntu Linux on the client side. So, I strongly recommend using open source and not spending too much money on the licensing with Microsoft.
As all of the applications are usually now on the database, what else does one need? A single operating system consisting of scalability and speed means the person will not have to deal with all the dump stuff that happens behind. Of primary importance is to have a good internet connection and Chrome. For these small jobs, I see no need for use of Windows or Mac. Apple or Microsoft should be used for designing other things. I am referring to Ubuntu and Linux use.
I rate Ubuntu Linux as a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
IT manager at a agriculture with 10,001+ employees
A stable solution which is easy to install, but lacks local support and is less user-friendly than Windows
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is stable."
- "The solution is not user-friendly in comparison with Windows."
What is our primary use case?
We use the latest version of the solution.
It is useful for running our personal applications.
What needs improvement?
The solution is not user-friendly in comparison with Windows. It should be more so.
We used the technical support of Microsoft Windows, as Ubuntu does not offer any support of its own. It would be nice to see local support.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Ubuntu Linux for eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
How are customer service and support?
Ubuntu does not offer local tech support, thus necessitating that we take advantage of Microsoft Window's.
How was the initial setup?
The solution is easy to install.
What about the implementation team?
The installation can be handled on one's own.
Only a single person is required for the deployment. Specialized skills are not required.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We do not incur a licensing fee for the solution, as we make use of the free version.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Windows is a more user-friendly solution than Ubuntu Linux.
What other advice do I have?
I would not recommend the solution to others, but Windows instead.
We only have 15 users making use of the solution in our organization.
I rate Ubuntu Linux as a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
MIS Specialist at a agriculture with 201-500 employees
Beneficial online documentation, scalable, and free to use
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is scalable."
- "The solution could improve by being more secure."
What is our primary use case?
We are using Ubuntu Linux as a file management solution.
What needs improvement?
The solution could improve by being more secure.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Ubuntu Linux for approximately five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Ubuntu Linux could be more stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
We plan to increase the usage of Ubuntu Linux.
How are customer service and support?
Our engineers have received all the commands for the command prompt they needed by using the online support you can find by using Google.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have used Microsoft Windows solutions.
How was the initial setup?
The installation took us approximately two hours.
What about the implementation team?
We have a team of approximately five engineers that do the implementation and maintenance of the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We are not using the licensed version of the solution, we are using the free version.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Ubuntu Linux an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
System Architect at CGI
LPS distribution is a great feature as is the reliability and user friendly stability
Pros and Cons
- "There is value in the long-time supported distribution LPS."
- "The encryption of the partition regarding software systems could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
I use this product on my desktop, it's a basic system for developing applications. Our company is based in the Czech Republic. I'm a systems architect and customer of Ubuntu.
What is most valuable?
There is value in the long-time supported LPS distribution and there is an updated version that has recently become available.
What needs improvement?
I'd like to see some improvement with the installer in terms of the encryption of the partition regarding software systems. I also had an issue with the swap file when I implemented and that took some time to deploy.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward and doesn't take much time. I had one issue with the encryption of the application and that took additional time. We have around eight users in the company and we carried out the integration ourselves.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I'm using the non-supported version which is free.
What other advice do I have?
I highly recommend this product and rate it 10 out of 10.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
IT Security Specialist & Data Protection Officer at a retailer with 501-1,000 employees
It's free and stable but not very secure
Pros and Cons
- "Ubuntu is free and stable."
- "I think Ubuntu is not that secure."
What is our primary use case?
I use Ubuntu for running personal applications.
What is most valuable?
Ubuntu is free and stable.
What needs improvement?
I think Ubuntu is not that secure.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Ubuntu for 10 years or more.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Ubuntu isn't as stable as some solutions.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I've used Windows and macOS before, but I have not switched. I'm trying out Ubuntu right now.
How was the initial setup?
Setting up Ubuntu was relatively easy. It takes about 15 minutes, and I can do it myself.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Machine Learning Engineer at ALSO Finland Oy
A stable option for machine learning
Pros and Cons
- "Ubuntu is good for machine learning. It's also a good option for any type of application, like multimedia and movies."
- "Ubuntu could add some additional hardware support."
What is our primary use case?
Machine learning -- create models with Anaconda
What is most valuable?
Ubuntu is good for machine learning. It's also a good option for any type of application development. Ubuntu has improved a lot over the years in terms of ease of use as well.
What needs improvement?
Ubuntu could add some additional hardware support.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Ubuntu for about six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Ubuntu's performance and stability have always been good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I was using macOS previously but I switched to Ubuntu because it's more flexible with hardware (GPU support). You can run Ubuntu on everything
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Ubuntu nine out of 10. If you are thinking of implementing it, I recommend long-term support LTS versions
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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