There are several computer terms that are frequently used, but a lot of people do not know the meanings of such terms.
It is common to be confused by software terms, but it is necessary to understand the definitions and differences between the words like Kubuntu and Debian.
These are some terms that are used in the context of software and operating systems.
Key Takeaways
- Kubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian, featuring the user-friendly KDE Plasma desktop environment. At the same time, Debian is an independent, versatile distribution that serves as a foundation for various other distributions.
- Kubuntu provides a more polished, out-of-the-box experience with preinstalled applications and codecs, whereas Debian offers a more minimal, customizable installation.
- Debian supports a wider range of hardware and software configurations than Kubuntu, making it a popular choice for advanced users and server environments.
Kubuntu vs Debian
Kubuntu a type of open-source platform that was first released in the April of 2005. The Ubuntu OS integrates with the KDE Plasma desktop through Kubuntu. Debian is a popular and freely available open source Computer operating system that was first released in the September of 1993.
The word Kubuntu is used to refer to open-source software. It is one of the old software that was released post -2000’s. Kubuntu is not a separate software because it is closely linked with the Ubuntu operating system.
Through Kubuntu, the Ubuntu OS integrates with the KDE Plasma desktop. As it is closely linked with the Ubuntu OS, Kubuntu shares a lot of similarities with that.
The word Debian is used to refer to another open-source software. It is one of the oldest software that is still available. It was initially released in September 1993.
This software is also known as the Debian GNU/Linux because it is a GNU/Linux distribution project. It was developed by the Debian Project, a community-driven organization.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Kubuntu | Debian |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | It was initially released in April 2005. | It was initially released in September 1993. |
| Developer community | Canonical Ltd. and Blue Systems are the developers. | It was developed by the Debian Project. |
| Technical support | It provided technical support from 2013. | A lot of technical support since inception, due to the popularity. |
| Stability | It is not comparatively stable. | It is much more stable than Kubuntu. |
| PPA | Users can install packages and receive automatic updates. | It does not have PPA. |
What is Kubuntu?
The word Kubuntu is used to refer to the open-source software that was released a couple of decades ago. It is one of the famous software that was released.
Kubuntu is not stand-alone software and, it is heavily integrated with the Ubuntu operating system.
There is a lot of software that is similar to Kubuntu, so it is necessary to understand the similarities and differences between Kubuntu and others.
Kubuntu was initially released in the year 2005 and continues to be working ever since. The latest version of Kubuntu was released in October 2021. It is closely linked with the Ubuntu OS.
The Ubuntu operating system uses the KDE Plasma desktop from Kubuntu instead of other desktop environments. The software is supported by strong communities, Canonical Ltd. till 2012 and Blue Systems.
Official technical support for Kubuntu was provided only from 2013.
As a product of the KDE community, the prefix K was fixed to the name Ubuntu. It also has other meanings like “Towards Humanity” in the Bemba and Bantu language.
Though Kubuntu is a comparatively recent software, it is not stable or robust.
There have been instances where Kubuntu software has been down due to bugs, rebooted continuously, and acted weirdly. It is still a decent software to use with Ubuntu.
What is Debian?
The word Debian is used to refer to the open-source software that was released several decades ago. It is also one of the famous software that was released before the 2000s.
Debian is also not stand-alone software and, it is integrated with the GNU/Linux as a distribution project.
There is a lot of software that is similar to Debian, so it is necessary to understand the similarities and differences between Debian and others.
Debian was initially released in the year 1993 and continues to be working ever since. The latest version of Debian was released in December 2021.
Debian is a distribution project of the GNU/Linux and the software is supported by the community of the Debian Project.
In accordance with the principles of the GNU Project, the software Debian was also developed and distributed freely and as open-source.
Being one of the earliest software, Debian continues to have great technical support. Also, due to its popularity, there are a lot of communities on the internet that can help out with technical issues in Debian.
Though it is much older than other software, Debian is still the top performer when it comes to stability.
According to a recent survey for the Best Linux Distributions for Desktop, Debian ranked at the 4th place while Kubuntu was 25th.
But it does not have personal package archives.
Main Differences Between Kubuntu and Debian
- The software Kubuntu was released in April 2005 whereas, the software Debian was released much before the former, in September 1993.
- The developer communities for Kubuntu are Canonical and Blue Systems. The Debian Project is the community behind the software Debian.
- Kubuntu began providing technical support only in 2013 and did not provide it before that. Meanwhile, Debian has accessible technical support through the internet.
- Kubuntu is not as stable as Debian or other software. Debian is one of the most stable software even today.
- The users of Kubuntu can install packages and receive automatic updates. Meanwhile, Debian does not provide personal package archives.
Last Updated : 15 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
