Lubuntu or Ubuntu: All differences at a glance
Lubuntu or Ubuntu? What are the differences between the two Linux operating systems? We give you an overview in this practical tip.
Lubuntu or Ubuntu: The system requirements
Although Lubuntu is based on Ubuntu, it uses resource-saving techniques. This is how it works even on weak PCs or laptops. Ubuntu is more demanding.
- Lubuntu requires a 700 MHz single processor. Ubuntu a 2 GHz dual processor.
- 512 MB is specified as working memory at Lubuntu. Ubuntu 2 GB.
- Lubuntu requires 5 GB of hard disk space. Ubuntu 25 GB.
- The LTS version of Ubuntu is valid for 5 years, with Lubuntu it is only 3 years. "LTS" stands for "Long Term Support" and denotes the duration for which an operating system receives new updates and error corrections.
Lubuntu or Ubuntu: The graphical user interface
Lubuntu and Ubuntu are based on the same Linux operating system kernel. The two operating systems also share software resources. The biggest difference is in the graphical user interface.
- Lubuntu uses the slim LXDE desktop environment, Ubuntu uses the specially developed Unity 3D desktop.
- In the current version 16.04 of Ubuntu, Unity 3D is used, for which a graphics card with 3D acceleration is required. For example, when opening or closing programs, this creates certain graphic effects.
- The Unity 3D environment is particularly economical with the screen space and looks very tidy. On the left side there is a bar with frequently important programs, such as LibreOffice, the web browser or the system settings.
- The LXDE desktop environment from Lubuntu is simple and simple. No effects are used when opening or closing programs. Users find their way around quickly.
- Due to the few dependencies between the components and programs, the user interface is very resource-saving. Even on old PCs or laptops, the desktop runs quickly and smoothly.
Lubuntu or Ubuntu: standard applications
Lubuntu and Ubuntu use different standard applications. Lubuntu relies on fast, resource-saving programs. However, you can generally install any Ubuntu program on Lubuntu and vice versa.
- The LibreOffce is supplied as an office solution in Ubuntu, which is comparable to OpenOffice. Lubuntu comes with Abiword, which is a pure text and writing program.
- Firefox is preinstalled as the standard web browser for both Linux operating systems. Lubuntu also offers Chromium, a variant of Google’s Chrome browser.
- The well-known Thunderbird from the Mozilla Foundation, which also developed the Firefox web browser, is used as the email client in Ubuntu. In Lubuntu there is a slim, easy-to-configure email program called Sylpheed.
- For audio playback, Ubuntu offers Rhythmbox, while Lubuntu uses Audacious. With Rhythmbox you can import and manage a music collection, edit tags and create playlists. The program also supports ripping and burning audio CDs, internet radio, podcasts, replay gain, music sharing and a party mode. In addition to playing music, Audacios only offers internet radio.
- Ubuntu Totem and Lubuntu use the Gnome Mplayer for video playback. Special features of Totem are the output of the picture on a TV, DVB playback, taking screenshots and playing YouTube videos. With the Gnome Mplayer, the DVB-T playback, the streaming of multimedia content and online TV and radio should be emphasized.
