Well, you might find it easy to choose a distribution from a list of the best Linux distributions, but comparing two similar Linux distributions can often be confusing, as Pop! _OS is the same as Ubuntu.
Interestingly, Pop! _OS is based on Ubuntu. Then, Pop! What’s the difference between _OS and Ubuntu? Why choose one of them?
In this article, I’ll compare Pop! _OS and Ubuntu (both my favorites).
** Note: ** You may find some arbitrary opinions, and this article is only a comparative reference. As Linux distributions continue to be developed and updated, many things can change over time.
Compare Ubuntu and Pop! _OS
Finding similarities can help you distinguish other differences. So let’s start with some obvious similarities.
As I mentioned, Pop! _OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. So when you use Pop! _OS, you get all the benefits of using Ubuntu (technically, the core is the same).
They all come with a GNOME desktop environment by default, so they have similar user interfaces (UIs).
Without going into all the underlying differences, I’ll highlight some important ones here.
User experience and themes
Many users think Pop! _OS is just Ubuntu with a different look and feel.
In my experience, I don’t think that’s entirely true.
Yes, they both love the GNOME desktop environment — but Pop! _OS makes people feel more graceful.
In addition to the look and feel, Ubuntu customizes the GNOME experience by adding docking stations and other niceties. If you like the custom GNOME experience, you may find it even better.
But if you prefer a pure GNOME experience, Pop! This is what _OS provides for you by default.
I can’t convince you until you try it yourself. However, Pop! The overall color scheme, ICONS, and themes in _OS can be described as a delightful advanced user experience.
This may be a subjective thing, but this is what I observed. You can also check out the Ubuntu 19.10 video tutorials to see for yourself.
Easy to install third-party applications
Ubuntu takes the Snap package very seriously. This increases the number of applications it offers.
But there are some important problems with the Snap package. They take up too much disk space and take a lot of time to start.
This is why I prefer to use the APT version of the app.
Why am I saying this?
Because of the Pop! _OS has its own official PPA and is enabled by default. You’ll find some useful apps here, such as Android Studio and TensorFlow. No need to download Android Studio’s 1GB Snap package. Just use apt-get install.
Pre-installed application
It may not be the biggest problem for some people, but having a large number of pre-installed applications can affect experience and performance. Even if it doesn’t affect performance, some users prefer fewer pre-installed applications.
Compared to Ubuntu, Pop! _OS comes bundled with fewer default applications (potentially reducing fat software).
Again, this is subjective. If you want to pre-install more apps, consider using Ubuntu instead of Pop! _OS.
Snap Software Package Support
For users familiar with the Snap package, Ubuntu’s software center is much better than Pop! The _OS store is a better solution because you can list Snap packages in the software center.
You can’t filter Snap packages in the software Center, but it’s easier to install a Snap package when you find one in the software Center (see “Snap Store”/” Snapcraft “for details of the application source).
You might be confused, Pop! _OS does support Snap packages as well. But you won’t be in Pop! Find them in the _OS store, that’s the only difference.
If you’re not sure what the Snap package is and what it does, check out our article installing the Snap Application on Linux.
Separate NVIDIA/AMD ISO file
Technically, it is not part of an internal comparison, but rather a factor of concern to some users.
Therefore, it is worth emphasizing that Pop! _OS provides a separate ISO. One for systems with NVIDIA graphics cards and one for systems with/without AMD graphics cards.
With Ubuntu 19.10, you can get NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu ISO, but AMD graphics cards don’t have them.
Reliability and problems
There is no doubt that both distributions are suitable for beginners and quite reliable. If you want better reliability and fewer problems, you might want to stick with the Long Term Support (LTS) version.
When a new version of Ubuntu comes out, Pop! OS will be developed on top of it, and will likely address issues that users have had with the original Ubuntu distribution, before moving on to new updates. This gives them a slight edge, but it doesn’t really make a difference because these fixes can eventually be applied to Ubuntu.
performance
Performance will be highly dependent on what you install and the hardware configuration you install.
Unless you have a super old system, both distributions seem to be doing fine.
My machine has an i5-7400 processor and 16GB of RAM (with a GTX 1050TI graphics card), and I found the experience on both distro to be good enough.
Of course, you can make some tuning adjustments manually to fit the requirements — no matter which one of them doesn’t fit your hardware configuration.
But if you want to use a System76 laptop, Pop! _OS will be able to prove itself as the Apple of Linux, thanks to Pop! _OS is tailored to its hardware, unlike Ubuntu.
Hardware Compatibility
This is definitely something to consider when comparing other Linux distributions. But, in this case, there really isn’t much difference.
You might consider Pop! _OS has been using newer hardware configurations, as they are mainly customizing OS with various configurations for their laptops. Also, this is an observation, not a fact.
conclusion
I know it’s not easy to choose between two popular Linux distributions without trying them myself. If possible, I suggest you try both while making a comparison for reference.
What are your choices between the two? Am I missing something in the comparison? Let me know in the comments below.
Via: itsfoss.com/pop-os-vs-u…
By Ankush Das (lujun9972
This article is originally compiled by LCTT and released in Linux China