Ubuntu and Solus are some of the leading general-purpose Linux distributions (distro). Though designed to do more or less the same things, the two distros differ in design and functionality. Basically, the Ubuntu Linux distro is best suited for programming applications—most IDE vendors support Ubuntu.
The Solus distro, on the other hand, is suited for general purpose applications, including content consumption, content creation, and gaming. As opposed to Ubuntu that is derived from Debian, Solus is an independent distro that was built from scratch.
Though relatively new, Solus is a preferred distribution for many Linux users, ranging from gamers to programmers. Throughout this guide, you will learn how the Solus distribution compares and contrasts to Ubuntu.
Unlike Solus, Ubuntu is an open-source Linux distribution that is based on Debian. Both distros use Systemd as the Init-System, but Ubuntu supports more processor architectures—including AMD64, x86, and PowerPC. In contrast, Solus is primarily designed for the x86-64 architecture, hence supports fewer hardware options.
While Solus uses eopkg as the default package manager and offers a rolling-release update model, Ubuntu uses apt-get as the package manager and features a Long Term Support (LTS) release schedule.
What is Solus?
Previously referred to as Evolve OS, Solus is an independently-developed Linux distribution. The operating system was first developed by Ikey Doherty and released in December 2015. Although the distro is a leading alternative to Ubuntu, it is best suited for home computing and light-duty developer applications.
In this regard, the operating system comes in multiple software options that are meant to offer a personalized and customizable user experience. The development of Solus is based on the Linux kernel and comes in a choice of four desktop environments, including Budgie, MATE, GNOM, and KDE Plasma.
Pros
- The version 4.1 (Fortitude) version of the free and open-source operating system (OS) features an all-new desktop experience as well as updates to its hardware enablement, and software stacks.
- Comes in different software options (Experiences), allowing users to get the most out of their computer hardware—ranging from the flagship Budgie experience that is suited for modern devices to the more traditional MATE experience that is ideal for lower-end devices.
- The provider offers a rolling-release update schedule for all Solus Experience options, all of which feature a simple and straightforward GUI and installation process.
- The Operating system is relatively stable with repository packages that have been carefully prepared and optimized to run-stable
- Allows for easy updating/installation of software, including third-party software, through Flatpak and Snappy.
- Solus may not have the most obscure packages but has everything required for almost any user, including gamers, general-purpose desktop users, and developers. All the packages are perfectly integrated and updated regularly.
- Solus boasts of one of the most stable rolling-release software update models in the industry, guaranteeing safe, stable, and reliable performance with every release.
Possible Drawbacks
While the software offers a great user experience, it does not have as many software options in its repositories. Again, you are likely to experience a back screen following an operating system update on Solus. However, you will find the Solus community support very beneficial should you encounter any problem while installing it using their software.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions available today and is based on Debian—a free and open-source Linux distribution that was developed by the community-supported Debian Project. The OS mostly comprises open-source software and is mainly released in three editions: Server, Desktop, and Core that is meant for Internet of things devices and robots.
All the software versions can run on a virtual machine or within the computer clone. Ubuntu is also renowned for its cloud computing OS, featuring support for OpenStack. First released in October 2004, Ubuntu is one of the most preferred distros for programming applications.
Since the release of version 17.10 of the software, Ubuntu has been offering GNOME as the default Desktop Environment (DE). However, the developer also offers a range of other DE flavors, including MATE, Kylin, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, and Kubuntu as discussed later on in this guide.
Pros
- Offered a wider range of pre-installed software right out of the box, ranging from video, and music players to office applications.
- Ubuntu offers a Long Term Support (LTS) software release model
- The software is versatile enough for use in almost any device including computers, tablets, and touchscreen devices.
- Facilitates seamless collaboration on open-source projects
- The design of the Ubuntu User Interface (UI)—with the menu within the title bar and a launcher that auto-hides—makes it perfect for small displays)/monitors
- It features remarkable PPA repositories that allow for easy installation/updating of software while ensuring that the OS remains stable.
- The provider offers a dedicated Software Center that features a friendly GUI for easy installation of apps, especially for beginners
- The interface is appealing, even when you are running the OS from a Live CD. Again, the GNOME desktop environment has numerous extensions for easier customization.
Possible Drawbacks
Many Ubuntu software and applications require you to add the relevant PPA(s) to the system. The problem with some Papas I’d that they can distribute malware by creating a different version of the package from the one available on other PPAs.
Again, this means that you need to recreate and re-add the Papas with every major update of the system. Most Ubuntu flavors, including the default GNOME desktop environment, have comparatively high hardware requirements. For instance, GNOME requires hardware accelerated graphics rendering for it to run smoothly.
How Does Solus Compare to the Ubuntu Linux Distribution?
While Ubuntu is based on Debian, Solus is developed from scratch. As such, the two operating system options differ from each other in terms of performance, functionality, stability, and even security. So, how exactly does the Solus Linux distribution compare and contrast to Ubuntu?
Desktop Environment Options
Both Solus and Ubuntu offer multiple desktop environment options for their operating system. Each of the software versions is designed to meet the needs of certain users and applications. Both providers allow you to choose the desktop environment that best meets your needs, as illustrated below:
Solus Experience
The Solus Downloads page offers ISO installation images for the four main Solus desktop environment versions—commonly referred to as Solus Experiences. Each of the curated Solus experiences is tailored for a specific application, allowing you to get the most out of your computer hardware.
Here are the 4 Solus desktop environment versions you should consider:
Budgie
Budgie is the flagship desktop environment for the Solus operating system. It is essentially a GTK 3 desktop option that integrates seamlessly with the GNOME software stack. The design of the desktop emphasizes minimalism, elegance, and simplicity.
Even in Solus version 4.2, the developers kept the renowned Budgie Menu—a quick search and category-based application launcher. The desktop features the Raven sidebar interface that functions as the notifications center, applet panel, and has the desktop customization settings.
Applications on the Budgie Desktop environment use GTK and header bars similar to the ones used in GNOME applications. It is designed to automatically generated a favorites list as you work on your computer. In this regard, the software will automatically move the apps and categories towards the top when you are done using them.
GNOME Desktop Environment
This is a free, open-source desktop environment option that is specifically designed for use on Unix-like operating systems. Since GNOME 2, the developers at Solus have focused on the productivity aspect of the software. This led to the development of the GNOME Human Interface Guidelines (HIG).
The GUI addresses almost everything, ranging from the recommended pixel-based widgets layout to the GUI design. This allows developers to create consistent, usable, and high-quality GUI programs. Again, the desktop environment addresses key accessibility issues through the Accessibility Toolkit (ATK) app programming interface.
This interface allows you to use special input methods as well as speech recognition and speech synthesis software. The ATK also uses Assistive Technology Service Provider Interface (AT-SPI) to register particular utilities and avail them globally throughout the desktop.
MATE
This is a free, open-source desktop environment for Linux that is renowned for its low usage of system resources. The developers are Solus wanted MATE to offer a traditional user experience, despite using some of the latest technologies in the industry.
The project was specifically initiated to maintain as well as continue the latest GNOME 2 frameworks, core applications, and codebase. As a result, MATE has imported several applications initially developed as GNOME Core Applications. Additionally, they also developed a number of MATE applications from scratch.
Dome of the apps you will find on the MATE desktop environment include:
- Pluma – the text editor
- Caja – the file manager
- Engrampa – the archive manager
- Atrial – the document viewer
- Marco – the window manager
- Mate Terminal – the terminal emulator used on the MATE desktop environment
- Mozo – this is the menu-item editor on this desktop
In the latest MATE desktop version, new features have been added to the Caja file manager, including diff viewing and undo/redo for file replacements. Desktop versions later than MATE 1.6 have some deprecated libraries removed or moved.
KDE Plasma
Plasma is a graphical workspaces environment developed by KDE—a free international software community that develops open-source software. The Plasma desktop environment has been crafted for Linux operating systems and Solus offers it as one of its default desktop environment options.
The newest generation of Plasma features a new theme, named Breeze. The software also increases convergence across different devices. The developer also integrated its graphical interface entirely to QML, which uses OpenGL for hardware acceleration.
Such improvements have resulted in enhanced performance and reduced power consumption. Some of the features that Solus users have come to like about the Plasma desktop environment:
- Activities – this is a ‘virtual desktop’ functionality that features unique wallpapers and layouts for individual ‘virtual desktops’. You can name and navigate to them through the Activities menu on your Plasma desktop
- KRunner – this is the search feature on the desktop that supports a number of the available plug-ins. It may be used for ‘quick launching’ applications, searching files and files, and several other additional tasks like measurement and currency conversions.
- Plasmoids – these are the widgets that you can add to the desktop or panel on Plasma
- Dolphin file manager – may be used to rename files in bulk. You may customize it through the ‘Service Menus’ to add functionality(s) to your Context Menu on the Plasma desktop.
- Spectacle – the feature for taking screenshots on the Plasma desktop.
With the Plasma Desktop Environment, you will be able to customize the desktops, panel, and layouts on multiple monitors as well. The solution also has a Session Management functionality.
Ubuntu Flavors
The Ubuntu distro also available in multiple desktop environment choices—commonly referred to as flavors. While all the Ubuntu flavors are backed by the full U until archive of updates and packages, each flavor comes with a different choice of default applications and desktop settings.
The provider avails the various flavors in the form of installation images—curated groups of software packages that are meant to be installed over the Ubuntu Core. This allows the operating system to offer a unique computing experience for each use.
Discussed below are some of the most popular Ubuntu flavors:
The Ubuntu Budgie desktop environment offers the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity within a traditional desktop metaphor-based interface. As compared to Solus Budgie, the Ubuntu Budgie desktop offers a cleaner feel and look. This makes Ubuntu Budgie a perfect choice for new users who had been using MacOS or Windows in the past.
The OS couples a traditional-looking, lightweight, modern Budgie Desktop Environment—that has been developed by the Solus Project—to the stable and secure Ubuntu core. In order to offer you a full-featured experience, the system is pre-configured and comes with almost all the apps you need to get started.
The pre-installed apps on this Ubuntu flavor are backed by reliable Debian-derived respirators. Despite being configured, you will find this OS to be rather flexible, allowing you to customize the desktop to your requirements.
Just as is the case with the Solus distro, Ubuntu offers a MATE desktop environment. As opposed to Solus where everything has been developed from scratch, Ubuntu MATE simply adds the MATE Desktop to the Ubuntu Core OS. In addition to the essential user interface functionality, the desktop offers additional apps to transform your computer into a powerful workstation.
Since the Ubuntu Mate desktop uses traditional metaphors, it will look and feel familiar to macOS and Windows users. While it is an advanced, feature-packed OS option, Ubuntu Mate is known to have modest hardware requirements. As such, it may be used on older computers as well as modern computers.
Such aspects make this desktop the perfect Ubuntu platform for remote workstation systems like X2Go and LTSP.
This operating system option couples the Ubuntu OS core to the renowned Plasma desktop by KDE to offer you a comprehensive set of applications. It is built using the Qt toolkit, making it the faster alternative to the KDE Plasma desktop offered by Solus. The sleek and elegant solution is mobile-ready, allowing for seamless integration between your computer desktop and a tablet or phone.
As of now, Kubuntu 20.04 LTS is the latest version of the desktop. This Lubuntu Version features the aesthetic appeal of KDE Plasma 5.18 LTS. You will find this desktop flavor to be comparatively easy for new Linux users, yet powerful when the need arises. Many core packages to the previous Lubuntu version have been updated in the 20.04 LTS version.
For instance, the latest release uses a 5.4-based kernel, Plasma 5.18 LTS, KDE Frameworks 5.68, and KDE Applications 19.12.3. Additionally, a good number of the pre-installed apps, such as VLC, Firefox, and Libreoffice, have been updated as well.
This is a Chinese version of the Ubuntu operating system. Just as is the case with the other Ubuntu desktop flavors, Kylie is designed for improved usability. As such, it is simple enough for Chinese users without experience on any other operating system, other than Microsoft Windows.
The Ubuntu Kylin project is tuned to the specific needs of Chinese users, hence delivers an elegant and thoughtful computing experience out-of-the-box. This desktop flavor is distributed in two main image types:
Kylin Desktop Image
This is a desktop image that is designed to allow you use Ubuntu-Kylin without altering anything on your computer. Once you have tried and are satisfied with the desktop, the image offers an option to install the Ubuntu Kylin desktop permanently.
Installing this image on your computer requires at least 1024MiB of RAM.
64-bit Kylin Desktop Image
This is the best installation image for the Ubuntu Kylin desktop on computers that are based on either the EM64T or AMD64 processor architecture. This makes it the ideal installation image for such processors as Core 2, Opteron, Athlon64, and EM64T Xeon.
Lubuntu is the energy-efficient and lightweight OS alternative to the Ubuntu OS. Originally, the solution was designed to use LXDE—a lightweight X11 Desktop Environment. However, the developers changed to LXQt for the desktop environment starting with Lubuntu version 18.10 (Cosmic Cuttlefish). This meant a change to Qt-based applications to complement the Lubuntu experience.
In addition to the advanced desktop environment, the latest release of the software uses Qt technologies the ecosystem as well as widgets. As opposed to most Ubuntu flavors, Lubuntu is a complete operating system that comes with the essential applications to get you started.
Being a lightweight operating system, Lubuntu is perfectly suited for low-spec computers. The latest Lubuntu OS offers a unique blend of Papirus icons and the Arc theme making the desktop less cluttered and easier to navigate. Additionally, it features symbolic glyphs and icons that complement the vibrant desktop colors and sharp edges.
The community-developed Xubuntu operating system is both elegant and relatively easy to use. The solution is designed to help you get the most out your laptop, desktop or notebook. In his regard, it features a modern appeal and is pre-configured with enough applications to get you started out-of-the-box.
Some of the pre-installed apps you will find on this OS include a mail client, web browser, word processor, media apps, and a spreadsheet editor. While these apps are sufficient for normal day-to-day computing applications, you can also install more from the Ubuntu Software Center.
In addition to the apps, you can also customize several other aspects of the desktop using the built-in Settings Manager. Xubuntu also benefits from the Ubuntu hardware support, which makes the OS compatible with a wide range of devices out of the box.
The Desktop Environment Verdict:
While both distributions offer multiple desktop environment options, it is clear that Ubuntu has gone a step further to offer you the best experience possible. In addition to supporting more desktop environment options, the various Ubuntu flavors come with all the essential apps pre-installed.
As such, any Ubuntu Flavor will have almost everything you need to get started—at least for the usual day-to-day applications—right out of the box. If you are looking for a lightweight Linux-based OS, then the LXDE desktop environment (used on the Lubuntu flavor) will be the perfect choice.
The KDE Plasma desktop is also lightweight and highly-customizable. While the Solus Plasma desktop may be just as good, the Plasma Desktop on Kubuntu OS comes with more pre-installed apps.
Software Update Structure
The Solus and Ubuntu operating systems also differ in terms of their software update schedule. While Ubuntu offers a Long term support (LTS) and interim releases, Solus uses a Rolling-release software update model, as explained below:
Ubuntu Updates Schedule
Canonical—the company behind Ubuntu—publishes two types of update to the various Ubuntu software options: Long Term Support (LTS) and Interim releases. The LTS releases are released once every two years, in April. They are the enterprise-grade versions of the software that have been rigorously tested to offer reliable stability.
They are the most preferred Ubuntu update option for many users, about 95 percent of all Ubuntu installations to date are LTS releases. The naming of Ubuntu LTS releases is reflective of the time they were released—they use the format YY.MM. For instance, the Ubuntu 20.10 version was released in October 2020.
Interim releases are the Ubuntu production-quality releases and are normally supported for 9 months. Canonic publishes interim releases after every six months, in between the LTS releases. They are often used to introduce new software capabilities from the Upstream and Canonical open-source projects. The new capabilities are then tested rigorously before they are incorporated into the next LYS release.
Solus Updates Schedule
As opposed to Ubuntu, and many other Linux distributions for that matter, Solus has a shorter development cycle. Instead of releasing software updates at certain pre-determined intervals, Solus applies a rolling-release model. The Solus development team reviews and publishes only the stable software updates into the repositories every Friday.
However, security updates and those that are meant to fix certain bugs on the software cannot just wait to be published at a certain date. Such ‘emergency’ updates are published to the respirators as soon as they are available making them available to your system.
With the Solus rolling-release update schedule, you are guaranteed to continually get security as well as software updates for your Solus installation. The updates, in this case, are not dependent on when your installation will reach its end-of-life.
Application Support
Both Solus and Ubuntu are great Linux-based operating systems. As such, they are designed to support the applications you need to accomplish normal as well as advanced computing tasks. In both operating systems, all the default desktop environment options are preconfigured and come pre-loaded with some apps.
However, the number and type of pre-installed apps as well as those available for installation differs from one OS to the other, as illustrated below:
Ubuntu Applications Support
Ubuntu is much older than the Solus distro and is supported by a larger community. As such, Ubuntu happens to have more applications available for users to install and use. The various Ubuntu OS options ship with an assortment of pre-installed apps to help you get started.
This makes the operating system ready to use right out of the box. Ubuntu desktop the normal applications you will find on a Windows desktop, including VLC media player as well as Firefox and Chrome browsers. Other applications that are supported by Ubuntu by default include:
- LibreOffice – This is the office suite of applications on Ubuntu
- Thunderbird – a built-in email app on the operating system that features support for such emails as Hotmail, Gmail, and Exchange.
- Media Player – With Ubuntu, you can choose to watch HD videos right from your browser app. Alternatively, you could download the VLC, OpenShot, or Movie player from the Snap Store. You can also edit your movies on Ubuntu—using either kdenlive or Shotcut—before playing them.
- Lightweight Games – default Ubuntu OS installations come pre-loaded with such games as Chess and Sudoku.
In addition to the pre-installed apps, Ubuntu allows you to install many other applications to your desktop. You can access most of the compatible software packages from the built-in Ubuntu Software—previously referred to as the Ubuntu Software Center. Additional applications may also be installed from any other APT-based package manager.
Many of the software packages that are no longer pre-installed onto the Ubuntu OS, including GIMP, Evolution, Synaptic, and Pidgin, are still accessible within the repositories. You can install such apps using any APT-based package management tool. Ubuntu also supports a vast array of third-party software packages.
For instance, you can find some third-party packages, the ones that do not limit distribution, in the Ubuntu multiverse component. Third-party software solutions that may be legally restricted—including support for MP3 and DVD playback, Sun’s Java runtime environment, and Microsoft TrueType core fonts—can be found on the Ubuntu-restricted-extras package.
Solus Applications Support
The Solus distribution also comes pre-configured and loaded with some of the essential desktop applications (just as is the case with the Ubuntu distro discussed above). However, Solus dose not have nearly as many software packages available as the Ubuntu distro. This may be attributed to the fact that the Solus apps need to be built from scratch and the fact that the distro is relatively new.
However, the apps available for the Solus distro are amazingly secure and stable, especially for a rolling-release distro. Even so, the OS comes preloaded with some of the essential desktop apps, including:
-
- Mozilla Firefox – the default web browser on the Solus OS
- Rhythmbox – default app for playing and managing podcasts, and music on Solus MATE, GNOME, and Budgie Desktop versions.
- GNOME MPV – the default app for playing digital content that comes pre-installed on the Solus GNOME and Budgie desktop versions. The Mate desktop ships with VLC installed for video playback while the Plasma desktop features SMPlayer for video playback, and Elisa for audio playback.
- Mozilla Thunderbird – the default email app
- Software Center – a built-in tool for installing and managing apps on Solus
The LibreOffice, Firefox, and Thunderbird apps are pre-installed by default in all Solus desktop environments. For added versatility, Solus allows you to download and install more software using the built-in Software Center tool.
To compensate for this app deficiency, Solus supports Snap and Flatpak packages. Actually, Solus OS versions after Solus 3 have Snap pre-installed. In addition to these, the Solus Software Manager features a Third Party Repository. This is where you will find the apps that require additional licensing, including Google Chrome, Slack, Skype, Spotify, Android Studio, and TeamViewer.
Compatible Processor Architecture and Hardware
Different operating systems have varying hardware requirements. The minimal system requirements for the software need to be met for it to run smoothly. With regards to processor architecture, the two distros have been designed to work on different processors, as explained below:
Ubuntu Compatible Architecture
Regardless of the flavor you choose, the Ubuntu operating system does not have hardware requirements beyond those of the GNU and Linux Kernel tool sets. Any platform or even architecture to which the Linux kernel, gcc, or lunch has been ported, and has an Ubuntu port can run the Ubuntu distro.
By default, the distribution is designed to run on three of the common processor architectures: AMD64 (also referred to as x86_64), x86 (commonly referred to as i386), and PowerPC. The latest version of the distro, however has support for six major processor architectures as well as a number of architecture variations.
This being the case, you can run Ubuntu 20.04 on such architectures as the Intel x86-based, 64bit ARMARM with hardware FPU, and AMD64 & Intel 64. The software is also compatible with IBM z/Architecture as well as most IBM POWER Systems.
Solus Compatible Architectures
Solus does not support as many processor architectures and hardware options as the Ubuntu distribution. Though a great Linux-based operating system, Solus—and all its Experiences—was exclusively developed for the x86-64 architecture (which also refers to the AMD64, Intel 64, and x64 processors).
To ensure that the software is compatible with even more hardware options, developers at Solus couple the OS to the latest Linux kernel version available at the time of release. For instance, the use of Linux kernel 5.4.12 on Solus 4.1 made the OS compatible with newer AMD and NVIDIA processors, including NVIDIA GPUS like RTX 2080Ti, and newer Intel Comet Lake processors like the Ice Lake CPUs.
Intended Application
As you learnt earlier in this guide, the two distributions are designed differently. As such, they are bound to perform differently when subjected to different applications. Holding other factors constant, the Solus Linux-based operating system is suited for home computing applications.
Ubuntu, on the other hand, is the perfect choice for developers. In its design, Ubuntu features an assortment of software covering every aspect of the desktop, ranging from word processing to internet access applications, and programming languages.
So, how are these two Linux distributions suited for some of the most demanding applications like developing and gaming?
Development/ Programming Features
Solus For Developers
Solus operating system comes preloaded with most of the apps and tools you need to get started. Though not pre-installed, the software supports a variety of programming languages, editors, and version control systems. Additionally, the Solus distro supports virtualization/ containerization technologies like Vagrant and Docker.
Solid OS is compatible with some of the most powerful Linux editors like Idea, Atom, At Creator, GNOME Builder, and the Visual Studio Code. With regards to programming languages, Solus supports Rust, Go, PHP, Ruby, and Node.js, among other languages.
Whether you are just writing backend web services using the Go editor or writing drivers in C, you will find the Solus distro to have almost everything you need.
Ubuntu for Developers
When it comes to development, Ubuntu is the preferred option for development teams, and individuals across the globe. This may be attributed to the reliability, extensive developer libraries, and versatility of the distribution. While Solid may be lacking some tools, Ubuntu has everything you will ever need to complete your project.
Ubuntu support such programming languages as Python, Java, Node.js, and Ruby, some of which are not supported by Solus. In addition to the development tools, Ubuntu makes it easy for you to publish apps for Ubuntu and reach all the target users—using Snapcraft.
Not only is the Ubuntu distro lightweight, but is also the best-suited option for resource-intensive environments. This makes it ideal for different development applications, ranging from data mining to the more complex large-scale financial modelling.
Gaming Support and Features
Solus for Gamers
The Solus Budgie desktop experience would be a great Linux-based OS for games, beginners and experienced gamers alike. Developers at Solus have availed an official Steam integration for the Solus distro. This integration will come on handy when you are installing and configuring Steam on the OS.
As you may be aware, a selection of the leading open-source games are available natively for Solus. The OS also features support for numerous controllers and gamepads. When configured properly, it slows you to play different Steam titles for Linux with optimized gaming runtime.
Solus supports such controller and gamepad software as the SC-controller and antimicro. Additionally, it supports integration with the leading gaming platforms like Steam, Lutris, and Itch.io. With such capabilities, you will have no problem playing some of the best free and open-source titles, including OpenTTD, Freeciv, Warzone 2100 and Red Eclipse.
However, Solid does not support as many computer games as the Ubuntu distribution.
Ubuntu for Gamers
Ubuntu allows for a hassle-free gaming experience as well as AI development. In this regard, the distro supports NVIDIA GPUs out-of-the-box. Currently, there are thousands of available computer games for Linux are free and designed to run natively on Ubuntu—meaning that an Ubuntu package is available in the repositories, or from third-party sources.
As opposed to Solus, Ubuntu is compatible with several emulators—which may be used to run numerous Windows, and some console games on Ubuntu. Discussed below are the main types of games you will be able to run on your Ubuntu desktop:
- Free Games – These are the Linux games that comply with the Ubuntu Philosophy. As a result, you will find them on either the Universe or Main Ubuntu repositories.
- Free Commercial Games – The free commercial games on Ubuntu are designed to run natively on the operating system. However, part of the software is commercially produced. Such games may require you to pay for some kind of optional service while respecting your freedom.
- Non Free Games – This is the type of games you will find on the Ubuntu multiverse repository. The non free games run natively for Ubuntu and cost nothing to install and use, but may not be distributed freely.
- Non-Free Commercial Games – These are the game titles that are impart owned or produced commercially, hence require you to pay before using them. Such games do not have free licensing.
Other GNU/Linux Games
In addition to the above-described game types, there are those games that are not packaged for Ubuntu but run seamlessly on the distro.
Emulators
You can integrate some of the leading game emulators to the Ubuntu desktop. By so doing, you will be able to run classic as well as current Console and Windows games on the Ubuntu distro.
Default
Default Package Manager
Another difference between the Solid and Ubuntu distributions is that they use different package managers. Solus uses eopkg as the default Application Manager for a seamless software delivery to the end-user. This package manager is based on PiSi (Packages Installed Successfully as Intended) and was originally developed for Pardus.
The Ubuntu distro uses different package managers by default. The right application manager to use on your desktop mainly depends on how advanced the management tasks are. In most cases, the Apt (Advanced Packaging Tool) package manager will suffice. You can use the APT tool to install new software, upgrade current software or update the package list index.
The APT package manager may also be used to upgrade the entire Ubuntu system as a whole. Alternatively, you can also implement all these package management tasks using the GUI package manager on Ubuntu. This tool features a graphical interface that is relatively easy to understand and use, especially for beginners.
Final Verdict
Both the Solus and Ubuntu distributions come in multiple desktop environment options, allowing you to choose one that is suited to the application. While Ubuntu is a Debian-based OS, Solus is entirely developed from scratch. As such, all versions of Solus offer just a limited number and type of desktop application.
With the Solus point-release update schedule, you are guaranteed stable updates to the OS and apps every Friday. Many users would prefer the shorter updates life cycle offered by Solus, but the Ubuntu LTS updates—released once every two years—is more stable and reliable.
The simplistic design and limited number of apps on Solus makes it ideal for home computing applications. Ubuntu, on the other hand is best-suited for programming and gaming applications as you have learned throughout this guide.