Learn about Ubuntu operating system

Comparing and contrasting Ubuntu 16.04 and 18.04 for a  headless VM

The selection of the operating system is crucial in the field of virtualisation and server management for assuring the functionality, security, and stability of your virtual machines (VMs). Several long-term support (LTS) versions are available for Ubuntu, a well-known and respected Linux distribution. In this blog post, we'll examine the main variations between Ubuntu 16.04 and Ubuntu 18.04, two of these LTS releases, with a focus on how to set up a headless VM (Virtual Machine).

Understanding the Value of Choosing the Correct Operating System

Before comparing Ubuntu 16.04 and 18.04 for headless VMs, let's first examine why choosing the appropriate operating system is so important in this case.

A virtual machine without a graphical user interface (GUI) is referred to as a headless VM. These virtual machines are frequently employed for server deployments, hosting web applications, databases, or other services that don't need a graphical user interface. Headless VMs must be dependable, safe, and effective because they serve as the foundation of numerous online services.

Your headless VM setup is impacted by the operating system you choose in a number of ways, including:

Performance: How well your VM uses system resources like CPU, RAM, and storage can be influenced by the OS. The performance of an OS can improve with proper optimisation.

Security: Security is of the utmost importance in server environments. To shield your VM from flaws and dangers, the OS has to get regular security updates and fixes.

Up time: Up time of the server is crucial for stability. The OS should be reliable and stable, reducing service interruptions and downtime.

Compatibility: The OS needs to work with the programs and software that you plan to use on your virtual machine. Functionality worries may result from compatibility issues.

Let's now examine the differences between Ubuntu 16.04 and 18.04 for headless VMs in more detail:

Support for the kernel and hardware

The device support and kernel versions between Ubuntu 16.04 and 18.04 are two of the biggest differences.

Ubuntu 16.04: Linux kernel 4.4 has been included in Ubuntu 16.04. Although it is a reliable and proven kernel, some modern devices and peripherals might not be supported. This can be a drawback if your headless VM needs to be compatible with cutting-edge hardware.

Ubuntu 18.04: In contrast, Ubuntu 18.04 comes with the more recent Linux kernel 4.15, which provides greater support for more modern hardware. This implies that Ubuntu 18.04 would be a better option if you intend to run your headless VM on modern server hardware.

The overall performance and security of the system are also significantly influenced by the kernel. The performance and security advancements that newer kernels frequently bring make Ubuntu 18.04 a more desirable choice in this regard.

2. Security Updates 

Any server environment, including headless VMs, has to prioritise security. To secure your virtual machine from weaknesses, you must make sure that your selected operating system receives regular security updates and patches.

Ubuntu 16.04: Although Ubuntu 16.04 is still supported, its end-of-life date (April 2021) is quickly approaching. As a result, it might get fewer patches and security updates going forward. This can make your headless VM more vulnerable to new dangers.

Ubuntu 18.04: Due to its more recent release, Ubuntu 18.04 enjoys more active support and will probably continue to get security updates for a longer period of time. Your headless VM's overall security is improved by doing this.

For the purpose of maintaining a safe server environment, it is essential to select an operating system with active and extended support. The more secure option might be Ubuntu 18.04 if security is your top concern.

3. Service Management with System

An operating system's init system plays a big part in controlling services and procedures. How you configure, manage, and debug your headless VM may be impacted by this decision.

Ubuntu 16.04: Upstart serves as the init system for Ubuntu 16.04. Although Upstart was previously regarded as innovative, Systemd, a more up-to-date and commonly used init system, has essentially replaced it. Because of this, Ubuntu 16.04 might not offer the same degree of usability and flexibility in service management as systems based on System.

Ubuntu 18.04: System serves as the init system for Ubuntu 18.04. In the majority of Linux distributions, System has emerged as the de facto standard for service administration. It is a more reliable option for managing headless VMs since it has comprehensive tools for controlling services, managing dependencies, and handling system events.

Because it conforms to current best practices in Linux service management, Ubuntu 18.04 may be a better option for you if you are already familiar with Systemd or want to become so.

4. Packages and Repositories for Software

Your ability to install and manage software on your headless VM might be significantly impacted by the availability of software packages and sources.

Ubuntu 16.04: Due to its age, Ubuntu 16.04's sources may contain software items from earlier releases. These packages may not have the most recent features, bug patches, or security upgrades even though they are typically stable.

Ubuntu 18.04: Access to more recent software packages and repositories is available with Ubuntu 18.04. This is important if you need the most recent features or to keep current with particular programs. Your headless VM can execute the newest software effectively if you have access to updated packages.

If your headless VM runs apps that need the most recent software versions or acts as a development environment, the availability of current software packages can be particularly crucial.

5. LTS Support Duration

When selecting an operating system for a headless VM, long-term support (LTS) is an important factor to take into account. LTS versions eliminate the need for regular updates by ensuring a stable and supported platform for a long time.

Ubuntu 16.04: The support period for Ubuntu 16.04 LTS is five years from the date of release. As a result, it will expire in April 2021, which has already gone as of the time of this writing. Although using Ubuntu 16.04 with Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for a charge is still an option, the lack of free updates might not be the best option for long-term projects.

Ubuntu 18.04: Compared to Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS provides two more years of free updates and offers support through April 2023. If you need a stable platform for a prolonged length of time or if you wish to put off moving to a newer release, this extended support period may be beneficial.

How to install Ubuntu 16.04 or 18.04  Virtual Box 

In a headless VM environment, selecting an operating system with a longer LTS support duration can make maintenance easier and less frequently require OS upgrades.

6. The default desktop setting

Despite the fact that a headless VM normally does not need a graphical desktop environment, it is important to note that Ubuntu 16.04 and 18.04 differ in this area.

Ubuntu 16.04: The Unity desktop environment was the operating system's default setting. However, you wouldn't generally interface with a graphical environment in a headless VM arrangement, so this difference might not be that significant.

Ubuntu 18.04: Ubuntu 18.04 shifted to the GNOME desktop environment as its default, however as previously said, headless VMs don't run with a GUI, therefore this decision has little impact on them.

Conclusion

The decision between Ubuntu 16.04 and 18.04 for a headless VM will ultimately depend on your individual needs and goals. To briefly sum it up:

• Ubuntu 18.04 is a superior option if you require stronger hardware support, improved security, and a longer LTS period.

• Ubuntu 16.04 can still be a good choice if you have current setups on it or need stability without the most recent software releases.

How to upgrade Ubuntu 16.04 to 18.04

When making this choice, it's critical to consider the demands of your project and your long-term goals. To provide a seamless and secure headless VM experience customised to your specific needs, take into account variables like hardware compatibility, security, service administration, software requirements, and LTS support period. Make a thoughtful choice when selecting your operating system because it will affect the dependability and performance of your virtual machines.

To learn more about Ubuntu:

1. How do I uninstall MariaDB from Ubuntu?

2. How can I set up an older version of Ubuntu?

4. How do I set up the Visual Studio IDE on Ubuntu? 

5. How can I switch between Ubuntu 18.04's Console mode and GUI?

4. How can I use mpirun/mpiexec for parallel processing on an A100 dgx (Nvidia) Ubuntu cluster using software inside a *.sqsh format container connected with Slurm task manager?

FAQs:

1. Where can I get an Ubuntu alternative download?

2. Which Ubuntu version should I use?

3. Can Ubuntu be installed on my computer?

4. How to Remove Windows?

• 
  
• 5. What makes the desktop, server, and alternative CDs different?