Ubuntu on different platforms

Ubuntu is available on multiple platforms. Relevant features, use-cases, and documentation are summarized on this page^[1].

Universal features

These apply to all Ubuntu editions:

Long-Term Support (LTS) releases every two years, maintained for 5 years (extendable to 10 years with Ubuntu Pro).
Common security-update infrastructure (Livepatch, ESM, unattended-upgrades, CVE tracker).
Access to the Snap packaging ecosystem alongside traditional .deb packages where relevant.
A predictable release cadence (interim releases every six months).
Optional enterprise support with Ubuntu Pro^[2].

Tip
Ubuntu Desktop is also available in different flavors^[3].

Platform comparison

Name	Target platform	Features	Links	Example use-cases
Ubuntu Desktop	Personal computers (laptops, desktops)	GNOME-based GUI by default Optimised for everyday computing Extensive range of desktop applications	Desktop documentation	General-purpose personal computing Office productivity, browsing, media consumption
Ubuntu Server	Physical or virtual servers, HPC clusters	No GUI installed by default Security-hardened, stable platform Headless and cloud-friendly	Server documentation	Hosting web services & databases Infrastructure / DevOps automation
Ubuntu Cloud	Public, private, multi & hybrid clouds	Pre-built cloud images Optimised for fast boot and scale-out Cloud-init for first-boot configuration	Cloud documentation	Rapid VM provisioning on AWS/Azure/GCP Large-scale automated IaaS (OpenStack, MAAS)
Ubuntu Core	IoT devices, embedded systems, robotics	Fully snap-based, immutable OS Atomic over-the-air updates Small footprint & secure boot	Core documentation	Industrial controllers & gateways Smart appliances, kiosks, edge computing Robotics platforms
Ubuntu on WSL	Windows 10/11 via Windows Subsystem for Linux	Ubuntu userspace inside Windows Native command-line tools Seamless file-system & networking integration	Ubuntu on WSL documentation	Software development on Windows with Linux toolchains Cross-platform scripting & testing
Ubuntu Pro	Enterprise & regulated environments	Extended Security Maintenance (10 years) FIPS 140-2, CIS, DISA-STIG hardening Kernel Livepatch and compliance tooling	Pro documentation	Finance, healthcare, government deployments Long-term, secure production fleets
Real-time Ubuntu	Robotics, industrial automation, automotive, low-latency audio	PREEMPT_RT real-time kernel Deterministic scheduling & µs-level latencies Delivered as an Ubuntu Pro add-on	Real-time Ubuntu documentation	Robot motion control Factory PLC replacement High-performance audio production Medical devices

Notes

↑ Originally authored by David Ekete as a contribution to the Open Documentation Academy.
↑ Ubuntu Pro is available on Desktop, Server, Cloud images and Ubuntu on WSL, providing Extended Security Maintenance (ESM), Livepatch and automated compliance profiles (CIS, DISA-STIG, FIPS 140, Common Criteria).
↑ Official flavors offer alternative desktop environments or specialist creative toolsets on the same Ubuntu base.

[1] Originally authored by David Ekete as a contribution to the Open Documentation Academy.

[2] Ubuntu Pro is available on Desktop, Server, Cloud images and Ubuntu on WSL, providing Extended Security Maintenance (ESM), Livepatch and automated compliance profiles (CIS, DISA-STIG, FIPS 140, Common Criteria).

[3] Official flavors offer alternative desktop environments or specialist creative toolsets on the same Ubuntu base.

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