Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Ubuntu Server VS Zentyal

Compare Ubuntu Server VS Zentyal and see what are their differences

Ubuntu Server logo Ubuntu Server

Secure, fast and economically scalable, Ubuntu helps you make the most of your infrastructure. Whether you want to deploy a cloud or a web farm, Ubuntu Server supports the most popular hardware and software.

Zentyal logo Zentyal

Linux directory, domain, mail, gateway and infrastructure server for SMBs.
  • Ubuntu Server Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-03
  • Zentyal Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-16

Ubuntu Server features and specs

  • Open Source
    Ubuntu Server is open source, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This can lead to cost savings and flexibility for custom deployments.
  • Strong Community Support
    It has a large and active community that offers extensive support, documentation, and a wealth of forums and tutorials to solve issues or gain more information.
  • Robust Security
    Ubuntu Server provides strong security features, including regular updates and patches, security advisories, and the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) for easier network protection.
  • Compatibility
    Ubuntu Server is compatible with most major hardware and virtualization platforms, making it easier to implement in various environments.
  • Regular Releases
    Canonically delivers both Long Term Support (LTS) and interim releases, keeping the server up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements.

Possible disadvantages of Ubuntu Server

  • Complexity for Beginners
    Linux-based systems, like Ubuntu Server, can be more complex and challenging for users who are unfamiliar with command-line interfaces or system administration tasks.
  • Limited Commercial Support
    While there is a community, direct commercial support is not as extensive as more traditional OS vendors unless you opt for premium services from Canonical.
  • Software Compatibility
    Not all proprietary software is available for Linux systems, which may require alternatives or additional compatibility layers.
  • Hardware Compatibility Issues
    Some hardware might not have drivers available for Linux, potentially leading to additional configurations or incompatibility.
  • Resource Intensive for Newer Releases
    While generally efficient, newer releases can sometimes demand increased resources, potentially affecting performance on older hardware.

Zentyal features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Zentyal is designed to be user-friendly, providing a GUI for managing its features which makes it accessible even for those with limited Linux experience.
  • Integrated Services
    Zentyal integrates multiple services (LDAP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, etc.) within a single platform, simplifying network management.
  • Active Directory Integration
    Zentyal offers seamless integration with Microsoft Active Directory, making it a viable option for organizations looking to manage Windows clients.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source product, Zentyal provides transparency, customization, and cost-effectiveness compared to proprietary solutions.
  • Regular Updates
    Zentyal offers regular updates and improvements, ensuring that the system remains secure and up-to-date with current standards.
  • Community Support
    A strong community backing provides forums and resources that can help troubleshoot and solve problems that users might encounter.

Possible disadvantages of Zentyal

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While easy to use, Zentyal may lack some advanced features and flexibility needed by more complex or specialized IT environments.
  • Performance Overhead
    The integrated services and graphical interface can introduce a performance overhead compared to more streamlined and specialized solutions.
  • Support Costs
    Although the software itself is free, professional support and certain advanced features may require a paid subscription.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Configurations
    While basic setups are straightforward, more advanced or customized configurations may still require a deep understanding of the underlying technologies.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Being a Linux-based system, Zentyal may have compatibility issues with certain hardware, necessitating careful planning and potentially additional troubleshooting.
  • Update Management
    Sometimes updates can introduce bugs or issues, necessitating rigorous testing before deployment in a production environment.

Analysis of Zentyal

Overall verdict

  • Zentyal is generally a good option for those seeking an all-in-one server solution with an emphasis on simplicity and integration. However, like any software, its effectiveness largely depends on the specific requirements of the user. Those with complex, highly customized environments might find Zentyal limiting.

Why this product is good

  • Zentyal is considered good by many users due to its ease of use, especially for those who are not deeply familiar with Linux server environments. It provides a web-based interface for managing various server functionalities like email, Active Directory, DNS, and others, making it accessible for small businesses and IT admins. It combines the robustness of Ubuntu with specific adaptations that cater to network administrators’ needs.

Recommended for

    Zentyal is recommended for small to medium-sized businesses, educational institutions, and IT departments looking for a straightforward, integrated server solution. It is particularly useful for those needing a manageable learning curve while implementing features like directory services, mail servers, and network management.

Ubuntu Server videos

Differences: Ubuntu Desktop vs. Ubuntu Server

Zentyal videos

Product Review - Zentyal Server 5.1 (Development Version)

More videos:

  • Review - Zentyal 6.0 Linux based Small Business Server Install & base Config
  • Review - Zentyal Domain Controller - Basically Free Active Directory!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Ubuntu Server and Zentyal)
Cloud Computing
29 29%
71% 71
Cloud Storage
37 37%
63% 63
Storage
44 44%
56% 56
Operating Systems
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Ubuntu Server and Zentyal

Ubuntu Server Reviews

13 Best XAMPP Alternatives
Ubuntu Server is a version of Ubuntu that’s ready to run right out of the box. Unlike other operating systems, Ubuntu isn’t meant to be installed on your computer and left alone. Instead, it was designed to be a server, meaning it’s ready for someone who knows how servers work—and how they’re different from your home computer—to set up and use immediately.
Source: thetechtian.com
Best Linux distros of 2021 for beginners, mainstream and advanced users
In some aspects, the Ubuntu Server edition is just as popular as the desktop version. Ubuntu produces both LTS and non-LTS releases of the server just as with the desktop.

Zentyal Reviews

15 Best iRedMail Alternatives 2021
Zentyal supports CardDAV and CalDAV protocols which enable calendar and contact synchronization in a similar manner as iRedMail. Like its counterpart, Zentyal also provides built-in antispam and antivirus filters, as well as integrated TSL/SSL support.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Ubuntu Server seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Ubuntu Server mentions (3)

  • IoT in September: a recap
    [ASUS IoT](https://iot.asus.com/) is a provider of embedded systems and AIoT hardware solutions. Notable among those is their [PE100A](https://iot.asus.com/products/intelligent-edge-computer/PE100A/) device, an edge computer featuring an i.MX 8M scalable SoC processor for low power consumption. The [PE100A](https://iot.asus.com/products/intelligent-edge-computer/PE100A/) is the first NXP i.MX8 Canonical... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Your Old Laptop Is Your New Database Server
    It looked like a good candidate for an always-available server; a machine that I could connect to at any time and install any kind of server software that I could need when developing apps. In times of Docker containers, configuring a machine to run server software is extremely easy. In this article, I’ll show you how to take advantage of that old laptop by installing Ubuntu Server, Docker, and a MariaDB database... - Source: dev.to / almost 3 years ago
  • Hosting Multiple ASP.NET Core Apps in Ubuntu Linux Server Using Apache
    ASP.NET Core is a cross-platform web development framework that supports developing applications on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. Hosting an ASP.NET Core application in Linux is complicated when compared to hosting one in Windows. In this article, I will explain how to easily host multiple ASP.NET Core apps in Ubuntu Linux server with Apache as a reverse proxy server. - Source: dev.to / almost 4 years ago

Zentyal mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Zentyal yet. Tracking of Zentyal recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Ubuntu Server and Zentyal, you can also consider the following products

OpenMediaVault - OpenMediaVault is the next generation network attached storage (NAS) solution based on Debian Linux.

NethServer - NethServer is an operating system for Linux enthusiasts, designed for small offices and medium...

ClearOS - A very good alternative for Windows Server, for free

FreeIPA - FreeIPA is an integrated security information management solution combining Linux (Fedora), 389...

Univention Corporate Server - Univention Corporate Server UCS with Active Directory functions and App Center is the cost-efficient and popular successor to Microsoft's server solutions.

TrueNAS Core - TrueNAS Core (formerly FreeNAS) is a storage operating system strong and robust enough to meet the needs of enterprise level businesses.