Selfhosting as a Linux newbie - Ubuntu Server LTS or Debian 13?

2026-07-27 14:12 UTC

I use Debian as my daily driver, but I’m still a newbie. I would like to selfhost a few apps, initially on a VPS, but I will probably move to a local PC once I diagnose what is broken with my old computer. The guides at https://selfhosting.sh/ always recommend Ubuntu Server LTS for newbies, but Ubuntu seems to have bad PR and I already run Debian on my home PC. On one hand, I am a newbie and I guess Ubuntu might be easier to set up and maintain. Though, I don’t HOW exactly? On the other hand, if I have Debian on my home PC and on my server, they are the same system, so I’d be learning the same system at two places and with two usage scenarios. But it might be easier to make mistakes on Debian..? What is your opinion/recommendation?

Replies (6)

@PieMePlenty@lemmy.world 2026-07-27 16:30

You’re installing a headless system right? Ubuntu and Debian are going to have very similar if not downright identical day to day operating procedures, including installing and setting up new things. Ubuntu is going to have software packages coming from a different repository and they may be newer (though this rarely matters) and the initial install may be different. One is backed by a for profit corporation and one by a large open source community. Whenever you need help, guides for Debian will probably work on Ubuntu and vice versa. For home self hosting use, it boils down to you own philosophy. In practice, it won’t really matter… they’re both really similar. I proudly use Debian BTW.

Open ##4152106
@SrMono@feddit.org 2026-07-27 14:15

Always used Ubuntu server and would always recommend that to newbies.

Open ##4241363
@irmadlad@lemmy.world 2026-07-27 14:18

Don’t mind me, I’m just here for the violence. LOL I’m using Ubuntu Jammy LTS/ESM.

Open ##4241364
@s4mdf0o1@piaille.fr 2026-07-27 14:24

@steel_for_humans@piefed.social on a VPS you will exclusively have a terminal with ssh to me Debian is the only choice, while you will be able to do the same, but keeping freedom rather then apps taking your hand for nothing more Ask AI for special things, it'll be easier

Open ##4241365
@TheOubliette@lemmy.ml 2026-07-27 14:28

Debian is better as a server host. Ubuntu is not easier for a server for anything except initial installation but you’ve already done that once with Debian so you’ll be fine. Only reason to use Ubuntu is if you want core software updates every 6 months and for this purpose you don’t. And can still have the option for newer software in select cases using containers.

Open ##4241366
@GreenKnight23@lemmy.world 2026-07-29 00:33

Debian. waiting for the rug pull from Ubuntu once their corporate overlords decide to pull an IBM.

Open ##4396625