Skip to main content
WordPress made easy with the drag & drop Total WordPress Theme!Learn More

The Pros and Cons of Running WordPress on Ubuntu

Last updated on:
The Pros and Cons of Running WordPress on Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the best operating systems to run your WordPress site on. We know, that’s a big statement. And in this article, we’ll try and pack it up. Apart from being freely available, it is also an open-source Linux based OS.

Ubuntu has released various versions of the OS over the years. For this article, we’ll be referring to Ubuntu 18.04.4 LTS, as it is the current latest long-term support version.  It is essential to check the version of Ubuntu you may be running as soon as you log In in your machine for the first time.

Ubuntu Server

Unlike other OS, Ubuntu usually releases a new version of the OS, Ubuntu flavors, at an interval of six months and long term support every two years. It has a unique scheme that provides five years of support for desktop and server versions. Along with that, Ubuntu offers nine months’ support program for the standard versions released.

If you are launching a business website or you want to start a blog by running through the Ubuntu operating system server technology, you are assured with foundational benefits such as data security and much more. First, let’s cover the pros and cons of running an Ubuntu-powered WordPress site.

The Advantages of Running a WordPress Site on Ubuntu

Let’s learn what’s so great about Ubuntu, that WordPress website owners should definitely consider it as an option for running their site.

Ubuntu is Free

For a beginner, you don’t have to worry about having the budget to run your WordPress site on Ubuntu because it’s absolutely free. No licensing fees required. Ubuntu has enabled millions of business people, institutions, and professional bloggers to take advantage of their services and launch their website with more control compared to shared hosting solutions.

Customizable

Although WordPress can be run on a Microsoft powered server, the majority of website developers prefer Ubuntu for their machines. With the Ubuntu CLI, which we’ll cover more in-depth in a later section, you have incredible levels of customization of both how you control and manage your site, as well as the inner working, or backend of it.

Ubuntu is Ideal for Development

Unlike a clean window that requires the user to install a Microsoft office suite, Java, Python, and a text editor to your desktop or computer or anything else, a clean Ubuntu installation will make getting to work much faster and easier. It is designed with distinctive out-of-box support features that allow the programmer to use the machines immediately after acquiring them. Something’s missing? Use the apt-get command to quickly download whatever you need with a single line of code from the many Ubuntu repositories.

Ubuntu: Development

Even though Windows is highly regarded for the ability to enable the user to multitask easily with the help of the GUI, the benefits of choosing Ubuntu outweigh it since it helps the user to save time. Once you get used to the CLI, you’ll be able to develop much more efficiently and quickly, while keeping server resource usage to a minimum.

Easy Updates

Ubuntu updates background software without disrupting you from carrying out your project; for this reason, millions of people prefer it over Windows, which requires the engine to restart while updating. If you’re running a non-major update (Eg.: going from Ubuntu 18.04.03 to 18.04.04) the update will be quick, easy and won’t disrupt your site. The updates are far more lightweight too.

Ubuntu: Easy Updates

Extensive Documentation

Ubuntu’s open-source nature offers the same benefit as WordPress – it’s incredibly well documented. Whatever you might need, chances are someone made a tutorial about it. New users will find that their search engine of choice will become their new best friend as they set up their website.

More Resource Friendly

Due to the lack of GUI Ubuntu is much more resource-friendly compared to any other server software. That frees up space for running your site, instead of keeping up the server and its non-essential background processes.

This will additionally enable you to save a bit more. You can opt for a more affordable, less resource-rich server, as you’ll be saving on resource usage.

Ubuntu is Designed with the Command Line Front and Center

Ubuntu is designed with an excellent command-line interface that is fairly easy to learn as the default support for its Bash. Apart from that, it has other commands that simplify server management, local files use, and development environment work.

Secure

Ubuntu gets to enjoy very frequent security updates to its base software and offers its users much more flexibility when designing the perfect firewall for your website when compared to other operating systems. While the initial setup may require research and time, at the end of the day, you’ll be very well protected.

Allows Additional Repositories for Extra Software

Ubuntu has several repositories; through them, it provides additional software for your system. These repositories include free, open free software that is supported by Ubuntu, proprietary devices, free and open-source maintained by a community, software backed by Ubuntu.

The Disadvantages of Running a WordPress Site on Ubuntu

Let’s run down some of the reasons why Ubuntu might not be the right choice for some webmasters.

Steep Learning Curve

Having in mind, it is open-source software that is aimed more towards power users, Ubuntu is harder to master. Users who have little experience using a command-line interface will spend a lot of time looking up tutorials while trying to perform tasks. That being said, once you understand the core principles behind it, the further learning process is much simpler and definitely worth what you get out of it.

Requires Experts

When the subject of developing a website is put into consideration, it requires an expert who has mastered different kinds of commands and functions. A complex web application will most likely require multiple developers to work behind it. However, a WordPress user should be completely fine while starting out by themselves.

Potential Migration Difficulties

If you are considering changing a WordPress site hosted on shared hosting services, you might experience some difficulties when you migrate a WordPress site to a server powered by an Ubuntu system.

Tips for Running Ubuntu

Here are a few tips to help you choose Ubuntu as your running site that will keep you on the right track.

Update Your OS Immediately and Regularly

After installing Ubuntu in your machine, updating the operating system should be prioritized before focusing on your project. It is advisable to run an update of the latest version of the operating system in the market. If one fails to update the Ubuntu OS after installation, there is a high possibility of experiencing difficulties while installing repositories or software.

Select Your Preferred Stack

Research and decide which web server stack is the right one for you. The two most common options are LEMP and LAMP.

Let’s break down what each of them contains:

  • LEMP – this server stack is comprised of Linux, Nginx, MySQL, and PHP.
  • LAMP – the other popular choice replaces Nginx with Apache, and contains Linux, MySQL, and PHP as well.

There are other alternatives out there, but by choosing between these two you will ensure easier site management, as they are the most well-documented stacks available.

Start Researching

Start researching the command-line interface, learn the most popular commands required, and select a preferred connection method. Typically, when using a Ubuntu-powered VPS, you’ll have to connect to the server through SSH. If you’re a Microsoft Windows user, consider trying PuTTY. Meanwhile, if you use Linux or iOS, you will be able to connect to your server through the terminal.

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts

This is one of the benefits of running your WordPress on Ubuntu. It provides flexibility that allows the user to set desired shortcuts of your choice that will help you with the easy opening of the applications, switching panes, etc. Whether you’re using the nano editor or splitting panes with TMUX, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with various keyboard shortcuts that will help better manage your server.


It is quite evident that by now, you understand the pro and cons of running a WordPress site on Ubuntu. The decision is eventually yours. When it comes to picking the ideal web host for your site, there is a lot of things to think about.

Before making you make an ultimate decision, it is vital to take time and look at the options available. As a beginner WordPress user, it important to have realistic goals bearing in mind that the experience you have and the website’s goals that you have will help you to keep your dream alive and making the best decision.

If you are looking for a free and straightforward host that does not require a lot of hassle, I recommend run you your WordPress site on Ubuntu. Without a budget, you will surely benefit from it. This is an excellent place where you can start a small business and grow it without a lot of fuss.

pros-cons-wordpress-ubuntu
Article by Morgan Ferguson WPExplorer.com author
Subscribe to the Newsletter

Get our latest news, tutorials, guides, tips & deals delivered to your inbox.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don't you kick off the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Learn how your comment data is processed by viewing our privacy policy here.