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Ubuntu Server
What it is
Ubuntu Server is a Linux operating system for servers, cloud deployments, Kubernetes clusters and render farms. Deployment options include physical servers, virtual machines, public or private clouds, and IoT or edge devices. The server page describes a lean initial setup, integrated deployment and application modeling tools, and hardware OEM certification. LTS releases receive five years of standard security updates for thousands of open-source packages in the Ubuntu Main repository. Ubuntu Pro can extend LTS security maintenance to ten years, with a Legacy add-on extending it to 15 years. Pro also includes Kernel Livepatch, compliance hardening features and Landscape fleet management. The listed Intel or AMD 64-bit download is 3 GB; other supported architectures include ARM, IBM POWER, IBM Z and RISC-V. Installation requirements include 1.5 GB of memory, 5 GB of free disk space, and a USB port or DVD drive for installer media. Ubuntu Server is listed as free. Ubuntu Pro Workstation is $25 a year per machine; other Pro and support plans have separate listed prices.
For and against
For
- LTS releases include five years of standard security updates.
- Supports multiple server and cloud deployment models.
- Pro can extend maintenance to 10 years, or 15 with Legacy.
- Landscape provides centralized estate management.
Against
- Listed installation requires 1.5 GB of memory.
- The Intel or AMD 64-bit download is 3 GB.
- Ubuntu Pro Workstation costs $25 a year per machine.
The verdict
Ubuntu Server covers varied server and cloud deployments, with free LTS maintenance and optional Ubuntu Pro extensions. Consider the installation requirements and the separate prices for Pro and support plans.
Who it suits
It suits administrators deploying Linux on servers, virtual machines, clouds or edge devices. Ubuntu Pro may suit organizations seeking longer security coverage, fleet management or support options.
Plans and prices
Ubuntu Server
Five years of free security and maintenance updates for LTS; extended to up to 15 years with Ubuntu Pro
Read 3 Oct 2026 · ubuntu.com
Ubuntu Pro Personal
Up to 5 machines
Read 3 Oct 2026 · ubuntu.com
Ubuntu Pro Community
Up to 50 machines for active Ubuntu community members
Read 3 Oct 2026 · ubuntu.com
Ubuntu Pro Workstation
Ubuntu Pro; does not include knowledge base access, certified Windows drivers for KVM guests, or Ubuntu Assurance Program
Read 3 Oct 2026 · ubuntu.com
Ubuntu Pro with 24/7 Enterprise support — Workstation
Weekday support is 50% of the price of 24/7 support
Read 3 Oct 2026 · ubuntu.com
Ubuntu Pro Server with unlimited VMs
Server with unlimited VMs; does not include knowledge base access, certified Windows drivers for KVM guests, or Ubuntu Assurance Program
Read 3 Oct 2026 · ubuntu.com
Ubuntu Pro with 24/7 Enterprise support — Server with unlimited VMs
Weekday support is 50% of the price of 24/7 support
Read 3 Oct 2026 · ubuntu.com
On the record
- Cloud and deployment tools
- Canonical describes Juju for deploying workloads across AWS, Microsoft Azure, OpenStack private clouds, or bare metal via MAAS, and MAAS for bare metal provisioning.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Compliance
- Ubuntu Pro includes security hardening features for frameworks and standards including FIPS 140, DISA-STIG, CIS, FedRAMP, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and Cyber Essentials.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Current download
- The download page lists Ubuntu Server 26.04.1 LTS for Intel or AMD 64-bit systems as a 3GB download.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Fleet management
- Ubuntu Pro includes access to Landscape for centralized administration, staggered updates, asset inventory, hardening, and audit functions.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Hardware and workloads
- The server page describes a lean initial deployment, integrated deployment and application modeling tools, and certification by hardware OEMs.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Live patching
- Ubuntu Pro Kernel Livepatch automates patching of high and critical kernel vulnerabilities while systems run, allowing maintenance windows to be deferred.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- LTS maintenance
- Ubuntu Server LTS releases receive five years of standard security updates for thousands of open source packages in the Ubuntu Main repository by default.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Canonical says it has nurtured a community around Ubuntu since 2004.canonical.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Other architectures
- Ubuntu Server is also offered for ARM, IBM POWER, IBM Z (s390x), and multiple RISC-V platforms.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Product integrations
- Ubuntu Pro is described as integrated with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud marketplaces, where customers can activate features and receive billing through their cloud provider.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Ubuntu Server is designed to scale across enterprise data centers and public or private clouds, including OpenStack clouds, Kubernetes clusters, and large render farms.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Security coverage
- Ubuntu Pro extends LTS security maintenance from five years to ten years for the full Ubuntu Archive, and the Legacy add-on extends it to 15 years.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Ubuntu Pro plus Support offers 24/7 expert support with break-fix and bug-fix coverage for infrastructure and applications.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The listed installation requirements include 1.5 GB system memory, 5 GB of free hard drive space, and a USB port or DVD drive for installer media.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Virtualization
- The download page links Multipass for creating Ubuntu virtual machines on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and lists VirtualBox, Hyper-V, HyperKit, or KVM.ubuntu.com · read 3 Oct 2026
