Today, in addition to the original Ubuntu distribution, there are several versions supported by the enthusiast community. The beginner is faced with the problem of choosing - which distribution to choose and what are its advantages and disadvantages. Let's try to clarify.
To begin with, all distributions are based on the same package base and they get their software from one source (repository). This means that any program can be installed on any version of Ubuntu. Distributions differ primarily in the graphical environment (the appearance of the desktop) and the set of programs installed by default.
Ubuntu
Original distribution supported by Canonical. As a graphical interface, the company's own development called Unity is used using the Gnome libraries. This work environment aims to achieve a uniform and equally user-friendly interface for working on both desktops and tablets. There is no usual menu here. Instead, the Dash panel is used, which provides a single interface for finding programs, data on the Internet and on a local PC. At the same time, it interactively displays various dynamic information, for example, if you are looking for a movie, then if you have not found it on your local computer, it will offer you to purchase it on the Internet. This functionality is expandable due to plugins, and if you do not need such an interactive search, then you can disable it. Ubuntu is quite resource-demanding, for example, it desires a discrete graphics card to render the interface. For comfortable work, you must have a multi-core processor and at least 2 GB of RAM.
Kubuntu
Supported by the community. Based on the KDE desktop. Like the original, Ubuntu is quite resource-demanding, although fans claim that it works much faster where the original Ubuntu does not perform well. Kubuntu's interface is more traditional, although the menu also supports various interactive features and search.
Xubuntu
Based on the XFCE desktop environment. This distribution can be called the golden mean. It is significantly less demanding on hardware compared to Ubuntu and Xubuntu, but at the same time it supports flexible customization and rich shell functionality. The interface is simple and straightforward, quite intuitive for users migrating from Windows.
Lubuntu
The distribution kit is even less demanding on PC resources. Based on the LXDE desktop environment. Less easy to configure than XFCE. The interface is similar to Windows XP. Behaves well on weak hardware and netbooks.
Ubuntu Server
Suitable for installation on servers. Has no graphical interface. All management in this distribution is done through the command line.
Ubuntu Remixes
In addition to the official distributions, there are a great many so-called remixes. At their core, they represent the same Ubuntu distribution with modified initial parameters and a set of software. For example, the Runtu distribution kit fully supports the Russian language out of the box, whereas in the original Xubuntu you would need to deliver Russian language support via the Internet after installation. Remixes in this way allow you to simplify the installation, having immediately a working and configured computer with all the necessary software.
