I have used almost every major GNU/Linux based distribution out there whether it be Debian, Xandros, PCLinuxOS, Mandriva, Linux Mint, Fedora, openSUSE or Ubuntu. Each of those distributions have their own pros and cons. After using Debian for a while I switched to Ubuntu in 2005 and had been using it as my sole distro till 2011 when Unity happened. I was not just a user but also an advocate and a very strong supporter of Ubuntu. However, things changed with Ubuntu lately and online integration was the last straw on the camels back. I switched to openSUSE running KDE on it.
While openSUSE gave me a stable and trusted OS, it was by the end of 2012 when I got interested in rolling releases.
I wanted a rolling release for various reasons. Since I cover GNU/Linux and open source I often write about, or review, the latest versions of applications and at times it can be hard to get the latest applications in a regular release.
Arch holds the reputation of making the latest apps and packages available immediately either through the main repos (Core, Community and Extra) or through testing, unstable or user repositories aka AUR. I was able to write the reviews of KDE 4.10 and Gnome 3.8 in time because they were made available in Arch (though testing and unstable repos) immediately.
The second reason was getting rid of the 6 month upgrade cycle. I have a lot of applications, plugins, extensions and custom configuration and an upgrade every six months would waste a lot of man hours. So I was looking for something similar to the Chromebook where I am always running the latest version of the OS without having to upgrade it every now and then and risk breaking things.
My last comment on Ubuntu privacy.
OpenSUSE has Tumbleweed but since I use non-free hardware such as Nvidia cards, it was not the best solution for me.
Arch fit the bill perfectly.
So I switched my main system to Arch, and ran Kubuntu, openSUSE and Linux Mint on others. Only distro that was not allowed on my set-up was Ubuntu due to it’s built-in privacy invading features. But being an Ubuntu user for such a long time I was often asked how do I compare the two and which one has an edge over the other.
I tried to compile a friendly Arch vs Ubuntu list.
Update and upgrade
If you want to run the latest version of applications or base system (such as Gnome or kernel), you need to upgrade Ubuntu every six months whereas Arch is up-to-date all the time.
Winner = Arch
Hardware support
Both Ubuntu and Arch have awesome support for hardware like GPU, webcams or printers. In fact some of my hardware still works under Arch (thanks to openSUSE), whereas they stopped working under Ubuntu because no one is maintaining the package anymore and my iBall tablet pen is one such hardware.
Josh Sabboth, the owner/moderator of Arch Linux Google+ community says, “A lot of the hardware support is due to having the latest kernel as Arch does not load any extra modules at boot. As The Archway explains, “Arch Linux defines simplicity as without unnecessary additions, modifications, or complications, and provides a lightweight UNIX-like base structure that allows an individual user to shape the system according to their own needs.”
Winner = Arch
Installing 3rd party apps
Until I used openSUSE and then Arch, I was extremely impressed with Ubuntu's PPAs. It allows 3rd party developers to distribute and maintain their apps and packages for Ubuntu users.
I came to know that openSUSE also had something similar (or even better) called OBS (open build service). It's better than PPAs because it enables developers to packages and distribute apps for other (non-openSUSE) operating systems as well. Arch also has something similar called AUR (Arch user repository).
Both openSUSE and Arch have an edge over Ubuntu when it comes to installing 3rd party apps as openSUSE has an online service called software.opensuse.org where a user can easily search for needed packages and install them with one click (it automatically adds the repository) – no terminal is required. Ubuntu lacks any such central resource which allows a user to easily search PPA packages. You have to Google for the desired PPA and then add it manually using the terminal in order to install the application. Arch also makes it extremely easy to install 3rd party apps with one command: yaourt.
Winner = Arch
Privacy
Today governments are becoming increasingly obsessive over gaining access to users’ data and to know what users are doing on their PCs. In dangerous times like these it was expected than an open source company like Canonical will ensure the privacy and protection of user data. Sadly, it took the different road and designed Unity in the manner that the Dash became the gate through every user activity will pass. Every keystroke made inside the dash is sent to Canonical servers where it is not only stored but also shared with partners like Facebook. All this is done without any consent from the unsuspecting users.
What Canonical does with that data (or what it might do with it tomorrow) is secondary, the most important thing is that it should not be gathering this data by default in the first place. It’s defective by design.
Arch or openSUSE don’t make any such compromises and keep the user in control of his data and respect their privacy.
Winner = Arch
Ease of use
Ubuntu has an easier and very user-friendly way of installing the OS. Installing Arch is a bit tricky. But once installed, the management or installation of applications is easy in both Arch and Ubuntu. However, this is one area where Ubuntu has an edge over Arch Linux.
Winner = Ubuntu
Support
Arch should get the prize for the amazing documentation they have done, thanks to the huge community behind it. Arch, in my opinion, has the best wiki out there, which continues to get updated frequently. Then they now have a very active Google + community which is extremely helpful. At the same time Ubuntu is also known for great community - however its documentation is a bit scattered. Ubuntu forums are now (almost) inactive and most support happens through Stack Exchange's AskUbuntu site. That said Ubuntu’s community is extremely friendly and is always ready to help.
Winner = tie
Conclusion
Ubuntu is no doubt a great distribution and has a great and extremely friendly community behind it. It's one of the easiest to use operating systems out there which is also trying to innovate. There is no doubt that Ubuntu is one of the greatest operating systems out there. However, the route Canonical has chosen puts user’s privacy at risk. Privacy invasion over-rights everything that's great in Ubuntu. I wonder why despite so much public outcry and bad press Canonical is not making this feature opt-in, why its not keeping the offline and online world separate to protect the little privacy/security users have through offline data. Disrespect for privacy by design makes Ubuntu an OS I can’t use or recommend to anyone unless Canonical changes its approach towards privacy and data harvesting. That makes Arch a better choice over Ubuntu as it not only protects my privacy, but also offers more than Ubuntu.
I must note that the day Canonical makes the online seach integration opt-in, clearly tell its users what it does with this data and also gives an option to conduct local search (after opt-in) without sending any data to its servers I will be the first person to move back to Ubuntu.
In my own observation and usage of four months I have become quite familiar with Arch and can now comfortably recommend it to others. I have written an article to help greenhorn users in installing and managing Arch Linux on their system.
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Arch Linux
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