When comparing PCLinuxOS vs Ubuntu LTS, the Slant community recommends PCLinuxOS for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distributions for misanthropes?” PCLinuxOS is ranked 18th while Ubuntu LTS is ranked 100th. The most important reason people chose PCLinuxOS is:
The distribution is continually updated, so there's no need to install OS upgrades by hand.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Rolling release
The distribution is continually updated, so there's no need to install OS upgrades by hand.
Pro Stable
PCLinuxOS is designed around stability.
Pro Multiple desktops available
Mate, LXDE, and KDE desktops are available.
Pro Can remaster the boot DVD
PCLinuxOS has built in tools for remastering bootable DVD into a copy of current install.
Pro Excellent hardware compatibility
Comes with nVidia drivers out of the box. Important if the PC has an nVidia chipset. Most Debian based distros don't have nVidia drivers available at install time.
LXDE version works well with older hardware.
Pro Just works out of the box
Lots of support for hardware, lots of pre-installed software, and a smooth install process means less time downloading drivers, less time digging through configuration files, and less time deciding on software to use just to get up and running. It also means less time digging through forums looking for support.
Pro Good PPA repositories available
PPA repositories allow you to install the latest version of your preferred software while keeping the rest of the operating system "stable".
Pro Great Long Term Support release schedule (2 years)
This allows for users to always have a new supported release available without long unkown wait times in between.
Pro Lots of support
As the most popular Linux distribution, there's a wide range of sources for support online if you ever need help, including the Ubuntu Wiki, Ubuntu Forums and the Ask Ubuntu Stack Exchange site.
Pro Most users are already familiar with it
Ubuntu is the go-to Linux distro for most people, so there is a sense of familiarity and comfort in using something they have used before.
Cons
Con Installation fails most of the time, error messages, and hard to go to full screen in virtual box
Con Uses RPM packaging system
Uses the RPM packaging system with APT, rather than the more popular DEB packages.
Con Relatively high system requirements
The default Unity desktop environment is a resource hog which requires hardware accelerated graphics rendering in order to run smoothly, making out of the box Ubuntu unsuitable for low end systems and older hardware. Even mildly aged hardware, you'll get far better performance out of a lighter desktop environment like LXDE or XFCE.