When comparing Linux Lite vs Ubuntu LTS, the Slant community recommends Linux Lite for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distributions for Xfce?” Linux Lite is ranked 7th while Ubuntu LTS is ranked 26th. The most important reason people chose Linux Lite is:
Linux Lite renames software it comes bundled with to be more user-friendly, it gives suggestions on what additional software the user might be interested, support on how to keep the system up to date, etc. It should especially be familiar to Windows users, since the desktop layout and the basic way you interact with it is similar.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Beginner friendly
Linux Lite renames software it comes bundled with to be more user-friendly, it gives suggestions on what additional software the user might be interested, support on how to keep the system up to date, etc. It should especially be familiar to Windows users, since the desktop layout and the basic way you interact with it is similar.
Pro Windows-alternative
It is extremely easy for a Windows user to get along with this OS.
Pro Based on XFCE
Linux Lite is based on XFCE. It makes Linux Lite extremely appropriate for old hardware without any compromise in features. Linux Lite is also loaded with lightweight apps which ensure smooth workflow.
Pro Good performance
Even on an old machine Linux Lite perform most everyday operations quickly and without stability issues.
Pro Works well with under 4 Gb RAM
Linux Lite seems to bring to life machines with 2-4 Gb RAM. There must be something that adjusts when it sees lower specs.
Pro Active forum and helpful community
The forum is pretty active and community is very friendly and helpful. The creator of Linux Lite itself is active on the forum and helps to get problem sorted out.
Pro Highly customizable
Linux Lite is a highly customizable OS. Background, icons, panel location, panel appearance, menu appearance and almost everything else you can imagine.
Pro Has an efficient Update Manager
Updating Linux Lite is made a breeze by Update Manager.
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 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 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 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 Working with local files can be messy
All XFCE distros are known for having little bugs here and there but Linux Lite takes the cake as local HTML files get executed as if they were shell scripts instead of being opened on Firefox.
Con Not compatible with UEFI
Linux Lite is not compatible with UEFI. You have to enable Legacy Mode to install Linux Lite. Which makes this OS a little behind latest OS.
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.