Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Support) is the most widely used Linux operating system in enterprise environments. It replaces Windows 10/11 on your employees' workstations — with 5 years of guaranteed security support and no licensing costs.
What does Ubuntu replace?
| Microsoft Product | Ubuntu Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | Ubuntu LTS (Desktop) |
| Windows Server | Ubuntu Server |
| Windows Defender | UFW + CrowdSec |
| Group Policy (GPO) | Ansible / Puppet |
Why Ubuntu for SMBs?
Cost savings
A Windows 11 Pro licence costs around €250 per device, plus CALs for server services. Ubuntu is free — for 20 workstations that's a direct saving of ~€5,000 in licence costs alone (before server services).
Stability and security
Ubuntu LTS receives security updates for 5 years (10 years with Ubuntu Pro). Viruses and ransomware targeting Windows generally do not affect Linux systems. Maintenance overhead is significantly reduced.
Familiar interface with GNOME
The default GNOME desktop can be customised to resemble Windows. For employees who prefer a more classic Windows feel, we recommend KDE Plasma — an Ubuntu flavour with a taskbar, start menu and title bars similar to Windows.
Software compatibility
All common browsers (Firefox, Chrome/Chromium), video conferencing tools (Nextcloud Talk, Element) and office software (ONLYOFFICE, Thunderbird) run natively on Ubuntu. We check industry-specific software for compatibility or WINE support before migration.
Typical workstation configuration
A standard Ubuntu workstation at europioneer includes:
- OS: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or KDE Neon (for Windows switchers)
- Office: ONLYOFFICE Desktop (DOCX/XLSX/PPTX compatible)
- Email: Thunderbird with Exchange/IMAP
- Communication: Element (Matrix client)
- File sync: Nextcloud Desktop
- Browser: Firefox (default) + Chromium (for web apps)
- Passwords: Vaultwarden browser extension
Migration from Windows
Phases
- Select a pilot group (2–3 tech-savvy employees)
- Dual-boot phase (2 weeks Windows + Ubuntu in parallel)
- Full switch after a successful pilot
- Rollout to all workstations
Migration timeline
| Company size | Duration |
|---|---|
| ≤5 workstations | 1–2 days |
| ≤25 workstations | 1–2 weeks |
| ≤100 workstations | 4–8 weeks (phased) |
System requirements
Older hardware often runs better under Ubuntu than Windows 11. Minimum requirements:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 25 GB | 50 GB SSD |
| CPU | 2 cores | 4 cores |
Tip: Hardware that is too weak for Windows 11 (no TPM 2.0, older CPU) continues to run fine under Ubuntu — significantly extending the lifespan of your devices.
Next: Keycloak →
ONLYOFFICE
The complete office suite as a Microsoft Office replacement — familiar interface, full format compatibility, integrated directly into Nextcloud.
Keycloak
Single Sign-On and Identity Management as an Azure AD replacement — one central login for all business applications, GDPR-compliant and self-hosted.