Ubuntu with KDE or Kubuntu?

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Hi,

I’m currently deciding between setting up Ubuntu (GNOME) with the KDE Plasma desktop manually or just going with Kubuntu, which comes with KDE by default. My main concerns are:

  • Stability: Which setup tends to be more stable in daily use or is there no difference?

  • Security Updates: Are there any differences in how quickly or reliably Kubuntu receives security patches?

I know both ultimately rely on the same Ubuntu base, but I’m wondering if Kubuntu’s tighter integration with KDE offers any advantages—or if installing KDE on Ubuntu (GNOME) gives more flexibility without sacrificing reliability.

Thanks in advance!
Phil

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Can you explain what you mean when referring to Vanilla Ubuntu?
It’s an oft quoted phrase with little definition.

If you mean Ubuntu (24.04 or 25.10) with Gnome, then, Vanilla is an unusual description.

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Thanks for your response!
Yes, with “Vanilla Ubuntu” I mean the Ubuntu with GNOME version :slightly_smiling_face:

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I don’t know if it would make a lot of difference with updates but the entire reason for the existence of Kubuntu is to have the Ubuntu base with KDE as the Desktop environment preinstalled and configured. If you prefer KDE I would suggest you just install Kubuntu but part of it would depend upon your familiarity with Ubuntu/Kubuntu and your knowledge of changing configurations.

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You’ve answered your own question.
If you prefer KDE, then Kubuntu is your destination.

When you add a second Desktop Environment, there will be problems unless you have enough experience to navigate the rough seas.

Recent example here

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If you intend to use KDE, install Kubuntu. It’s support channels are identical to Ubuntu’s

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Or ubuntustudio !
It’s another flavor of kde

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Kubuntu has KDE fully, and smoothly (and some would say gracefully), integrated into the Ubuntu basic OS, with no configuration/integration oversights!

Installing KDE on top of Ubuntu Desktop (GNOME-based) environment … is like buying a new home, then calling in a contractor to perform a renovation to rework plumbing from one end of the house to another, because you thought the bathroom was at the wrong end. It just doesn’t “feel” right and you just don’t do it … because you don’t have the actual “as-built” construction plans … and things always get missed!

I hope my “folksy” way of describing that puts it into the proper perspective.

The only time I would be installing a second, or third, or fourth, Desktop Manager would be if I was simply testing to get a feel for the interaction and available tools offered by each DM … but … never … to remain … with the last one installed/configured. I would ALWAYS do a fresh proper install of the one corresponding to the DM of choice for a “final smooth landing” into my new environment!

:slight_smile:

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I did something different, because the normal installer doesn’t support mdadm arrays so I’ve installed ubuntu-server minimal and then installed ubuntustudio-desktop :slight_smile:

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A perfectly fine approach, the end result is close enough.

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Well yes, from my point of view, it’s perfect!

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Given what you described as an “outlier” requirement, for which I am sure you have enough knowledge and experience to do it right, your approach was quite necessary and valid! By the way, nicely done!

I geared my response to the more generic user who likely would not want to mess with too much of the “mechanicals under the hood”!

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Thank you for all your answers :slightly_smiling_face:

This is what I wanted to know - so I will install Kubuntu :+1:

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