Hello Dev, welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best Linux distro for server hosting. If you’re looking for a reliable and flexible hosting solution, then Linux is your best bet. It’s open-source, community-driven, and highly customizable, making it ideal for both small and large-scale server deployments. In this article, we’ll cover the top 20 Linux distributions for server hosting, their features, pros, and cons, and help you choose the best one for your business.
1. Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server is one of the most popular Linux distributions for server hosting due to its ease of use and great community support. It comes with a wide range of software packages, including web, database, and email servers, making it a versatile platform for running various applications.
Some of the other features of Ubuntu Server include:
- Regular security updates and patches
- Simplified installation and configuration process
- Compatibility with popular cloud providers like Amazon Web Services
Despite its many benefits, Ubuntu Server may not be the best option for some users due to its frequent updates, which can sometimes lead to compatibility issues. Additionally, it’s known to be resource-hungry, so you’ll need a powerful server to run it smoothly.
Pros
- Easy to use and install
- Compatible with popular cloud providers
- Regular security updates and patches
Cons
- Frequent updates that can lead to compatibility issues
- Resource-hungry, requires a powerful server
2. CentOS
CentOS is another popular Linux distribution for server hosting that’s often used in enterprise environments. It’s a free, community-driven operating system that’s based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), a commercial Linux distribution.
Some of the features of CentOS include:
- Long-term support and stability
- Compatibility with enterprise-level applications and software
- Easy to configure and manage
However, CentOS has its drawbacks. It’s not as up-to-date as some other Linux distributions, and some users find its package management system to be less user-friendly than other options.
Pros
- Long-term support and stability
- Compatibility with enterprise-level applications and software
- Easy to configure and manage
Cons
- Not as up-to-date as some other Linux distros
- Package management system can be less user-friendly
3. Debian
Debian is a stable and reliable Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting. It’s known for its robust package management system, which makes it easy to install, update, and remove software packages.
Some of the other features of Debian include:
- Long-term support and stability
- Highly configurable and customizable
- Lightweight, making it ideal for low-resource servers
However, Debian may not be the best option for users who require bleeding-edge software and updates, as it prioritizes stability over the latest features.
Pros
- Long-term support and stability
- Highly configurable and customizable
- Lightweight, making it ideal for low-resource servers
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require bleeding-edge software and updates
4. Fedora Server
Fedora Server is a community-driven Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting, especially in development environments. It’s a cutting-edge distribution that features the latest software packages and updates, making it ideal for developers who require the latest tools and features.
Some of the other features of Fedora Server include:
- Easy to use and configure
- Great community support and documentation
- Compatibility with popular cloud providers
However, Fedora Server may not be the best option for users who require a stable and reliable hosting solution, as its frequent updates can sometimes result in compatibility issues.
Pros
- Easy to use and configure
- Great community support and documentation
- Compatibility with popular cloud providers
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require a stable and reliable hosting solution
5. Arch Linux
Arch Linux is a lightweight and customizable Linux distribution that’s known for its simplicity and minimalist approach. It’s often used for server hosting due to its flexibility and ease of customization.
Some of the other features of Arch Linux include:
- Lightweight and fast
- Highly customizable and flexible
- Rolling release updates
However, Arch Linux may not be the best option for users who require an easy-to-use and stable hosting solution, as it requires a certain level of technical expertise to configure and maintain.
Pros
- Lightweight and fast
- Highly customizable and flexible
- Rolling release updates
Cons
- Requires a certain level of technical expertise to configure and maintain
6. OpenSUSE Leap
OpenSUSE Leap is a stable and reliable Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its long-term support and compatibility with enterprise-level software.
Some of the other features of OpenSUSE Leap include:
- Long-term support and stability
- Compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
- Easy to configure and manage
However, OpenSUSE Leap may not be the best option for users who require bleeding-edge software updates, as it prioritizes stability over the latest features.
Pros
- Long-term support and stability
- Compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
- Easy to configure and manage
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require bleeding-edge software updates
7. Manjaro
Manjaro is a user-friendly and customizable Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its simplicity and ease of use.
Some of the other features of Manjaro include:
- Easy to install and configure
- Stable and reliable
- Rolling release updates
However, Manjaro may not be the best option for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications, as it’s primarily geared towards desktop users.
Pros
- Easy to install and configure
- Stable and reliable
- Rolling release updates
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
8. Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercial Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its long-term support and compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications.
Some of the other features of RHEL include:
- Long-term support and stability
- Compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
- Easy to configure and manage
However, RHEL may not be the best option for small businesses or individuals due to its high licensing costs.
Pros
- Long-term support and stability
- Compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
- Easy to configure and manage
Cons
- High licensing costs
9. Slackware
Slackware is a stable and reliable Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its simplicity and ease of use.
Some of the other features of Slackware include:
- Stable and reliable
- Easy to install and configure
- Highly customizable and flexible
However, Slackware may not be the best option for users who require bleeding-edge software updates, as it prioritizes stability over the latest features.
Pros
- Stable and reliable
- Easy to install and configure
- Highly customizable and flexible
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require bleeding-edge software updates
10. MX Linux
MX Linux is a fast and reliable Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its lightweight nature and ease of use.
Some of the other features of MX Linux include:
- Fast and lightweight
- Easy to install and configure
- Stable and reliable
However, MX Linux may not be the best option for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications, as it’s primarily geared towards desktop users.
Pros
- Fast and lightweight
- Easy to install and configure
- Stable and reliable
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
11. Gentoo
Gentoo is a highly customizable Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its flexibility and ease of customization.
Some of the other features of Gentoo include:
- Highly customizable and flexible
- Easy to configure and manage
- Rolling release updates
However, Gentoo may not be the best option for users who require an easy-to-use and stable hosting solution, as it requires a certain level of technical expertise to configure and maintain.
Pros
- Highly customizable and flexible
- Easy to configure and manage
- Rolling release updates
Cons
- Requires a certain level of technical expertise to configure and maintain
12. Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is a lightweight and secure Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its focus on minimalism and security.
Some of the other features of Alpine Linux include:
- Fast and lightweight
- Highly secure and hardened
- Minimalistic
However, Alpine Linux may not be the best option for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications, as it’s primarily geared towards minimalistic deployments.
Pros
- Fast and lightweight
- Highly secure and hardened
- Minimalistic
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
13. Oracle Linux
Oracle Linux is a commercial Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its long-term support and compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications.
Some of the other features of Oracle Linux include:
- Long-term support and stability
- Compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
- Easy to configure and manage
However, Oracle Linux may not be the best option for small businesses or individuals due to its high licensing costs.
Pros
- Long-term support and stability
- Compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
- Easy to configure and manage
Cons
- High licensing costs
14. Clear Linux
Clear Linux is a fast and lightweight Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its minimalistic approach and focus on performance.
Some of the other features of Clear Linux include:
- Fast and lightweight
- Highly optimized for performance
- Minimalistic
However, Clear Linux may not be the best option for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications, as it’s primarily geared towards minimalistic deployments.
Pros
- Fast and lightweight
- Highly optimized for performance
- Minimalistic
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
15. Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a user-friendly Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its ease of use and compatibility with popular desktop applications.
Some of the other features of Zorin OS include:
- Easy to install and configure
- Stable and reliable
- Compatibility with popular desktop applications
However, Zorin OS may not be the best option for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications, as it’s primarily geared towards desktop users.
Pros
- Easy to install and configure
- Stable and reliable
- Compatibility with popular desktop applications
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
16. OpenELEC
OpenELEC is a lightweight Linux distribution that’s often used for media server hosting due to its focus on multimedia capabilities.
Some of the other features of OpenELEC include:
- Fast and lightweight
- Easy to install and configure
- Optimized for multimedia capabilities
However, OpenELEC may not be the best option for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications, as it’s primarily geared towards media server deployments.
Pros
- Fast and lightweight
- Easy to install and configure
- Optimized for multimedia capabilities
Cons
- Not ideal for users who require compatibility with enterprise-level software and applications
17. CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream is a community-driven Linux distribution that’s often used for server hosting due to its focus on providing a continuous release stream of updates and improvements.