Welcome, Dev, to our comprehensive guide on the best Linux server operating systems available in the market today! Linux has long been the go-to choice for businesses, organizations, and individuals looking for reliable and secure server OS solutions. But with so many Linux server OS options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision by providing an in-depth analysis of the 20 best Linux server OS options available today.
1. Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions for everyday use, and its server edition is no exception. It’s a stable and reliable OS that’s easy to use, and comes with a vast range of software packages. Ubuntu Server is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a server OS with robust security features and excellent community support. Let’s take a closer look at what Ubuntu Server has to offer.
Features
Ubuntu Server helps you create a powerful server infrastructure that’s easy to manage and maintain. Here are some of its key features:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Robust Security |
Ubuntu Server comes with AppArmor and UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), two powerful tools that help secure your system against hacker attacks and malware. |
Easy to Use |
Ubuntu Server is easy to install and configure, even for beginners. The server edition comes with preconfigured tools that simplify common server administration tasks. |
Community Support |
Ubuntu has a vast and active community of users and developers, which means that you can easily find help and support for any issues you run into. |
FAQ
Q: Is Ubuntu Server free?
A: Yes, Ubuntu Server is free to use and distribute.
Q: Can I run Ubuntu Server on a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, you can run Ubuntu Server on a Raspberry Pi. In fact, Ubuntu has an official image for the Raspberry Pi.
Q: Can I install a GUI on Ubuntu Server?
A: Yes, you can install a GUI on Ubuntu Server, but it’s generally not recommended, as it can slow down performance and add unnecessary complexity to your system.
Q: Does Ubuntu Server come with LAMP stack preinstalled?
A: No, Ubuntu Server does not come with LAMP stack preinstalled, but it’s easy to install using the apt package manager.
Q: Can I use Ubuntu Server as a web server?
A: Yes, Ubuntu Server is a popular choice for web servers. It comes with Apache, Nginx, and other popular web server software packages.
2. CentOS
CentOS is a community-driven Linux distribution that’s known for its stability, security, and enterprise-class features. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses and organizations that need a reliable and secure server OS for mission-critical applications. Let’s take a closer look at what CentOS has to offer.
Features
CentOS is a powerful and reliable server OS that’s packed with features. Here are some of its key features:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Enterprise-Class Features |
CentOS is based on the same code as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which means that it includes enterprise-class features like advanced firewalls, SELinux, and more. |
Stability |
CentOS is known for its stability, thanks to its long development cycle and rigorous testing process. This makes it an excellent choice for mission-critical applications that require high uptime. |
Security |
CentOS is built with security in mind. It’s known for its excellent security features, including SELinux, firewalls, and regular security updates. |
FAQ
Q: Is CentOS free?
A: Yes, CentOS is free to use and distribute, and it’s open source.
Q: How long is the support cycle for CentOS?
A: CentOS has a long support cycle of 10 years, which makes it an excellent choice for businesses and organizations that need a stable and reliable server OS.
Q: Can I use CentOS for web hosting?
A: Yes, CentOS is a popular choice for web hosting, thanks to its stability, security, and enterprise-class features.
Q: Is CentOS compatible with Docker?
A: Yes, CentOS is compatible with Docker, and it’s a popular choice for running Docker containers in production environments.
Q: Can I use CentOS as a desktop OS?
A: Yes, you can use CentOS as a desktop OS, but it’s not recommended, as it’s designed primarily for server use.
3. Debian
Debian is a popular Linux distribution known for its stability, security, and ease of use. It’s particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable and secure server OS that’s easy to manage. Let’s take a closer look at what Debian has to offer.
Features
Debian is a powerful and versatile server OS that’s packed with features. Here are some of its key features:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Stability |
Debian is known for its stability, thanks to its long development cycle and rigorous testing process. This makes it an excellent choice for mission-critical applications that require high uptime. |
Security |
Debian is built with security in mind. It’s known for its excellent security features, including SELinux, firewalls, and regular security updates. |
Easy to Use |
Debian is easy to install and configure, even for beginners. The server edition comes with preconfigured tools that simplify common server administration tasks. |
FAQ
Q: Is Debian free?
A: Yes, Debian is free to use and distribute, and it’s open source.
Q: Can I use Debian for web hosting?
A: Yes, Debian is a popular choice for web hosting, thanks to its stability, security, and ease of use.
Q: Is Debian compatible with Docker?
A: Yes, Debian is compatible with Docker, and it’s a popular choice for running Docker containers in production environments.
Q: Does Debian come with a GUI?
A: No, Debian does not come with a GUI by default, but you can install one if you need it.
Q: Is Debian suitable for large-scale deployments?
A: Yes, Debian is suitable for large-scale deployments, thanks to its stability and reliability.
4. Fedora Server
Fedora Server is a community-driven Linux distribution that’s known for its cutting-edge features and robust performance. It’s a great choice for businesses and organizations seeking an innovative and forward-looking server OS, and it’s particularly well-suited for developers and system administrators. Let’s take a closer look at what Fedora Server has to offer.
Features
Fedora Server is a powerful and versatile server OS that’s packed with features. Here are some of its key features:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Cutting-Edge Features |
Fedora Server is known for its cutting-edge features, which make it a great choice for developers and system administrators who want to stay ahead of the curve. |
Robust Performance |
Fedora Server is designed for robust performance, and it’s optimized for modern hardware and workloads. |
Modularity |
Fedora Server is highly modular, which means that you can easily add or remove software packages as needed. |
FAQ
Q: Is Fedora Server free?
A: Yes, Fedora Server is free to use and distribute, and it’s open source.
Q: Can I use Fedora Server for web hosting?
A: Yes, Fedora Server is suitable for web hosting, but it’s primarily designed for developers and system administrators.
Q: Is Fedora Server compatible with Docker?
A: Yes, Fedora Server is compatible with Docker, and it’s a popular choice for running Docker containers in development environments.
Q: Can I use Fedora Server as a desktop OS?
A: Yes, you can use Fedora Server as a desktop OS, but it’s not recommended, as it’s designed primarily for server use.
Q: Does Fedora Server come with a GUI?
A: Yes, Fedora Server comes with a GUI by default, but you can use it in headless mode if you prefer.
5. Oracle Linux
Oracle Linux is a popular Linux distribution that’s based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It’s an excellent choice for businesses and organizations looking for a reliable and secure server OS with enterprise-class features. Let’s take a closer look at what Oracle Linux has to offer.
Features
Oracle Linux is a robust and reliable server OS that’s packed with features. Here are some of its key features:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Enterprise-Class Features |
Oracle Linux is based on the same code as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which means that it includes enterprise-class features like advanced firewalls, SELinux, and more. |
Stability |
Oracle Linux is known for its stability, thanks to its long development cycle and rigorous testing process. This makes it an excellent choice for mission-critical applications that require high uptime. |
Security |
Oracle Linux is built with security in mind. It’s known for its excellent security features, including SELinux, firewalls, and regular security updates. |
FAQ
Q: Is Oracle Linux free?
A: Yes, Oracle Linux is free to use and distribute, but it comes with optional paid support.
Q: Can I use Oracle Linux for web hosting?
A: Yes, Oracle Linux is a popular choice for web hosting, thanks to its stability, security, and enterprise-class features.
Q: Is Oracle Linux compatible with Docker?
A: Yes, Oracle Linux is compatible with Docker, and it’s a popular choice for running Docker containers in production environments.
Q: Can I use Oracle Linux as a desktop OS?
A: Yes, you can use Oracle Linux as a desktop OS, but it’s not recommended, as it’s designed primarily for server use.
Q: Does Oracle Linux come with a GUI?
A: Yes, Oracle Linux comes with a graphical installer, and you can choose to install a GUI or use it in headless mode.
6. ClearOS
ClearOS is a Linux distribution that’s designed for use as a server and network gateway. It’s particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable and easy-to-use server OS with robust networking features. Let’s take a closer look at what ClearOS has to offer.
Features
ClearOS is a powerful and flexible server OS that’s packed with features. Here are some of its key features:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Networking |
ClearOS is designed primarily as a network gateway, and it comes with a range of powerful networking features, including DNS, DHCP, firewall, and more. |
User Management |
ClearOS makes it easy to manage users and groups, and it comes with built-in support for LDAP and Active Directory. |
Flexibility |
ClearOS is highly modular and customizable, which means that you can easily add or remove software packages as needed. |
FAQ
Q: Is ClearOS free?
A: Yes, ClearOS is free to use and distribute, but it comes with optional paid support.
Q: Can I use ClearOS for web hosting?
A: Yes, ClearOS is a popular choice for web hosting, thanks to its stability, security, and networking features.
Q: Is ClearOS compatible with Docker?
A: Yes, ClearOS is compatible with Docker, and it’s a popular choice for running Docker containers in production environments.
Q: Can I use ClearOS as a desktop OS?
A: Yes, you can use ClearOS as a desktop OS, but it’s designed primarily for server use.
Q: Does ClearOS come with a GUI?
A: Yes, ClearOS comes with a GUI by default, but you can use it in headless mode if you prefer.
7. OpenSUSE Leap
OpenSUSE Leap is a community-driven Linux distribution that’s known for its stability, security, and ease of use. It’s a great choice for businesses and organizations seeking a reliable and easy-to-use server OS, and it’s particularly well-suited for developers and system administrators. Let’s take a closer look at what OpenSUSE Leap has to offer.
Features
OpenSUSE Leap is a powerful and versatile server OS that’s packed with features. Here are some of its key features:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Stability |
OpenSUSE Leap is known for its stability, thanks to its long development cycle and rigorous testing process. This makes it an excellent choice for mission-critical applications that require high uptime. |
Security |
OpenSUSE Leap is built with security in mind. It’s known for its excellent security features, including SELinux, firewalls, and regular security updates. |
Easy to Use |
OpenSUSE Leap is easy to install and configure, even for beginners. The server edition comes with preconfigured tools that simplify common server administration tasks. |
FAQ
Q: Is OpenSUSE Leap free?
A: Yes, OpenSUSE Leap is free to use and distribute, and it’s open source.
Q: Can I use OpenSUSE Leap for web hosting?
A: Yes, OpenSUSE Leap is a popular choice for web hosting, thanks to its stability, security,