If you’re in the market for a new server, it is well worth looking into the various Linux distributions that are available. Not only do they provide a more stable and secure environment for your data, but they also allow you to have more freedom when it comes to configuring and administering your server.
While it is possible to run a server completely from the cli (command-line interface), we highly recommend against this strategy. If you’re looking to purchase a server to host your own website or to provide services to other developers, you should seriously consider choosing a distribution that contains a graphical user interface (GUI).
We reviewed several Linux distributions and evaluated them based on a number of factors. These include stability, ease of use, and variety of available tasks. We have also listed several alternatives that you may want to consider. Let’s take a look at how we arrived at this list of top Linux servers and their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
One of the major advantages of a Linux server is that it is open source. While this may not be something that appeals to everyone, the openness of the source allows you to study it, modify it, and even contribute back to the project if you’re so inclined. In fact, many large companies like Red Hat and Canonical contribute financially to projects like Linux itself so that they can provide quality support and services for all contributors.
Another advantage of a Linux server is that it is available in various forms. This means that you can choose between a Debian-based distribution or an Ubuntu-based distribution, for example, or an Alpine Linux distribution, which is targeted at advanced users.
A Linux server provides you with a stable foundation upon which you can build further installations and configurations. This allows you to grow your deployment over time without any major hiccups. In other words, you can install and configure new servers quickly and effortlessly without having to worry about compatibility issues.
Disadvantages
One of the major disadvantages of a Linux server is that it is not easy to configure. When we evaluated the distributions that we review, we took this into consideration. Not every distribution provides you with a clear and concise guide on how to configure the server properly. This can make it difficult for new users to get up and running quickly.
The lack of a uniform interface is also a disadvantage when it comes to managing a fleet of servers. If, for example, you have a hundred servers and you need to upgrade the OS and packages on all of them to stay up to date, you’ll have a hard time doing this manually. A tool like Puppet, Chef, or Salt can make this easier by providing you with a framework for managing configurations on multiple servers.
Another disadvantage associated with a Linux server is the expense. It’s no secret that good hardware, reliable power systems, and fast networks are expensive investments. To keep costs down, many organizations choose to rent dedicated servers rather than purchase and operate them themselves.
Top Linux Versions
In our quest to help you choose the right server distribution, we will now list several alternatives that you might want to consider:
CentOS
CentOS is one of the most popular Linux distributions and is suitable for both newbies and experts alike. It is extremely stable, available in a variety of pre-configured forms, and also backed by a large company called Red Hat. You’ll find it popular among larger organizations that need a stable foundation upon which they can build their operations.
One major advantage of CentOS is that it is compatible with a vast number of other Linux distributions and platform versions. This allows you to easily transition from one Linux distribution to another, should the need arise.
Debian
Debian was originally designed to be a free operating system and a good choice for people looking for a more individualized experience when it comes to operating their servers. It’s one of the most popular Linux distributions and was created with a DIY (do-it-yourself) spirit.
You’ll find a lot of information and support online should you need it, and the stability and security provided by Debian are unrivaled by most other distributions. Just keep in mind that, as with any other operating system, you’ll need to update your system regularly to stay up to date.
Ubuntu
As far as user experience is concerned, Ubuntu stands out above the rest. It was originally designed to be a Linux distribution for desktop users and has slowly worked its way into the server space. More and more people are switching to Ubuntu due to its stability and security.
In addition to being stable and secure, Ubuntu also offers an extremely easy-to-use interface. If you’re new to Linux, this probably isn’t the distribution for you, but if you’re an experienced user, you’ll appreciate the various perks that it has to offer.
Arch Linux
Like CentOS and Debian, Arch Linux is also designed to be a stable alternative for people who need a foundation on which to build their systems. It was built with security in mind and is well suited for environments where strict security policies are required.
This is not to say that Arch Linux is a perfect distribution. As with any other OS, you’ll need to perform updates frequently because it is, at its core, still Linux. This makes it highly susceptible to external attacks. Keeping your system up to date with the latest security patches is the best way to prevent this. Just be sure to use a reputable vendor for 24/7 support should you need it.
Suse
SUSE is yet another stable and secure alternative for people looking to operate their own servers. It is also one of the most popular Linux distributions. The company behind it, SuSE, also provides enterprise-class support, so if you do end up purchasing a server bundle from them, you’ll have access to expert support should you need it.
One of the unique things about SUSE is that it is designed to work with hardware of all types. This makes it suitable for use in environments where mixed hardware is employed. It also comes with a variety of tools that can help you manage and monitor your system processes and performance. This makes it a good choice for people who need to track down performance issues that could potentially be caused by faulty hardware or software.
openSUSE
openSUSE is a community-supported derivative of SUSE and is made available, like the SUSE, for both newbies and experts alike. It is extremely stable and is, in fact, one of the few distributions that can claim to be virtually bug-free. This is mainly thanks to the dedicated community that supports it and the fact that it is built on top of the LSB (Linux Standard Base) certification scheme. We recommend this distribution for anyone who needs a stable operating system.
There are several other distributions that we could have included on this list, such as Amazon Linux, but these are the five most popular ones.