- Published on
5 Popular Operating Systems for Web Hosting
- Authors
- Name
- Alex Lee
- @alexjoelee
1. Debian
Description: Debian is one of the oldest and most stable Linux distributions. It serves as the foundation for many other distributions, including Ubuntu. Debian is known for its strict adherence to free software principles and extensive package repository. Default Package Manager: APT (Advanced Package Tool) License Type: GPL (General Public License) Estimated Difficulty Level: ModerateW While it is stable and secure, the installation process can be less user-friendly compared to Ubuntu.
2. Ubuntu Server
Description: Ubuntu Server is a widely used Linux distribution based on Debian, designed specifically for server environments. It is known for its user-friendly interface and strong community support. It provides regular updates and Long Term Support (LTS) versions that ensure stability over time.
Default Package Manager: APT (Advanced Package Tool)
License Type: GPL (General Public License)
Estimated Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate Due to extensive documentation and community support, it's generally user-friendly, especially for beginners.
3. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Description: RHEL is a commercially supported Linux distribution developed by Red Hat. It is designed for enterprise environments and is known for its robustness, security features, and extensive support. RHEL is often used in corporate settings where stability and support are critical.
Default Package Manager: YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) / DNF (Dandified YUM)
License Type: Subscription-based (with open-source components under various licenses)
Estimated Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard The need for a subscription and management through command line tools can make it more complex for new users.
4. Fedora Server
Description: Fedora Server is a cutting-edge Linux distribution that emphasizes innovation and the latest technology. It is sponsored by Red Hat and is often used by developers and those who want to experiment with the latest features before they are included in RHEL.
Default Package Manager: DNF (Dandified YUM)
License Type: GPL (General Public License)
Estimated Difficulty Level: Moderate It can be challenging for complete beginners due to the focus on newer technologies, but it is well-documented.
5. FreeBSD
Description: FreeBSD is not a Linux distribution but rather a Unix-like operating system derived from the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). It is known for its advanced networking features, performance, and security. FreeBSD is often used in server environments, especially for applications requiring high performance and scalability. It also has a reputation for being stable and reliable, making it popular in web hosting and enterprise contexts.
Default Package Manager: PKG (also supports ports system for building software from source)
License Type: BSD License (more permissive than GPL, allowing proprietary use)
Estimated Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard While it has extensive documentation, its command-line focus and unique system architecture can present challenges for users unfamiliar with Unix-like systems.
Wrapping Up
Choosing any of the listed operating systems will likely work well depending on what type of application you're looking to deploy.