Greetings and welcome to our complete guide on the best Linux server distros in 2021. As you may know, Linux servers offer a more robust and secure option compared to other operating systems. They are also more customizable, flexible, and cost-efficient. However, choosing the best Linux server distro can be daunting, especially if you are just starting out or have limited knowledge of the different distributions available.
That’s where we come in. In this article, we will provide you with an in-depth review of the top 20 Linux server distros, their features, pros, cons, and use cases. We will also include a comprehensive FAQ section to address some of the common concerns and questions you may have. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Overview of Linux Server Distros
Linux server distros, also known as Linux server distributions, are specialized versions of Linux operating systems designed for server-related tasks such as hosting websites, running databases, and managing networks. They typically include the essential components such as the Linux kernel, system libraries, package managers, and other software tools necessary to set up and manage a server. However, each Linux server distro has its unique features, strengths, and weaknesses.
The Top 20 Linux Server Distros
Here are the top 20 Linux server distros we will be reviewing in this article:
| Distro Name | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Server | A popular server distro known for its ease of use and reliability. | – User-friendly interface
– Large and active community support – Regular updates and security patches |
– Limited customization options
– Not suitable for advanced users or complex setups |
| Debian | A stable and flexible server distro that emphasizes open-source philosophy. | – Large repository of software packages
– Strong emphasis on security and stability – Wide range of architectures supported |
– Steep learning curve for beginners
– Outdated packages compared to other distros |
| CentOS Stream | A community-driven server distro that provides a rolling release model. | – Reliable and secure platform
– Regular updates and bug fixes – Good choice for enterprise-level deployments |
– Limited software availability compared to other distros
– Not suitable for non-technical users |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux | A commercial server distro known for its stability and support. | – Strong focus on enterprise-level features and support
– Extensive documentation and training resources – Regular security patches and updates |
– Expensive licensing fees
– Limited customization options |
| SUSE Linux Enterprise Server | A modular and flexible server distro with advanced features such as virtualization. | – Comprehensive management tools and APIs
– High level of interoperability with other platforms – Good choice for cloud and virtualized environments |
– Expensive pricing model compared to other distros
– Limited software availability |
| Arch Linux | A minimalist and customizable server distro aimed at advanced users and developers. | – Highly customizable and lightweight
– Up-to-date software packages – Good choice for rolling-release models and bleeding-edge software |
– Steep learning curve and not recommended for beginners
– Limited support and documentation |
| Gentoo | A source-based server distro that emphasizes optimization and customization. | – Provides a high level of control and customization
– Highly optimized packages for performance – Good choice for specialized workloads and environments |
– Steep learning curve and requires more technical knowledge
– Time-consuming installation process |
| Oracle Linux | A free and open-source server distro based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. | – Good support and compatibility with Red Hat products
– Regular updates and security patches – Cost-effective option for enterprise-level deployments |
– Limited software and hardware compatibility
– Requires a subscription to access some features |
| OpenSUSE Leap | A community-driven server distro that emphasizes stability and open-source philosophy. | – Comprehensive documentation and support resources
– Good choice for beginners and non-technical users – Regular updates and security patches |
– Limited commercial support and enterprise-level features
– Limited customization options compared to other distros |
| ClearOS | A server distro aimed at small businesses and home users with built-in security and network features. | – Easy to install and manage
– User-friendly web-based control panel – Provides out-of-the-box security and network services |
– Limited scalability for larger environments
– Limited software availability and customization options |
| AlmaLinux | A free and open-source server distro based on CentOS and sponsored by CloudLinux. | – Provides a stable and secure platform
– Compatible with CentOS packages and repositories – Regular updates and bug fixes |
– Limited commercial support and enterprise-level features
– Not suitable for non-technical users |
| FreeBSD | A Unix-like server distro known for its stability and security. | – Provides a high level of security and stability
– Good choice for web and email servers – Supports both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures |
– Limited compatibility with Linux packages and software
– Less user-friendly compared to other distros |
| Rocky Linux | A free and open-source server distro based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and sponsored by the community. | – Provides a stable and secure platform
– Good compatibility with Red Hat packages and repositories – Regular updates and bug fixes |
– Limited commercial support and enterprise-level features
– Not suitable for non-technical users |
| OpenWRT | A Linux-based server distro aimed at routers and embedded devices. | – Provides a lightweight and customizable platform
– Good choice for running network and IoT services – Regular updates and security patches |
– Steep learning curve and not recommended for beginners
– Limited hardware compatibility and device support |
| Pi-hole | A server distro aimed at blocking ads and tracking on network-wide devices. | – Easy to install and use
– Provides ad-blocking and privacy features – Good choice for home users and small networks |
– Limited functionality compared to other distros
– Requires additional configuration for more advanced features |
| Zentyal | A server distro aimed at small businesses with built-in network and server features. | – Provides a user-friendly web-based control panel
– Good choice for non-technical users and small businesses – Provides out-of-the-box network and server services |
– Limited scalability for larger environments
– Limited software availability and customization options |
| Ubuntu Server for Raspberry Pi | A version of Ubuntu Server optimized for the Raspberry Pi single-board computer. | – Provides a stable and reliable platform for the Raspberry Pi
– Good compatibility with Ubuntu packages and repositories – Regular updates and security patches |
– Limited scalability and performance for larger workloads
– Limited hardware compatibility compared to other distros |
| Proxmox VE | A server distro aimed at virtualization and container management. | – Provides a user-friendly web-based control panel
– Good choice for managing virtual machines and containers – Supports various virtualization technologies such as KVM and LXC |
– Steep learning curve for beginners
– Limited hardware compatibility compared to other distros |
| NixOS | A declarative and functional server distro that emphasizes reproducibility and automation. | – Provides a high level of control and customization
– Good choice for reproducible and automated deployments – Supports atomic upgrades and rollbacks |
– Steep learning curve and requires more technical knowledge
– Limited software and hardware support compared to other distros |
Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server is a popular Linux server distro that is known for its user-friendly interface and reliability. It is a derivative of the Ubuntu desktop distribution and is based on the Debian architecture. Here are some of its key features:
Key Features
- User-friendly interface
- Limited customization options
- Large and active community support
- Regular updates and security patches
Pros
One of the major advantages of using Ubuntu Server is its ease of use. It provides a simple and intuitive interface that even beginners can use without much difficulty. Additionally, it has a large and active community support that provides various resources such as documentation, tutorials, and forums. This makes it easy to find solutions to common issues or get help with specific problems.
Another advantage of Ubuntu Server is its regular updates and security patches. Ubuntu releases new versions every six months and provides long-term support (LTS) versions every two years. This ensures that you have access to the latest software and security updates to keep your server secure and running smoothly.
Cons
One of the major drawbacks of Ubuntu Server is its limited customization options. Although it includes various server-related packages such as Apache, MySQL, and PHP, it may not be suitable for advanced users or complex setups that require more customization. Additionally, its default package manager, apt, may not be suitable for some use cases or environments.
Another disadvantage of Ubuntu Server is that it may not be suitable for users that require a more stable or secure platform. Ubuntu’s frequent updates and rapid release cycle may introduce new bugs or issues that could affect the stability of your server. Additionally, it may not provide the same level of security as other distros that focus more on security and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for installing Ubuntu Server?
The minimum system requirements for installing Ubuntu Server are as follows:
- 64-bit processor
- 1 GHz CPU
- 1 GB RAM (2 GB for optimal performance)
- 10 GB hard disk space
Does Ubuntu Server support virtualization?
Yes, Ubuntu Server supports various virtualization technologies such as KVM, Xen, and VirtualBox. It also provides pre-built images for popular cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
Can I install a GUI on Ubuntu Server?
Yes, you can install a graphical user interface (GUI) on Ubuntu Server if you prefer. However, keep in mind that a GUI may consume more resources and affect the performance of your server. Additionally, some server applications may not require a GUI and are best run from the command line.
Is Ubuntu Server suitable for enterprise-level deployments?
Yes, Ubuntu Server is suitable for enterprise-level deployments. It provides various enterprise-level features such as support for OpenStack, enterprise-grade security, and long-term support (LTS) versions. Additionally, it is used by various organizations such as Netflix, Uber, and Bloomberg.
What package manager does Ubuntu Server use?
Ubuntu Server uses the Advanced Package Tool (APT) package manager by default. APT is a powerful and flexible package manager that makes it easy to install and manage software packages on your server.
Debian
Debian is a stable and flexible Linux server distro that emphasizes open-source philosophy and community-driven development. It is one of the oldest and most popular Linux distributions and serves as the foundation for many other distros such as Ubuntu, Mint, and Kali. Here are some of its key features:
Key Features
- Large repository of software packages
- Stable and secure platform
- Wide range of architectures supported
- Strong emphasis on security and stability
Pros
One of the major advantages of using Debian is its large and diverse repository of software packages. Debian includes over 59,000 software packages covering various categories such as web servers, databases, programming languages, and desktop environments. This makes it easy to find and install the software you need on your server.
Another advantage of Debian is its stable and secure platform. Debian has a reputation for providing a stable and secure base system that is suitable for critical systems and environments. Additionally, it provides regular security updates and patches to keep your server secure and running smoothly.
Cons
One of the major drawbacks of Debian is its steep learning curve. Debian is not as user-friendly as some other distros such as Ubuntu or CentOS and may require some technical knowledge to install and configure. Additionally, its package management system may not be as intuitive as other distros.
Another disadvantage of Debian is that its packages may not always be up-to-date compared to other distros that focus more on bleeding-edge software. This may limit your access to the latest features or bug fixes for specific software packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for installing Debian?
The minimum system requirements for installing Debian are as follows:
- 1 GHz CPU (or faster)
- 2 GB RAM (or more)
- 10 GB hard disk space (or more)
Does Debian support virtualization?
Yes, Debian supports various virtualization technologies such as KVM, Xen, and VirtualBox. It also provides pre-built images for popular cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
What desktop environments are available for Debian?
Debian provides various desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXDE, and Mate. You can choose your preferred desktop environment during the installation process or install multiple environments and switch between them.
What package manager does Debian use?
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