Linux server operating system. Choosing an OS for a home server

The Linux operating system is most often used for servers. Linux was originally designed for this, has a secure architecture, and is distributed under a free and open source license, which can save you a lot of money.

But there are a huge number of Linux distributions and you need to choose which one is best for your project. Each Linux distribution has its own features and advantages, as well as disadvantages. In this article, we will look at the best Linux distributions for the server.

You may already know some of them, but you will hear about others for the first time. The review took into account characteristics such as ease of installation and use, price, availability of commercial support, reliability, and so on. And now let's move on to the list of the top 10 linux distributions for the server.

In first place on our list is Ubuntu. It's very popular Linux distribution, based on Debian and developed by Canonical. In addition to the desktop version, there is a server version.

Ubuntu has an uncomplicated installer, is easy to use and configure, and has world-class commercial support from Canonical.

The latest release of Ubuntu 16.04, which took place in April 2016, is even better. It now supports OpenStack Mitaka support, and LXD container virtualization, as well as a unified Snappy package delivery system. In addition to servers, Ubuntu is geared towards new technologies such as containers, mobile devices and IoT devices.

Now Ubuntu is most often used to provide web servers among all other distributions. The latest release of Ubuntu is marked LTS, which means long term support. Such an operating system will receive updates for five years.

2. Red Hat Enterprise Linux

The history of Red Hat began as a small company to create a commercial distribution. Now it is a powerful server operating system that plays a significant role in the development of open source software, even more than Canonical.

Developers from Red Hat are actively involved in the development of open source software, they even have their own infrastructure for creating web applications based on Red Hat Linux - OpenShift.

The Red Hat Linux distribution is used by large companies around the world, contains the latest, but already well-proven technologies, and has supported and updated versions of its distributions for ten years.

Red Hat Entrprice Linux is based on the Fedora distribution, developed by the community and sponsored by Red Hat. Fedora is updated more frequently than RHEL and serves as a testing ground for new features and technologies to be included in Red Hat. But there is no such stability and commercial support as in Red Hat.

On the this moment the latest version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7, which has been in development since 2010 and was released in June 2014. The main improvements are enterprise scalability, new file system, which can scale up to 500 terabytes, as well as support for Docker virtualization technology. The last patch release of Red Hat Enterprse Linux 7.2 was in November 2015.

3. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is developed by Novell. It is a stable, fast and easy to use Linux distro, with fast 24/7 technical support.

Just as Red Hat Enterprise is based on Fedora, SUSE Linux is based on the free OpenSUSE distribution. Developers focus on stability, long-term technical support, and distribution support for the latest technologies. If you have enough money to pay for support, this is the best linux for the server.

The last major release of SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 (SLES 12) came out at the end of October 2014. Interesting features appeared here, such as support for the Docker framework, a full-fledged version rollback system, hot kernel updates on the fly, as well as other software modules to improve the smooth operation and efficiency of the system. SLES 12 SP1, which was released in December 2015, added support for network configuration and JeOS.

4. CentOS

If you have a website hosted on some kind of web host, there are many chances that your web server is running on CentOS. This free system, based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, is not a fully commercial system, but you can count on commercial support.

Community Enterprise operating system or CentOS is developed and maintained by the community. Based on the Red Hat code, but all trademarks of this system have been removed from there. We can say that this is the best linux for the server.

In 2014, there were claims that CentOS would partner with Red Hat to bridge the gap between the innovation-focused Fedora distribution and the commercial distribution of CentOS.

But CentOS will continue to ship the system to users for free. At the same time, this system remains supported by the community, and not by Red Hat. The latest version of CentOS 7.2 was released in December 2015 and is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.2.

5.Debian

Debian is a free operating system and there is no commercial support. But you can take advantage of the support of certified Debian centers around the world. The Debian project started in 1993 and is now the basis for a large number of distributions, the most famous of which are Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

Debian remains a great option for those who value stability in exchange for ditching the latest technology. The last major stable release was Debian 8 Jessie released in April 2015 and will receive updates for five years.

This version of Debian switched to the new Systemd init system instead of the old SysV init, and updated the kernel and software - Apache, LibreOffice, Perl, Python, Xen Hypervisor, GNU Compiler Collection, GNOME desktop environment and Xfce. Last update Debian was in July 2016, version 8.5.

6 Oracle Linux

In case you didn't know, Oracle is releasing its Linux distribution, Oracle Linux. It is based on Red Hat and contains various enhancements from Oracle.

Oracle Linux is a fairly strong competitor for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, as support from Oracle is half the price of Red Hat support.

The distribution is optimized primarily for databases, so if you need databases, it is better to use this distribution.

The latest version of Oracle Linux 7.2 was released in November 2015 and is based on Red Hat Enterprise 7.2.

7. Mageia / Mandriva

Mageia is an open fork source code the Mandriva Linux project, which closed in 2011. The release of Mageia 5 took place in 2015, and the release of Mageia 6 is expected in August-September 2016.

This distribution was developed in France and is popular in Europe and South America. The name Mandriva and the codebase itself are taken from the Mandrake and Connectiva Linux distribution.

Mageia saves strengths Mandriva continues to evolve with new features and functionality. Mageia updates are released every 9 months and each release is supported for two cycles, 18 months.

8.ClearOS

ClearOS is an open source distribution based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and CentOS developed by Intel. It can be used as a server, a gateway to a network, or an application platform.

Formerly known as ClarkConnect, ClearOS has become a great option for small business Linux server implementations. There is an excellent web interface for managing the system, as well as a lot of documentation. Therefore, this distribution will be a great option for beginners.

In addition to the commercial version, there is ClearOS Community Edition, as well as an inexpensive professional version, which has technical support and a number of additional features. The distribution is supported by the Clear Foundation, and there is a store of applications, both paid and free, that can be used to extend the capabilities of the OS.

The last major release of ClearOS became available for download in March 2015. The latest ClearOS 7.2 update brings home and business editions, improved virtualization support (including Microsoft HyperV), XFS and Btrfs support, a new dynamic dashboard, LVM caching support, and IPv6 support. .

9. Arch Linux

A simple, lightweight Arch Linux distribution designed for the more experienced Linux users. There is no support here, and installation is not easy at all, unlike what other best linux distributions for the server offer. But that doesn't mean Arch Linux can't be used as a server.

Like Gentoo, it uses a rolling release model, which means that the system will always be updated to the newest version, no releases.

The Pacman package manager ensures that software is updated to the latest versions, with dependency resolution. True, this method of updating can sometimes cause problems if handled carelessly.

10 Slackware

Although Slackware is not a commercial distribution, the developers maintain relationships with several companies that provide paid support.

It is one of the earliest Linux distributions. It was released in 1993 and has a lot of fans. The developers regularly release new versions, the latest Slackware 14.2 was released in July 2016.

conclusions

So our review has come to an end, now you know which linux distribution to choose for the server..04. Perhaps not all the best distributions are listed here. What linux better server In your? Which one are you using? Write in the comments?

This article provides a list of the most popular, common server operating systems which are widely used in Russia.

To begin with, we will find out why we need a server operating system.

What is a server operating system?

Server operating system- designed to manage software, which in turn serves all network users, both internal and external. Why can't you use a regular, custom OS as a server one? You ask, yes, because the server OS provides specialized management functionality, so to speak, more convenient, efficient, designed specifically for specific administration and management purposes, and such functionality simply does not exist in user operating systems, which, by the way, act as clients of these server operating systems. And, of course, we can conclude that if we have specialized functionality, respectively, and the cost of this functionality will be completely different, there are, of course, exceptions.

Now let's figure out how to choose a server operating system. First of all, you need to clearly define for what purposes it will be used given server and, accordingly, its operating system. And already, based on a specific task, you will choose the operating system and the necessary hardware configuration for this operating system. But, if you are not familiar with the operating system, which in all respects will be the most the best option, then select the OS in which you have already worked or carefully study and test ( e.g. in a virtual machine) OS unfamiliar to you. Since knowledge, skill and understanding of the administration of the operating system influences in many ways, not only initial installation and configuration, but also for its further maintenance and management.

Well, now let's go directly to the consideration of server operating systems, which are by far the most popular and widespread.

Let's start, of course, with Microsoft products. Today I will highlight two versions OS it: Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Note! This material is outdated and currently Windows Server 2003 is no longer supported, and Windows Server 2008 R2 is already far behind modern versions in functionality, so I recommend using newer versions, for example, Windows Server 2016.

Windows Server 2003

Windows Server 2003- already a rather old operating system, but, one way or another, it is widely popular among system administrators in Russia.

This product can be used for almost all purposes that administrators have, but do not forget about the quality, since all desktop options ( those. have a graphical) require much more resources than non-front-end operating systems. Therefore, if you are going to use an OS with a graphical shell, you must take this into account when choosing hardware for the server. Windows Server 2003 is great for novice system administrators. This platform is great for domain controllers if you use the Active Directory directory service, and also if you plan to use remote connection users, then on this OS you can easily implement " Terminal Server».

Windows Server 2008 R2

Windows Server 2008 R2- more advanced, in terms of new technologies, the operating system of Microsoft.

Windows Server 2008 R2 is already the leader in many performance tests for server operating systems. For example, it is best to raise a file server on this OS. In addition, in this operating system: improved support for virtualization, a new version directory services Active Directory, support for up to 256 processors, unlike Windows Server 2003, also better implemented here " Terminal Server". The advantage of this platform is that it is suitable for the high-quality performance of almost all tasks, and the disadvantage is that it requires more resources, unlike its relatives.

Now let's move on to unix-like operating systems, and let's start, in my opinion, with the leader in popularity ( among unix-like).

Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu Server is an operating system that uses the Linux kernel.

Ubuntu Server will cost you significantly less than those listed above. Many novice system administrators experience fear and horror when it comes to non-interface unix-like operating systems, explaining this by the fact that "It's complicated and incomprehensible". I dare to assure you that setting up these operating systems is much easier than the same Windows Server 2008 R2, where there are an infinite number of all sorts of options and settings. And in unix systems, all configuration comes down to editing configuration files. Also, as noted above, these systems require significantly less resources than analogues with a graphical interface.

Ubuntu Server is easy to install and maintain, provides high reliability and performance, and has a high level of security and is great for almost all tasks.

CentOS

CentOS is a Linux distribution based on Red Hat's Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

The operating system is also very friendly and many system administrators prefer this particular operating system. All CentOS software is highly stable as everything is carefully checked and tested. CentOS is widely used as a platform for web servers. You can read more about this operating system in the material - Installing Linux CentOS 7.1 and distribution overview.

Debian

Debian is one of the most popular Linux distributions. By the way, Ubuntu is based on Debian.

Many organizations ( both small and large) gave their preference to Debian. Here I will highlight the Debian 8.0 release, as it has already been tested enough and shows good results. One of the features of Debian is that it has a huge amount of software in its repositories. Some people think that Debian is hard to administer compared to other systems, but I think if you've dealt with unix-like systems, getting to grips with Debian won't be that hard. Other features of Debian include:

• Unique package management system, i.e. system ( or its individual components) can be updated without reinstalling and even without losing user settings, and in some cases even without rebooting;
• Debian development is done by people all over the Internet, something that no other Linux distribution can boast of, where development is done by separate groups or organizations.

Gentoo

Gentoo- a Linux distribution, popular because it is as flexible as possible in customization and correct setting You will get a performance benefit as a result.

It is also known for the fact that only professionals in their field use this distribution kit, since that very setting requires certain knowledge. Gentoo has a number of advantages such as: fast speed work, great user community.

FreeBSD

FreeBSD- Unix-like operating system, very popular among Internet companies, as this operating system is great for all sorts of web servers.

FreeBSD great option for the web server because it is a powerful TCP/IP stack with support for industry standards such as SLIP, PPP, NFS, DHCP and NIS. And so FreeBSD can easily interoperate with other systems, as well as serve as a large enterprise server, providing vital features such as NFS ( remote access to files) and e-mail services, or represent your organization on the Internet, providing services such as WWW, FTP, routing and firewall functions.

FreeBSD runs some of the largest and busiest sites on the Internet ( e.g. Yahoo!) and a large proportion of all other sites also run on FreeBSD.

But FreeBSD can be used not only as a platform for an Internet server, but also as a regular server that performs all the tasks that other server operating systems perform, and there is no need to limit FreeBSD's capabilities. FreeBSD is highly secure and performant. In addition, this operating system will cost you free of charge and, among other things, FreeBSD is developed and maintained by a large development team.

Solaris

Solaris- an operating system developed by Sun Microsystems, which is now owned by Oracle Corporation, and from this it became paid.

This operating system is one of the most productive operating systems in the world, and therefore enjoys a certain popularity.

These are the server operating systems that are widely used by many enterprises, and your choice of OS is up to you!

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A server operating system is software that provides a computer with special capabilities, since setting up a computer with a server operating system installed on it turns it into a server (a server is a computer that can serve shared resources on a network). As a result, such an operating system makes the server the command and control center for all requests from client computers that attempt to access local network resources.

Server operating systems have changed a lot in the last 15 years. The first systems were primarily designed to provide file and print services to users. That is, to deploy other types of servers on the network, such as Web servers and application servers, it was necessary to install a certain number of servers, each of which performed only one function.

Now networking software has become more complex and supports many different services, meaning that a single server can provide both remote access and Web services, as well as serving as a router between two IP subnets. The interface of network operating systems has also become more friendly to system administrators.

For example, many platforms, such as Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Novell NetWare 6.x, provide many different services in addition to file and printer access. These services include remote access and Web site management, as well as support for network services such as DHCP and DNS. The network operating system utilities used to manage the server have a graphical user interface, as opposed to a command line, which makes it easy to configure and monitor the network.

1.5.2 Interaction between client and server operating system

To exchange information between a network client and a server, client computers must be provided with software that "configures" them to work on the network. Such software is called network client software.

When a computer accesses a file on a local hard drive or a direct-attached printer, the request is sent to the computer's processor. The processor executes the request and either opens specified file, or sends a print job to the printer. All these operations are carried out locally. The network client software installed on the client computer performs a special operation that causes the computer to read network resources local.

This process is carried out by a network client software component called a redirector. It intercepts any request made on the computer, such as a request to open a specific file or print data from a printer. If the redirector detects that the user wants to access a remote file on the server or print to network printer, the request is sent to the network server. If access to a local file (on the computer's hard drive) is requested, the redirector passes the request to the computer's processor, and the request will be processed locally.

As the name already implies, it is the main shell for the connecting link between the central software or firmware part of the local or global network and child client terminals. The understanding of this term has a broader interpretation, so it is worth dwelling on some theoretical and practical matters. At the very least, you need to find out the purpose of the server operating system, as well as some aspects of its installation and practical application. Users who believe that this question refers exclusively to the prerogative of system administrators, it is immediately worth giving a little advice: do not be alarmed, you yourself will be able to install and configure. These processes are not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. But first, some theoretical information should be taken into account.

Server operating system: what is it?

Let's start with the very essence of this software. Actually, the operating systems of this type are used exclusively in local or virtual networks when there is a certain number of child terminals.

The server room can be installed in two ways, but its functional purpose is the same - ensuring the operation of common applications on the network and the interaction of connected terminals with each other. Accordingly, we are talking about user groups that have access rights to a particular tool, resource or document.

Features of building server operating systems

In terms of installing a server-type OS, one should take into account the scheme for combining computers into a single network. This is the so-called network topology.

The best option is the "star" scheme and derivatives based on it. Thick technology can be used here and when the server operating system is installed exclusively on central computer, which ensures the operability of all other machines and the corresponding software when the OS is loaded over the network, or there is a partial installation of child OS components on network terminals. The point is not that.

The main and most basic purpose of the server operating system is precisely to ensure maximum performance of all machines on the network and installed software, plus full control in terms of administering local terminals and the entire network as a whole.

Even the use of modern online games involves installing the OS on a central server. Many may disagree with this statement, believing that from the home terminal you can go to the game site and use all the features. This is not true. The fact is that home computer still connects to the game server, and the load in terms of using computing capabilities local computer falls on it only partially (the main operations are still performed on the central server, and the game client can be partially downloaded to the machine from which the access is attempted).

Conditional rating

The rating of server operating systems given below should not be considered absolutely accurate. The problem is that some operating systems are already outdated and used very infrequently, others are difficult to configure. In general, there are a huge number of criteria by which the priorities in the list can be easily changed

However, among all existing operating systems, the most popular are the following:

• FreeBSD.
• Windows Server (family of server operating systems Windows systems based on NT, 2003, 2008 R2, 2012 and up).
• CentOS.
• Debian.
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• ubuntu server.
• Gentoo.
• Fedora.
• OSX Server.
• OpebBSD.
• solaris.
• HP-UX;.
• AIX (IBM).
• NetWare (Novel).

It goes without saying that the first and last places are not set here, but only a list of the most popular server systems. Further, some of them will be considered in a brief description of their capabilities, advantages and disadvantages.

FreeBSD

This OS is although sufficient popular system, nevertheless hopelessly outdated and losing world rankings in terms of use and performance.

The main problem is that too few software products have been developed for this OS in the form of commercial applications that could function on the basis of its platform. But the undoubted advantage is the possibility fine tuning kernels and the availability of sufficiently powerful tools for working with memory, not to mention the I / O system.

CentOS

This server operating system is almost a complete analogue of Red Hat, but it has enhanced support capabilities.

Its advantage is that the system has a fairly fast package manager, as well as almost all hosting control panels.

Debian

This system is one of the offshoots of Linux. It is this OS that has become very widespread due to its versatility.

She is considered to be the most stable of all existing systems and in installation package along with KDE and GNOME, it also contains the LibreOffice office distribution. In addition, when installing this OS, you do not need to worry about installing additional audio and video codecs and decoders, since they are included in the package itself.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

The popularity of this system is clearly not denied. It can be used as a reliable corporate operating system with all the ensuing consequences.

Not surprisingly, even most of the world's exchanges use this particular system to organize their applications. Here you can also mention financial structures, and telecommunications companies, and animation studios. The only negative with all the pluses is the rather high cost.

ubuntu

Another variety of Linux (or rather, UNIX-like systems), which has firmly established itself in the ranking.

Although its use is mostly associated with home computers, it is nevertheless believed to install home server(if the user is financially limited), this OS is best suited. Fundamentally this system very similar to Debian, however, unlike the progenitor, in this system the source code has been somewhat reworked.

Gentoo

Before us is another modification of Linux. This platform is interesting because it is based on the GNU license.

There are no problems with stability. But here, as noted by many experts, in terms of security, the system suffers a little. Even with the use of the LAMP bundle, security holes are found in the system.

Solaris

Solaris is considered to be one of the highest performing server-type operating systems ever developed.

Yes, what to say? One has only to look at its possibilities. This OS supports about 576 GB of physical "RAM", about 4 billion network connections, can handle one million concurrently running services and processes, and has an open network environment. And that's not all...

OpenBSD

This system, according to most experts, is the most secure. Perhaps its speed is not as high as that of other Linux or UNIX modifications, but if you learn how to use it, many will find it a very interesting solution even compared to the most popular Windows systems.

Installation looks a little complicated, use and setup - too. But as long as the user is at least somewhat familiar with this type of operating system, using the command line should not be particularly difficult.

Windows Server (2008 R2)

Finally, consider the Windows server operating systems. Oddly enough, despite the popularity of desktop versions, these solutions have not received much distribution in the world. The most basic problem is that Windows server operating systems, since the modification of NT, do not have the necessary security features.

And this is recognized by all experts in the field of administration of systems of this type. So, for example, an antivirus for the Windows 7 server operating system must be installed without fail. In connection with the latest hacker attacks, which were aimed mainly at computers using the seventh Windows version(not to mention how long it took to install various updates that were supposed to prevent the actions of the virus), the same built-in Defender service (or Microsoft Essentials) simply cannot cope with its duties.

The administration of Windows server operating systems is, of course, terribly simplified. For example, you don't have to be omniscient system administrator to reassign IP, change or Proxy, establish a connection with a child terminal based on network download or using activity tracking through an RDP client. Sometimes it is enough even to launch the built-in network connection diagnostic tool, after which a notification will be issued about a problem or error, if any, in the system.

For the rest of the troubleshooting tools, say, on the server itself, you can use the command console to clear the DNS cache or reset the general IP configuration settings.

For example, commands entered in the console might look like this:

• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /registerdns
• ipconfig /renew
• ipconfig /release.

Note: command line with commands of this type, it is equally good at fixing problems on both child user PCs and servers.

What is the result?

As the main conclusion, we can only note that, alas, Windows systems and most of the developments created by Microsoft, in comparison with UNIX systems and Linux variations that are based on them, are clearly losing. The same FreeBSD OS is much more flexible in both installation and configuration, not to mention the fact that it is protected most fully in the form of an open source modification that anyone can change or modify. Actually, the question itself arises: “What to prefer?”. I do not want to give any advice, but it is important for the organization local networks using a central server, it is better to give preference to an OS based on UNIX (Linux) rather than Windows. It's cheaper, easier, and safer. True, users accustomed to the interface and this shell may seem, to put it mildly, not entirely clear. Nevertheless, it will not be difficult to deal with the interface. But with the setting you will have to tinker a little (and how without it?).

In turn, it should be noted that not all modern operating systems meet the requirements of today, although they have a fairly good potential for development and modernization. This primarily concerns FreeBSD, which, unfortunately, is not destined to develop, despite all the advantages. The developers just put an end to it. But other systems are not far behind. So, in the near future we can even expect an updated version of Windows 10, which already combines the functionality of both the stationary and server models (after a standard installation, the server can be configured quite simply). Even additional clients you don't have to install. It is enough to use one of the components in the OS itself and in BIOS settings(same Hyper-V module to create virtual machine). With it, in terms of resource distribution between connected terminals, the server OS generally just “flies”.