Best Linux Distros for Servers and Enterprise
Unlike other Operating systems, Linux Operating systems are known for their flexibility and reliability, stability, and most importantly security. Hence various Linux distributions are being used in the Production environment for wide a range of purposes. Including Servers, Desktops,
and also in embedded systems.
Below are the few factors why organizations trust Linux Operating Systems to run their operations.
● Customization: Utilizing a Linux distribution in a production setting has many benefits, one of them being the flexibility to modify the operating system to suit the unique demands of the organization. This might involve setting up particular programs andequipment, adjusting the operating system’s settings to adhere to particular security and performance standards, and writing original scripts to automate procedures.
● Security: Linux distributions are known for their strong security features, which make them a popular choice for product surroundings. numerous distributions receive regular updates to address potential vulnerabilities and improve security. In addition, Linux
distributions offer a number of security features such as firewalls, encryption tools, and access controls to help cover against cyber threats.
● Stability: Because downtime may have major repercussions in commercial contexts,Linux distributions are renowned for their reliability, which is essential. Numerous distributions are built with performance and reliability in mind and are intended for use in mission-critical situations.
● Performance: Linux distributions are also renowned for their speed, which makes them a suitable option for using tools and apps that need a lot of resources. Moreover, Linux distributions provide a variety of utilities and tools for improving system performance,
such as tools for monitoring resource utilization and identifying bottlenecks.
● Support: In the event that there are any troubles or concerns with the server, it is important to have access to reliable support. Take into account the distribution’s degree of support, including the existence of a dedicated support staff or community and the
availability of paid assistance solutions.
● Compatibility: Verify the distribution’s compatibility with the hardware and applications you intend to use for the server. This relates to compatibility with the CPU architecture as well.
Once we considered the requirements in detail, we have a few well-known distributions to proceed with.
● Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
RHEL is ideal for mission-critical environments where downtime might have serious repercussions. RHEL offers a variety of support options, including the option to pay RedHat for specialized support staff to solve any server-related problems.
Additionally, RHEL aids in meeting particular compliance standards. RHEL is frequently used in regulated businesses like banking and healthcare, where compliance standards are essential.
RHEL is a solid option all around for businesses looking for a supported, reliable, and stable operating system for their production servers. It is best suited for regulated sectors, mission-critical environments, and configurations that require a certain set of tools or apps.
● CentOS
CentOS is a community-supported Linux distribution that’s based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It’s a stable and reliable distribution that’s often used in servers and enterprise environments. Here are some situations when you might consider using CentOS
1. When you need a stable and reliable operating system Like RHEL – CentOS is known for its stability and reliability, making it a good choice for mission-critical surroundings where downtime can have serious consequences.
2. When you want a free alternative to RHEL – CentOS is available as open-source software and can be freely downloaded and used. This can be a good choice for organizations that are looking to reduce operating costs but still want a stable and reliable operating system.
3. When you need to run specific operations or tools – CentOS is based on RHEL,which means it’s compatible with a wide range of operations and tools. This makes it a good choice for environments where specific operations or tools are needed.
4. When you want a distribution with a strong community – CentOS has a strong community of users and developers who contribute to the design and give support. This can be a good resource for getting help and advice when using CentOS.
● Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a stable and reliable Linux distribution that’s extensively used in both desktop and server environments. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use, and it receives regular updates to address potential vulnerabilities and improve stability.
In addition, Ubuntu has a large and active community of users and inventors who contribute to the design and provide support.
Another reason to choose ubuntu is, the most popular centos 8 reached its end of life (EOL) on May 31, 2021, which means that it’s no longer receiving updates or support from the CentOS project. This has led many associations to consider alternative distributions, and Ubuntu is a popular choice for numerous of them.
still, it can be a good alternative to CentOS for a product server, If the applications and tools that your association uses are compatible with Ubuntu. still, it’s important to carefully estimate whether Ubuntu meets the specific requirements and conditions of your association before making a decision.
● Debian
Debian and Ubuntu are quite similar; in fact, Ubuntu is based on Debian. The majority of the features included in Debian are also found in Ubuntu.
However, there are also instances when certain apps can only be operated on Debian. In these cases, it is preferable to only utilize Debian as the server operating system.