Choosing the Best Linux Server Distro 2024
Choosing a Linux server distribution for your projects can be a daunting task, especially with the many options available. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process by highlighting the key features and advantages of the leading Linux server distributions. Each of these distros brings its unique strengths to the table, catering to various needs and preferences, ensuring that your project’s requirements are met efficiently.
If you’re on the hunt for a Linux desktop distribution, be sure to check out our article, “Choosing the Best Linux Distro for Desktop.”
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How to Select the Best Linux Server Distro
Selecting the right Linux server distribution is a task that goes beyond seeking the so-called “best” in a general sense. The reality is, the concept of the ‘best’ distribution is highly subjective and varies based on individual needs and project specifications. What works excellently for one project might not be the ideal choice for another. It’s all about finding a distro that aligns seamlessly with your unique requirements, be it in terms of system performance, security features, support, or software compatibility.
To navigate this decision effectively, it’s crucial to start by assessing your project’s demands. Consider factors such as the nature of the workload, hardware/architecture, expected traffic volume, and security needs. For instance, a high-traffic e-commerce site may have different requirements compared to a small, internal company server.
Furthermore, your level of expertise with Linux systems plays a role. Some distributions are tailored for users with extensive Linux experience, while others are more user-friendly, providing a more streamlined, albeit sometimes less customizable, experience.
Another critical aspect to weigh is the community and commercial support available for the distribution. A robust support network can be invaluable, especially in mission-critical environments where downtime can have significant repercussions.
By keeping these factors in the forefront, you can move closer to selecting a distribution that not only meets but enhances your server’s functionality and reliability. With this in mind, let’s begin.
Let’s sort the best Linux server distro’s into the following categories:
- Free General Linux Server Distros.
- Free Enterprise-sponsored Linux Server Distros.
- Paid Enterprise Linux Server Distros.
Shortlist: Best Linux Server Distros
Arch Linux = A rolling release distro with very detailed documentation regarding setup.
Debian = 20+ years of experience with over 60,000 packages. Ubuntu LTS server is based on Debian SID.
Fedora Server = short-life cycle distro for the use of the latest software.
OpenSUSE = Focuses on creating usable open-source tools for software devs and Sysadmins.
Oracle Linux = Oracle’s “Unbreakable Kernel” and zero downtime patching.
Red Hat Linux (RHEL) = targeted toward the commercial market with training and support.
SUSE Linux Enterprise = provides interoperability with Windows and other platforms.
Ubuntu Server = Specific server edition, extremely popular with commercial support available.
Free General Linux Server Distros
The following are commonly used to get started quickly. These distros are popular on servers, virtual machines, and desktops. These distros are perfect for beginners and even advanced Sysadmins.
Ubuntu Server edition uses the same APT repositories as the Ubuntu Desktop Edition. The differences between them are the absence of an X Window environment in a default installation of the server edition and some changes to the installation process. Canonical offers commercial support for Ubuntu Server.
Debian comes with over 50,000 free packages available. Debian launched in 1993, with its first stable release in 1996; as such, it’s incredibly stable and secure. Many other Linux distributions are Debian-based, including Ubuntu.
Arch Linux comes as a minimal base system that can be readily utilized as a server. Popular server software is available in the official repositories, even more in the AUR, and the wiki contains much detailed documentation regarding sever/software setup. It’s a rolling-release distro.
Also, noteworthy are Gentoo and Slackware.
Free Enterprise Linux Server Distros
These distros are also open source but benefit from a relationship with commercial Linux companies. The following recommended Linux server distros are open-source, enterprise-based, or funded by commercial Linux parent companies.
CentOS is for Sysadmins who need enterprise-class operating system stability without the cost of certification and support. CentOS is a 100% compatible rebuild of RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) in full compliance with Red Hat’s redistribution requirements. UPDATE: For CentOS Stream or CentOS 8 Linux server alternatives, see: What CentOS alternative distro should you choose?
OpenSUSE is an independent Linux distribution sponsored by SUSE Linux and other companies. Development is focused on creating usable open-source tools for software devs and Sysadmins. Tools and apps include YaST, Open Build Service, openQA, Snapper, Machinery, Portus, and Kiwi.
Fedora Server is a Linux distribution developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and owned by Red Hat. Fedora Server is a short-life cycle distro that enables system administrators to use the latest server-based technologies.
Oracle Linux is an enterprise-class Linux distribution supported by Oracle and built from source packages for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Some of the unique features of Oracle Linux include a custom-built and rigorously tested Linux kernel called the “Unbreakable Kernel”, tight integration with Oracle’s hardware and software products including most database applications, and zero downtime “patching” – a feature that enables administrators to update the kernel without a reboot.
Also, check out: ClearLinux.
Paid Enterprise Linux Server Distros
If you require enterprise Linux for advanced features and commercial support, these commercial distributions will be THE best to work with. Contact them by email or phone for more information.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a Linux distribution developed by Red Hat and targeted toward the commercial market. All of Red Hat’s official support and training and the Red Hat Certification Program center around the Red Hat Enterprise Linux platform.
SUSE Linux Enterprise is an interoperable platform for mission-critical computing. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server provides interoperability with Windows and other platforms, and it provides a secure foundation for a broad range of edge, departmental, and data center needs.
Other noteworthy Linux server Distros
ClearOS, Scientific Linux, Turnkey Linux, and Univention. If you feel I’ve missed a great option, please add it in the comments section below. Include the website link and a specific focus or advantage of that distro.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal Linux server distribution is a personalized and strategic process that demands careful consideration of your specific needs and project requirements. From free general-purpose distributions like Ubuntu Server and Debian to more specialized enterprise-focused options like Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise, the choices are diverse and tailored to fit a wide range of server environments and user expertise.
The key takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to Linux server distributions. Your choice should be informed by a combination of factors including the nature of your project, hardware compatibility, security requirements, and the level of support you may need. Remember, the Linux community is vibrant and resourceful. Don’t hesitate to explore community forums, read user reviews, and experiment with different distributions to find the one that best aligns with your objectives.
I hope this guide has been a helpful starting point in your quest for the perfect Linux server distribution. For the most current information and updates on each distro, be sure to visit their respective websites and consider engaging with their user communities for deeper insights and support.
As always, your feedback and insights are valuable. If you believe there’s a noteworthy distro that I missed, or if you have specific experiences to share, please contribute in the comments section below.
Reference: Distrowatch – a handy website you can use in your search/research.
Last updated: December 18th, 2023.
I am attempting to convert my boss to Linux. The business is on the smaller side (only about 15 of us working there) but I feel like Linux servers would prove to be a good asset to the company. Which would you recommend for a small company?
I can only say judged on my own(rather limited experience with enterprize servers) but ubuntu server is mostly a safe card that is easy to setup and it’s rather easy to expand.
Big + is that most people familiar with linux would learn it quickly and be able to operate it probably easier then say RHEL or other propriorty distros that has different package systems and perhaps a more “locked” community if the help is needed at sometime…
What you want is:
*Easy setup
*Easy expansion(if company is growing)
*Free(or at least cheap)
*Something that offers time to focus on earning in your business and not being fearful if the next update might “break” system or cause downtime aka hours for a dedicated man or female to make it run optimal again:)
As i dont know your prior experience my recommendation is pointing to Ubuntu or debian as it is stable and easy to work with👍 However if you are used to different OS as your bread and butter other distros might suit your needs as good:)
I agree with you.
Since CentOS 8 was abandoned by Red Hat. I’ve slowly moved many CentOS 7 and CentOS 8 servers to Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and 22.04 LTS. For some of the very same reasons you gave.
I didn’t opt for CentOS Stream or Rocky Linux, etc., because in my opinion there are too many formative unknowns for long-term production projects. That’s arguable I’m sure. But I’ve had to upgrade servers from Ubuntu 12.04 and 14.04 recently, and other than Debian and RHEL, there aren’t many straight-upgrade server distros to choose from.
Linux server distros in the future
In the next 5 to 10 years, there could be acquisitions of many of these CentOS 7/8 alternatives. When we set up servers, we often expect them to be online 10 or 20 years from now. So for me, Ubuntu is currently the most value-flexible long-term choice.
Also, I prefer Ubuntu because Canonical offers Ubuntu Advantage, which allows you to choose the level of enterprise features and support you would like.
Red Hat has recently done similar by offering free entrance enterprise for up to # of servers, but what was the motive? Also, again in 10 years, will it change? I welcome their input.
After many years of running other distros, I’ve ended up primarily on Ubuntu. Canonical isn’t the greatest, there are many gripes, but overall, (again in my opinion) their approach to enterprise has been early to allow users to transition from free to paid more gradually, and à la carte.
I can write more freely about this stuff here in this setting because it’s opinionated, and as such, it’s easier to keep me honest in the forums than say on the blog. For example, if I write somewhat negatively about Red Hat or Rocky Linux, it’s just my one article headline and content that’s out there. That’s not responsible and there are many who will give valid reasons for them (and for others) which Rocky Linux and others would be better alternatives than Ubuntu/Canonical.
It’s great to read @KCT post and any others who add to the discussion because it allows readers and forum members - including myself - to gain a more holistic view of the Linux server distros space.
Hm. For fewer updates and a long lifecycle, I’d go with Debian Stable or Ubuntu LTS.
Debian Stable is rock-solid with releases every 2-3 years, perfect if you want minimal updates and maximum stability. It’s my top pick for critical servers where reliability matters most.
Ubuntu LTS offers a more user-friendly experience with long-term support (5+ years) and commercial backing from Canonical.
Either way, you get a dependable, low-maintenance server environment.