Discover the 9 best Linux server distributions to choose from in 2023. From Debian to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), learn about each distribution's history, features, pricing, update cycle, popularity, and advantages/disadvantages.
Introduction
Linux server distributions have gained significant popularity in recent years as more and more businesses look for a reliable and customizable operating system. Linux offers businesses the freedom to customize their servers as per their requirements, which has led to an increase in its adoption rate. As we enter 2023, let's take a look at some of the best Linux server distributions for businesses in 2023.
1. Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server is a popular, Debian-based Linux distribution that is designed to be easy to use and manage. It is known for its stability, security, and long-term support. It is backed by Canonical, the same company behind the popular Ubuntu desktop distribution.
Ubuntu Server is available for free and has a six-month release cycle for standard releases, with long-term support releases every two years. It is used by many organizations, including Netflix, Walmart, and the German Federal Police.
Pricing:
Ubuntu Server is free to use and can be downloaded from the Ubuntu website.
Advantages:
- Easy to use and manage
- Strong community support
- Long-term support
- Stable and secure
Disadvantages:
- Limited customization options
- Updates can be slow to roll out
2. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a popular, enterprise-grade Linux distribution that is designed for mission-critical applications. It is known for its stability, security, and scalability. It is backed by Red Hat, a leading provider of open-source software solutions.
Pricing:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) has multiple pricing modality. Generally Linux Platforms starts from $349. RHEL is available through a subscription-based model, with options for standard or premium support. It has a release cycle of 10 years for major releases, with minor releases every six months.
Advantages:
- Enterprise-grade stability and security
- Scalable
- Long-term support
- Professional support available
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Not as customizable as some other distributions
3. CentOS Server
CentOS Server is a popular, community-driven Linux distribution that is based on the RHEL source code. It is known for its stability, security, and long-term support. It is often used as a free, open-source alternative to RHEL.
CentOS Server is available for free and has a release cycle that mirrors that of RHEL. It is used by many organizations, including NASA, GoDaddy, and CERN.
Advantages:
- Stability and security
- Long-term support
- Community-driven development
Disadvantages:
- Limited features compared to RHEL
- Can be slow to receive updates
4. Debian Server
Debian is one of the oldest and most popular Linux distributions, and has a long history of providing a stable and secure platform for servers. The Debian Server distribution is designed to be lightweight and flexible, with a minimal installation and a range of server tools and applications.
Pricing:
Debian Server is free to download and use, and is supported by a large community of developers and users. It has a relatively slow update cycle, with major releases typically occurring every 2-3 years, and is well-known for its stability and security.
Advantages:
- Stable and secure platform.
- Lightweight and flexible.
- Free and open-source.
- Large community of developers and users.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively slow update cycle.
- May require more technical expertise to set up and configure.
5. Fedora Server
Fedora Server is a free and open-source Linux distribution that is sponsored by Red Hat. It is designed to provide a bleeding-edge platform for developers and other advanced users, with a focus on innovation and new features.
Fedora Server is updated on a regular basis, with major releases occurring every 6 months, and includes a range of server tools and applications. It is also designed to be flexible and customizable, with a range of software packages available for installation.
Pricing:
Fedora Server is available for free and has a release cycle of six months. It is used by many organizations, including IBM, Intel, and the Wikimedia Foundation.
Advantages:
- Bleeding-edge platform with new features and innovation.
- Free and open-source.
- Regular updates and range of software packages.
- Flexible and customizable.
Disadvantages:
- May not be as stable as other server distributions.
- Short lifecycle may require frequent updates.
6. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is a powerful and reliable server distribution that is designed for mission-critical workloads. SUSE is one of the oldest Linux distributions and has a long history of providing enterprise-level support and services. It offers a stable and secure platform that is ideal for use in data centers and cloud environments.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server features an easy-to-use installer that supports a wide range of hardware platforms. It also includes a comprehensive set of tools and utilities for system management, configuration, and monitoring. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server supports a wide range of enterprise applications and databases, including SAP HANA, Oracle, and IBM DB2.
Pricing:
Pricing for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is based on a subscription model, with different levels of support and services available. SUSE offers a range of training, certification, and consulting services for its customers.
Advantages:
- Excellent support and services for enterprise customers.
- Comprehensive set of tools and utilities for system management and monitoring.
- Supports a wide range of enterprise applications and databases.
Disadvantages:
- Can be more expensive than other Linux distributions.
- Not as popular as some other Linux distributions.
7. Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is a free and open-source server distribution that was created in response to the discontinuation of CentOS Linux by Red Hat. Rocky Linux is a community-driven project that aims to provide a stable and reliable platform for mission-critical workloads.
Rocky Linux is based on the same source code as CentOS Linux and is designed to be a drop-in replacement. It includes a wide range of server applications and tools, including web servers, databases, and development tools.
Pricing:
Rocky Linux is free to download and use, and is supported by a growing community of developers and users. It is available in both binary and source code formats, and can be customized to meet the needs of specific workloads.
Advantages:
- Free and open-source.
- Designed to be a drop-in replacement for CentOS Linux.
- Supported by a growing community of developers and users.
Disadvantages:
- Still in early development stages, with limited documentation and support.
- May not be as stable or reliable as other server distributions.
8. AlmaLinux OS
AlmaLinux OS is another free and open-source server distribution that was created in response to the discontinuation of CentOS Linux by Red Hat. AlmaLinux OS is a community-driven project that aims to provide a stable and secure platform for mission-critical workloads.
AlmaLinux OS is based on the same source code as CentOS Linux and is designed to be a drop-in replacement. It includes a wide range of server applications and tools, including web servers, databases, and development tools.
Pricing:
AlmaLinux OS is free to download and use, and is supported by a growing community of developers and users. It is available in both binary and source code formats, and can be customized to meet the needs of specific workloads.
Advantages:
- Free and open-source.
- Designed to be a drop-in replacement for CentOS Linux.
- Supported by a growing community of developers and users.
Disadvantages:
- Still in early development stages, with limited documentation and support.
- May not be as stable or reliable as other server distributions.
9. Arch Linux
Arch Linux is a lightweight and flexible server distribution that is designed for users who prefer a minimalist approach to their server setup. It is known for its rolling-release model, which means that it is constantly updated with the latest software versions.
Arch Linux is highly customizable and provides users with complete control over their server configuration. It includes a package manager called Pacman, which makes it easy to install and manage software packages.
Arch Linux has a strong community of developers and users who are constantly working to improve the distribution and provide support to new users. However, it is worth noting that Arch Linux is not recommended for beginners or users who are not comfortable working with the command line interface.
Pricing:
Arch Linux is free to download and use.
Advantages:
- Highly customizable and provides complete control over server configuration.
- Constantly updated with the latest software versions.
- Strong community support.
Disadvantages:
- Not recommended for beginners or users who are not comfortable with the command line interface.
- May not be as stable as other server distributions due to its rolling-release model.
- Requires more technical knowledge and experience to set up and maintain.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Linux server distribution is an important decision for businesses. Each distribution has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to choose the one that best meets your needs.
Ubuntu Server is a popular choice for businesses looking for an easy-to-use, stable, and customizable Linux distribution. CentOS is another popular choice for businesses that value stability and long-term support. Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux OS are both community-driven distributions that are designed to be replacements for CentOS, and they offer stability, reliability, and long-term support. Finally, Arch Linux is a highly customizable distribution that's ideal for businesses that need a high degree of flexibility and customization.
In conclusion, no matter which Linux server distribution you choose, it's essential to make sure it meets your specific needs and requirements. By selecting the right distribution, you can ensure that your business's servers are stable, secure, and reliable, which is essential for running a successful business in 2023 and beyond.
