Server operating systems are the backbone of platforms that function as web servers, application servers, database servers, email servers, and various other dedicated server applications.
Compared to standard operating systems, server operating systems are engineered to handle demanding workloads and offer significant advantages, including support for numerous user connections, expanded memory capacity, and sophisticated network optimizations.
This article explores the diverse landscape of server operating systems and provides guidance on selecting the optimal server OS to align with your specific requirements.
Server operating systems – learn the different OS types and how to choose the right OS for your business.
Understanding Server Operating Systems
A server operating system (OS) is a specialized and robust operating system meticulously crafted to operate on server hardware. It incorporates essential functionalities and subsystems designed to thrive within a client-server architecture, efficiently addressing and managing client requests.
From its foundational design, a server OS is built to deliver features tailored for business-critical, multi-user applications. It serves as the central control point for user administration, security implementation, and a range of administrative tasks. The core principles underpinning a server operating system are typically security, stability, and seamless interoperability.
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Server operating systems are instrumental in deploying various server platforms, including:
- Web Servers: Web servers are responsible for hosting programs and data, responding to client requests for web pages and other web-based services. Popular web server software includes Apache, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), and Nginx. These systems rely heavily on a stable Server Computer Operating System.
- Mail Servers: Mail servers facilitate email communication, enabling users to send and receive emails for their businesses and manage individual email accounts within specific domains. The server operating system ensures reliable email delivery and management.
- File Servers: File servers provide centralized storage solutions for businesses to store and share documents and data, essentially acting as network drives. Server operating systems are crucial for managing file access, permissions, and ensuring data integrity.
- Database Servers: Certain server operating systems offer integrated database capabilities, streamlining the creation of dynamic web pages driven by database content. The operating system manages database access and performance.
- Application Servers: Server operating systems are designed to execute critical business applications, ranging from self-hosted CRM systems to SaaS platforms. A server OS often functions as a shared environment for collaborative applications, demanding robust resource management.
- Print Servers: Server operating systems also enable print sharing, allowing multiple workstations to utilize a single printer. This functionality is efficiently managed by the server computer operating system.
Note: Discover the key differences between Apache and Nginx to make informed decisions for your web server needs.
Server operating systems are capable of simultaneously managing several of these functions, provided that the combined workload does not exceed available resources. For scenarios involving numerous clients or resource-intensive applications, it is advisable to distribute these roles across multiple dedicated servers for optimal performance and reliability.
The subsequent sections will delve into the most prevalent server operating systems available today, outlining their features and suitability for different business needs.
Note: Understand the core differences between application servers and web servers to better architect your server infrastructure.
Exploring Common Server Operating Systems
The market offers a wide array of operating systems tailored for server environments. Industry statistics indicate that Linux distributions dominate the server landscape, powering approximately 80% of servers, while Windows Server accounts for around 20%.
The key differences between a Windows and Linux operating system.
The significant market share disparity is largely attributed to Linux’s open-source nature and cost-effectiveness, as it eliminates user-based licensing fees associated with Windows Server. This cost advantage makes Linux a popular server computer operating system choice.
Each server OS presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and user-friendliness can vary depending on the administrator’s technical proficiency. The following list encompasses some of the most widely adopted server operating systems:
1. Windows Server
Microsoft’s Windows operating system family extends beyond personal computers to encompass server environments with its Windows Server line. Windows Server OS provides robust enterprise-grade management, data storage solutions, and compatibility with a vast ecosystem of applications. It’s a comprehensive server computer operating system.
Windows Server incorporates features such as virtual memory management, a full-fledged desktop GUI, multitasking capabilities, and broad peripheral device support. Microsoft typically provides a decade of support for each Windows Server release, ensuring long-term stability and security updates.
Pros of Windows Server:
- Intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) for easier management.
- Support for symmetric multi-processor systems for enhanced performance.
- Excellent compatibility with a wide range of third-party applications.
- Multiple versions available to suit diverse organizational needs.
Cons of Windows Server:
- Requires user-based licensing, potentially increasing costs for larger organizations.
- Historically, faces a higher volume of virus and security threats compared to some other server platforms.
2. Linux
Linux represents a family of open-source, UNIX-like operating systems inheriting all the core features of UNIX. Linux is freely available, supporting multi-user, multi-process, and multi-thread operations, making it a versatile server computer operating system. However, managing Linux servers often demands a higher level of technical expertise, spanning installation, ongoing maintenance, and troubleshooting.
The widely used LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MariaDB/MySQL, Perl/PHP/Python), a cornerstone of web hosting, is built upon the Linux server computer operating system.
Note: Explore a comparison of LAMP vs. MEAN stacks to determine the optimal software stack for your web development projects.
Popular Linux server distributions include:
- Ubuntu Server
- Debian Server
- Fedora
- OpenSUSE Leap
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
- Arch Linux
Pros of Linux Server OS:
- Robust security features, minimizing vulnerability to threats.
- A diverse selection of distributions catering to various needs and preferences.
- Integrated open-source software ecosystem, including powerful development tools and compilers.
- Flexible system control, often achievable through both command-line and graphical interfaces.
Cons of Linux Server OS:
- Some distributions may lack long-term support commitments, requiring more frequent upgrades or community-based support.
- Certain complex administrative tasks, such as system updates across diverse distributions, can present challenges.
3. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
RHEL, developed by Red Hat, is a commercially supported Linux distribution available in both desktop and server editions. Initially known as Red Hat Linux Advanced Server, it evolved into Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS, encompassing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES and Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS variants. RHEL is a respected server computer operating system in enterprise environments.
While the RHEL source code is open and accessible, Red Hat imposes restrictions on the official redistribution of its compiled OS version, primarily to protect its commercial interests and brand. These restrictions do not extend to community-driven derivatives that exclude Red Hat’s proprietary components.
Note: Red Hat announced in 2021 that RHEL OS is free for small workloads, making it more accessible to smaller businesses and developers.
Pros of RHEL:
- Extensive enterprise-level support, including readily available patches, upgrades, and solutions for security vulnerabilities.
- Strong focus on stability and reliability, crucial for business-critical applications.
Cons of RHEL:
- Can involve significant costs for training and support subscriptions, particularly for larger deployments.
- May lack the flexibility for highly personalized solutions compared to community-driven distributions.
4. UNIX-Based Operating Systems
UNIX originated as a time-sharing operating system for smaller computer systems and has evolved into a foundational OS for client-server environments. The UNIX programming language is C, which facilitated the creation of UNIX ports across diverse hardware architectures. UNIX and its derivatives are influential server computer operating systems.
Pros of UNIX:
- Robust multi-user environment, enabling efficient resource sharing.
- Built-in TCP/IP networking support, essential for modern network communication.
- High levels of stability and security, making it suitable for mission-critical applications.
Cons of UNIX:
- Typically a commercial operating system requiring licensing fees.
- Fragmentation across vendors, with different vendors offering distinct, non-standardized UNIX versions, leading to compatibility challenges.
5. NetWare
Novell NetWare is a server-centric network operating system specifically designed to function on a dedicated server. It achieved widespread adoption in early Local Area Networks (LANs) for file and print sharing. NetWare, while less common today, played a significant role in the history of server computer operating systems.
Note: Understand the fundamental difference between dedicated servers and cloud servers when planning your infrastructure.
Pros of NetWare:
- Support for multiprocessor systems and large physical memory capacities, enabling handling of substantial workloads for its time.
- Excellent file sharing and printing functionalities tailored for corporate networks.
- Wide range of management interfaces, including web-based administration tools.
Cons of NetWare:
- Higher cost compared to open-source alternatives.
- Limited vendor support in modern IT environments.
- Complex and potentially challenging installation process.
- Reduced third-party application support compared to mainstream operating systems.
6. macOS Server
macOS Server is Apple’s UNIX-like server operating system, built upon the macOS foundation. It extends macOS with server functionalities and system administration tools, including management capabilities for macOS and iOS devices, making it a specialized server computer operating system within the Apple ecosystem.
macOS Server is particularly advantageous in environments heavily reliant on Mac clients due to its seamless integration and features tailored for Mac devices.
Pros of macOS Server:
- Streamlined administration and user-friendly interface, consistent with the macOS experience.
- Intuitive GUI-based management tools.
- Excellent vendor support from Apple.
- Easy workload distribution across multiple machines, simplifying scaling.
- Unlimited user licensing, simplifying cost management for larger user bases.
Cons of macOS Server:
- Operates exclusively on Apple hardware, potentially increasing hardware expenses.
- Limited selection of third-party server applications compared to Windows or Linux.
- While incorporating open-source components, macOS-specific modifications may introduce compatibility considerations not encountered in pure Linux environments.
7. FreeBSD
FreeBSD is a free and open-source Unix-like operating system, maintained as a complete system encompassing the kernel, drivers, utilities, and comprehensive documentation. It includes an extensive collection of server-related software, facilitating easy configuration as a mail server, web server, firewall, and more. FreeBSD is a powerful and versatile open-source server computer operating system.
FreeBSD features a dedicated security team that rigorously audits software within the base distribution and facilitates the installation of third-party applications from pre-compiled binary packages, prioritizing security and stability.
Pros of FreeBSD:
- High performance and speed, optimized for server workloads.
- Completely free and open-source, eliminating licensing costs.
- Robust security features, including the ipfw firewall.
- Abundant collection of built-in tools and utilities maintained by the FreeBSD project.
Cons of FreeBSD:
- Steeper learning curve compared to more user-friendly operating systems, partly due to less extensive community support compared to Linux.
- Limited hardware driver support compared to more mainstream operating systems, potentially requiring more technical configuration for certain hardware.
Note: Learn how to build a server tailored to your specific in-house needs and explore hardware considerations for your chosen server computer operating system.
Selecting the Best Server OS for Your Business Size
The optimal server operating system choice for your organization is influenced by factors such as business size, budget constraints, server roles, and the technical expertise of your IT staff. The following recommendations offer guidance based on business scale:
Small Businesses
For small businesses, the ideal server OS often balances cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and essential server functionalities.
If budget allows for a commercial server OS, Windows Server Essentials (formerly Windows Small Business Server) is a strong contender. Designed for organizations with under 25 users and limited IT support staff, it offers a familiar Windows interface, broad application compatibility, and a reasonable price point. Features include integrated email clients, remote access, mobile device support, file and printer sharing, backup and restore tools, and more.
For budget-conscious small businesses seeking a stable and production-ready OS, a free Linux distribution like Ubuntu Server or Debian is highly recommended. These distributions boast large and active communities, extensive documentation, and robust stability. Ubuntu Server LTS (Long-Term Support) releases, for example, receive updates and security patches for five years.
Note: CentOS was another popular Linux distribution, but official support for CentOS 8 ended prematurely in December 2021, making it unsuitable for production environments requiring ongoing security updates.
Choosing Linux requires in-house expertise in Linux system administration for configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Medium-Sized Businesses
Medium-sized businesses require server operating systems that can scale alongside their growth while remaining cost-efficient.
Linux distributions are often a compelling choice for medium-sized businesses due to their scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Ubuntu Server remains an excellent option, offering stability, ease of installation, a strong community, and extensive customization capabilities. The open-source nature of Linux allows tailoring the OS to specific business needs without incurring licensing costs.
Cost savings on the OS can be redirected towards scaling infrastructure and implementing robust security measures.
Commercial options like RHEL and Windows Server Standard Edition also offer compelling features and enterprise-grade support for medium-sized businesses, albeit with licensing costs.
Large Enterprises
Server OS selection for large enterprises is highly dependent on specific server roles and functions within a complex IT infrastructure.
Windows Server within an Active Directory domain is well-suited for file servers, authentication servers, and email servers in larger organizations. For highly virtualized datacenters or cloud environments, Windows Server Datacenter Edition is a robust choice, allowing unlimited Windows Server instances on a physical server or within virtual environments.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is another prominent option for large enterprises. This subscription-based open-source OS is designed for demanding workloads in large datacenters and also suits single-server deployments. SLES subscriptions provide access to patches, fixes, and security updates through SUSE’s customer portal, ensuring enterprise-grade support and stability.
Conclusion
This article has provided an overview of prevalent server operating systems and offered guidance on selecting the most suitable OS for your business based on its size and needs.
If you require further assistance in making your decision, explore our comparative articles on Linux vs Windows servers and CentOS vs Ubuntu for deeper insights.
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