Server operating systems are specialized platforms that power web servers, application servers, database servers, email servers, and other critical services on dedicated server hardware.
Compared to standard desktop operating systems, Server Os environments offer significant advantages, including support for a higher number of concurrent user connections, expanded memory capabilities, and advanced network optimizations. These features are crucial for maintaining performance and stability under heavy workloads and diverse user demands.
This article provides a detailed overview of different server operating systems and guides you through the process of selecting the best server OS to meet your specific business 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 (server OS) is a sophisticated type of operating system specifically engineered to operate on server hardware. It incorporates the essential features and subsystems necessary to function within a client-server architecture, efficiently managing and responding to requests from client machines.
Server operating systems are fundamentally designed to deliver features tailored for business-critical applications and multi-user environments. They serve as the central management interface, controlling user access, implementing robust security measures, and streamlining various administrative tasks. The primary focus of any server OS is to ensure security, stability, and seamless interoperability within a network.
Note: To achieve peak performance and unwavering stability for any workload, consider pairing your chosen server OS with our Bare Metal Cloud servers. We offer a selection of 20 preconfigured instances, allowing you to choose your preferred OS and deploy it in just a few clicks. Experience rapid deployment with Ubuntu instances booting up in under 120 seconds!
Server operating systems are the foundation for deploying a wide range of server platforms, including:
- Web Servers: These servers host website files and application data, processing and fulfilling client requests for web pages and other web-based services. Popular web server software includes Apache, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), and Nginx.
- Mail Servers: Mail servers facilitate the sending, receiving, and management of email communications for businesses, controlling email accounts associated with specific domains.
- File Servers: File servers act as centralized storage locations within a network, enabling businesses to store and share documents and data effectively. They essentially function as network drives accessible to authorized users.
- Database Servers: Certain server operating systems offer integrated database functionalities, which are essential for creating dynamic web pages and applications that rely on database content.
- Application Servers: A server OS must be capable of reliably running critical business applications, ranging from self-hosted Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms. Server operating systems typically provide a shared environment for collaborative applications.
- Print Servers: Server operating systems can also enable print sharing, allowing multiple devices on a network to utilize a single printer, optimizing resource usage and simplifying printing infrastructure.
Note: Understand the key differences between Apache and Nginx to make informed decisions about your web server infrastructure.
Server operating systems are versatile and can manage multiple functionalities concurrently, provided that the resource demands are not excessive. However, for scenarios involving a large number of clients or resource-intensive applications, it is recommended to distribute these functions across multiple dedicated servers to maintain optimal performance and prevent bottlenecks.
The following sections will explore the most prevalent server operating systems available today, outlining their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Note: Delve deeper into the distinctions between an application server and a web server to understand their specific roles in your IT infrastructure.
Exploring Common Server Operating Systems
The server operating system landscape is diverse, with numerous options available. Statistical data indicates that Linux-based distributions dominate the server market, powering approximately 80% of servers worldwide. Windows Server accounts for a significant portion of the remaining market share, at around 20%.
The key differences between a Windows and Linux operating system.
The significant disparity in market share is largely attributed to the open-source nature and cost-effectiveness of Linux, which is generally free to use and avoids per-user licensing fees commonly associated with Windows Server.
Each server OS presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the ease of use often depends on the user’s technical proficiency. The following list encompasses some of the most widely adopted server operating systems, though it is not exhaustive.
1. Windows Server
Developed by Microsoft, the Windows Server family is designed for both enterprise-level server deployments and general professional use. Windows Server OS excels in providing robust enterprise management capabilities, comprehensive data storage solutions, and broad compatibility with a vast ecosystem of applications.
Windows Server incorporates features such as virtual memory management, a user-friendly desktop GUI (Graphical User Interface), multitasking capabilities, and support for a wide array of peripheral devices. Microsoft typically offers a 10-year support lifecycle for each Windows Server version, ensuring long-term stability and security updates.
The advantages of Windows Server OS include its intuitive GUI, strong support for symmetric multi-processor systems, extensive third-party application compatibility, and a variety of editions tailored to different needs. However, drawbacks include the necessity for user-based licensing, which can increase costs, and a higher susceptibility to virus and security threats compared to some other server platforms.
2. Linux
Linux represents a family of open-source, UNIX-like operating systems that inherit all the core features of UNIX. It is distributed under various licenses, many of which are free, and supports multi-user, multi-process, and multi-thread operations, making it highly versatile for server environments. However, managing Linux servers often requires a greater degree of technical expertise, from initial installation and configuration to ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting.
The LAMP stack, a popular platform for website hosting and web application development, is built upon Linux (Linux, Apache, MariaDB/MySQL, Perl/PHP/Python).
Note: Compare LAMP vs. MEAN stacks to determine the most suitable technology stack for your web development projects.
Several prominent Linux server distributions are widely used, including:
- Ubuntu Server
- Debian Server
- Fedora Server
- openSUSE Leap
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
- Arch Linux
The benefits of a Linux server OS encompass robust security features, a wide selection of distributions catering to diverse needs, integrated open-source software, including powerful development tools and high-level language compilers, and the flexibility to manage the system through both command-line interfaces and graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
The disadvantages of Linux server OS can include limited long-term support for certain distributions and complexities associated with specific administrative tasks, such as system updates, depending on the distribution and configuration.
3. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercially supported Linux distribution developed by Red Hat, available in both desktop and server versions. Initially known as Red Hat Linux Advanced Server, it was later rebranded as Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS, encompassing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES and Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS distributions.
While the source code for RHEL is freely accessible under open-source licenses, Red Hat imposes certain restrictions on the official redistribution of its commercially supported version. However, these restrictions do not extend to community-driven derivatives that exclude non-free components, such as Red Hat’s proprietary trademarks.
Note: In 2021, Red Hat announced that RHEL OS would be available for free for small workloads, expanding accessibility for developers and small businesses.
The advantages of RHEL include comprehensive enterprise-grade support, consistent patches, timely upgrades, and proactive solutions to address security vulnerabilities. The disadvantages of RHEL can include the cost of subscriptions and specialized training, and potentially less flexibility in terms of highly customized 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 one of the most influential and widely used operating systems, particularly in client-server environments. The UNIX operating system is primarily written in the C programming language, which facilitated its portability and adaptation to a wide range of hardware architectures.
The strengths of UNIX include its inherent multi-user capabilities, built-in TCP/IP networking support, and a strong reputation for stability and security. However, drawbacks include its proprietary nature and associated licensing costs. Furthermore, the UNIX landscape is fragmented, with various vendors offering their own distinct versions of UNIX, resulting in a lack of standardization across different implementations.
5. NetWare
Novell NetWare is a server-centric network operating system designed to operate on a dedicated server. It gained significant popularity in the early days of local area networks (LANs) for its file and print sharing capabilities.
Note: Explore the differences between a dedicated server and a cloud server to understand the best server infrastructure for your needs.
The advantages of NetWare include its robust support for multiprocessor systems and efficient management of large physical memory capacities. It also excelled in providing advanced file sharing and printing services within corporate networks. NetWare offered a variety of management interfaces, including a web-based interface for administration.
However, NetWare also presented disadvantages, including its relatively high cost, limited third-party application support, a complex installation process, and declining vendor support as newer technologies emerged.
6. macOS Server
macOS Server is a UNIX-based server operating system developed by Apple, built upon the foundation of macOS. It extends macOS with server-specific functionalities, system administration tools, and features for managing macOS and iOS devices within a network.
macOS Server is particularly well-suited for environments predominantly utilizing Mac clients, offering seamless integration and simplified feature deployment for Mac users.
The pros of macOS Server include its user-friendly administration interface, intuitive GUI, excellent vendor support from Apple, and easy distribution of workloads across multiple machines, facilitating scalability. It also includes an unlimited user license, simplifying licensing management.
The cons of macOS Server are its hardware dependency – it exclusively runs on Apple hardware, which can be more expensive than comparable alternatives. The ecosystem of third-party server applications for macOS Server is also relatively limited compared to Windows Server or Linux. While macOS incorporates open-source components, Apple-specific modifications can sometimes introduce compatibility challenges not encountered in standard Linux environments.
7. FreeBSD
FreeBSD is a free and open-source UNIX-like operating system derived from Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). It is characterized by its completeness, providing the kernel, device drivers, system utilities, and comprehensive documentation as part of the base distribution. FreeBSD includes a vast collection of server-related software, making it readily configurable as a mail server, web server, firewall, and more.
FreeBSD boasts a dedicated security team that rigorously audits all software included in the base distribution. It also supports the installation of third-party applications through pre-compiled binary packages.
The strengths of FreeBSD include its performance and speed, its completely free and open-source nature, strong security features leveraging the ipfw firewall, and a rich set of tools maintained and supported by the FreeBSD project.
The weaknesses of FreeBSD can include a steeper learning curve compared to some Linux distributions due to a smaller community support base and potentially less extensive hardware driver support.
Note: Learn how to build a server tailored to your specific in-house requirements.
Selecting the Best Server OS for Your Business Size
Choosing the optimal server operating system for your organization is significantly influenced by the size of your business. While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights some of the most suitable server OS options based on business scale.
Server OS for Small Businesses
The ideal server OS for a small business server is contingent upon factors such as budget constraints, the type of server required, and the technical expertise of the IT maintenance team.
For businesses with sufficient budget for a commercial server OS, Windows Server Essentials (formerly Windows Small Business Server) is a strong contender. It is designed to cater to organizations with fewer than 25 users and limited IT support staff.
Windows Server Essentials offers a familiar Windows interface, broad compatibility with third-party applications, and a reasonable price point. It provides essential connectivity features, including email client integration, remote access capabilities, mobile device support, file and printer sharing, backup and restore functionalities, and other features tailored for small business needs.
For businesses prioritizing a free and stable server OS, a free Linux distribution such as Ubuntu Server or Debian is an excellent choice.
Both Ubuntu Server and Debian are highly regarded for their stability and extensive community and official support. Ubuntu Server, in particular, offers Long Term Support (LTS) releases that receive updates and security patches for five years, ensuring long-term reliability.
Note: CentOS was another popular Linux distribution for server deployments. However, official support for CentOS 8 ended prematurely in December 2021, making it unsuitable for production environments requiring ongoing security updates.
Implementing Linux-based server OS solutions effectively requires a certain level of technical expertise. Ensure that you have access to a knowledgeable system administrator to handle configuration, maintenance, and more complex operational tasks.
Server OS for Medium-Sized Businesses
For medium-sized businesses, selecting a server OS that supports scalability and future growth is paramount. However, it’s also important to avoid unnecessary upfront investments in features that may not be immediately required.
Linux distributions are often considered the most versatile and scalable server OS options for medium-sized businesses. Ubuntu Server, for example, is a free, stable, and easy-to-deploy OS with a strong reputation. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customization, enabling businesses to tailor the OS to their specific operational requirements.
Choosing a free server OS like Ubuntu Server can free up budget for investment in other critical areas such as scaling infrastructure and implementing robust security measures.
Other commercially supported server OS options that offer a balance of features and cost-effectiveness for medium-sized businesses include Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Windows Server Standard Edition.
Server OS for Large Enterprises
The selection of a server OS for large enterprises is highly dependent on the specific server role and function. For instance, Windows Server within an Active Directory domain is a robust choice for file servers, authentication servers, and email servers within a Windows-centric environment. However, both Windows Server and Linux distributions are viable options for web server deployments.
Windows Server Datacenter Edition is well-suited for highly virtualized data centers and cloud environments. This edition allows for an unlimited number of Windows Server instances on a single physical server, both in physical and virtualized deployments, optimizing resource utilization and licensing costs in large-scale environments.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a robust open-source operating system designed for demanding workloads in large data centers, as well as for single-server deployments. SLES is available through a subscription model, providing access to ongoing patches, bug fixes, security updates, and enterprise-level support through the SUSE customer portal.
Conclusion
This article has provided a comprehensive overview of common server operating systems and offered guidance on choosing the most appropriate server OS for your business based on its size and requirements.
If you require further assistance in making your decision, explore our in-depth comparisons of Linux vs Windows servers and CentOS vs Ubuntu for additional insights.
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