Which Linux distribution is best to install on a server in 2022

Linux system is rather popular among the users, but more often than not only Ubuntu and Debian are widely used. There are lots of other operating systems that are less popular but are equally powerful and easy to manage. In the article, we will dive into the discussion of several Linux distributions as well as discuss their pros and cons so that you can make an informative decision that better suits your needs.

Wide Range of Linux Server Distributions to Choose

You may wonder why, we will discuss the Linux operating system, but not Windows. Well, yes – Windows is extremely popular among the PCs users, while Linux is more used for servers. A diversity of Linux distributions is used for hosting and virtual networking.

Lots of factors might influence the choice of Linux distribution including market trends, some personal requirements, stability, security characteristics, and other advantages and disadvantages of the operating system.

To be honest, for ordinary users, the difference between the distributions is so minimal that some might even not notice it. The distinctions may be crucial for IT managers and system admins who have more experience.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Top Linux Server Operating Systems

AlmaLinux

The operating system was initially launched under the name “Project Lenix”. The rename of the system occurred fairly recently in 2021. The releases to this system usually occur within a day after the RHEL release. As with most Linux operating systems, there is no need to purchase a license for its usage. The free-of-charge nature might be sometimes a crucial factor for most clients to select this operating system.

Alma is a RHEL 8 fork so there are lots of similarities in terms of patches and maintenance of the system. As for the maintenance, Alma 8 will be active until 2029, while AlmaLinux 9 until 2023.

When speaking about the users of this system, then it was initially oriented toward the CentOS clients who are searching for an alternative version. Generally, this operating system is really popular because of its user-friendly nature and easiness of management. That’s why users who need a free and at the same reliable operating system will definitely benefit from Alma.     

Pros and Cons of AlmaLinux

The launch of this distribution was initially oriented on the CentOS users so that everything is perfectly planned for easier changeover. We are mainly talking about the smoother processes of the adaptability for configuration and packages.

Probably the first major advantage of this operating system is its accessibility and community. Almost any user can easily influence the processes and optimize the OS according to their needs. There are no restrictions and no limitations for the clients. The standard pack of this system has MariaDB, LibreOffice, Python, PostgreSQL, and Mozilla.

According to the recent reviews, there are no major cons of this operating system. Maybe, this is due to the less feedback from the clients for some reason, users are not sharing lots of disadvantages. Some dislike the fact that this system is dependent on sponsors and that can be explained by the free nature of the OS.   

Debian

Debian functions for more than 20 years and it is considered to be the most stable distribution among all available. The reliability of the operating system is vital especially if we are talking about servers and hosting solutions. That’s why so many users prefer Debian as a perfect distribution to be installed on the server.

As for now, 3 branches of distribution are available – stable, testing, and unstable. The explanation of the branches is unnecessary because everything is clear from the name. To be in the stable release the project is tested for a couple of months and that is highly important. Because of the OS’s stability in some scenarios, this operating system could not use the latest software.

The installation of this system is possible by the usage of the minimal Boot Image or with the Cloud Image. So, that every user has access to the most convenient method.

Pros and Cons of Debian

The main pros of the Debian system are connected with its diversity and the stability of functioning. The peculiarity of this distribution is in the support of different hardware architecture, its reliability, and also possibility of personal changes. In this operating system, clients can select from more than 57, 000 various packs. Despite a huge variability of options, this OS is considered to be light.

As for some negatives, Debian is not the easiest system for setting up and installing when compared with other operating systems. One more inconvenience is that personal packages aren’t supported.  

CentOS

This operating system is based on RHEL and has been available for users since 2009. This is probably the most user-friendly option of all available ones, that’s why users with basic skills can totally cope with this system.

Some developers consider CentOS as a more experimental option and prefer RHEL.  That’s why, the topic of usability is very controversial, and some users prefer it due to its easiness while others don’t.

As for some system details, the package manager that is used is YUM/DNF. Such a manager automatically installs all the packages in the OS. The stability of the system is connected with its release cycle. CentOS has a 4-5 years cycle and it proves how stable the operating system really is.

Lots of time and effort are invested in the security segment of CentOS. The support of the sever users might influence the security characteristics immensely and that is why lots of mechanisms are done for information protection against unauthorized access. That means several users can share the same workstation and don’t influence the activity of the others.

There are lots of users who compare the Ubuntu and CentOS systems, and try to figure out what is the best option. These 2 solutions offer similar community support, approaches to the release cycle, and management of packages. The huge distinction is in the more conservative nature of CentOS which means users are getting access to more reliable variants, while Ubuntu prioritizes new features.    

Pros and Cons of CentOS

The main pros of CentOS are the high-security standards and stability that are achieved mainly because of the community impact. Generally, the level of community support is great.

The minus of the operating system is that it will be discontinued somewhere in the near future. That’s why some of the CentOS users are trying to switch to other distributions.



Rocky Linux​

This OS is fairly new and became available starting in 2021. The system is free of charge as all the other Linux distributions. Rocky as well as AlmaLinux are perfect options for those who want to switch from CentOS. These systems offer smoother changeover and that is really beneficial for some users.

The configuration of the Rocky Linux can be various depending on the user’s needs. For instance, with the server edition, clients get advanced admin tools, an environment that is perfectly created for the server, and installation processes with only essential elements in it.

Pros and Cons of Rocky Linux

The pros of this distribution are the simplicity of the installation and all the management processes are intuitive so that a person with fewer tech skills can easily set everything up. The operating system is considered to be reliable and really modern.

There are no huge cons of the Rocky Linux, so you should definitely try it out.

Ubuntu

Probably the largest and the most used operating system as of now is Ubuntu. This project started from Debian, but very soon became equally popular and even became the competitor of this system. A huge bonus for all the current users is the accessibility of the operating system.

If you are a Windows user and want to test Linux, then Ubuntu is the simplest and the most stable option for you.

Pros and Cons of Ubuntu

The pros of this operating system are its accessibility and the really easy and almost intuitive installation process. This is one of those distributions that is functional on mobile devices as well. One more beneficial thing is regular updates so you can be sure that the system can work stable and smoothly. In addition to the already-mentioned benefits, Ubuntu has fantastic compatibility with lots of providers.

One of the distinctive cons is the system's heaviness. Lots of other Linux distributions are way lighter and take less memory resources. Except for the size, users might also notice the limited options for customization. One more thing that is unusual for the Linux operating system is the payments. Ubuntu is not free of charge and that can be crucial for some users.    

Ideal Use Cases for Ubuntu​

Ubuntu is a perfect choice for clients who need easy setting up processes and stability in their system. Moreover, Windows users can simply switch from the current OS to Ubuntu without any challenges or complications.

openSUSE Leap

​This operating system is popular mainly because of its international community of developers. The distribution can be used for the desktop as well as for the server systems equally effective. The updates of the OS are done according to the schedule every few months.

One of the advantages of this system compared with plenty of others, is its functioning on the old hardware. In case you do not have the latest server hardware, you can get very dicent performance with openSUSE Leap.

Pros and Cons of openSUSE Leap

This operating system can be considered a good alternative to the already popular Ubuntu/Debian because of its stability. One more great advantage is the user-friendly nature of this system and several already pre-installed packages such as Flatpak, LibreOffice, and Mozilla.

When speaking about the major drawback then one can specify poor visual characteristics. Another minus is that openSUSE Leap is not always up to date.

TrueNAS Core

TrueNAS Core is an awesome operating system that is mainly based on the FreeBSD. This OS is a perfect variant for users who require hardware compatibility with the public cloud, 64-bit, or VM.

There are 2 versions of TrueNAS, the enterprise one that requires a license and there are more features, and the CORE variant that is free. The free CORE version is tested by hundreds of experts in the tech field and their feedback is extremely positive. The system contains OpenZFS and that can be helpful for some users who need a reliable file system right away.

The core version is a fantastic choice for businesses as well as individual clients. If you have never tried this Linux distribution, you have a great option to test everything up and decide whether it works for your case.

Pros and Cons of TrueNAS Core

TrueNAS is growing in popularity because it supports most OS including Apple and Windows. The Core version is free, but that doesn’t mean that companies cannot use it for business needs, just on the contrary. As for the storage system, it is considered to be extremely secure and all users without any technical background can easily cope with its management. Among other pros, we can distinguish that Clones may be created in the needed amounts without any limitations. Also, a large community influences all the crucial processes as well.

The only con of using this operating system is that it suits only certainly equipped Kernels and that can be really unexpected factor for new users.  

Final Thoughts

The choice of the proper Linux system is probably not the easiest decision that can be made by a user. There are so many variants to select from that the search process for an ideal solution can become really tiring and time-consuming. To simplify the search and make an informative decision but not a random one, you’d better consider several factors.

First, determine your use cases, whether the system is needed for the desktop, server, or apps. Moreover, you should clearly understand whether you have private intentions of usage or professional ones. If you need a professional solution, then reliability and stableness should be at the top of your priority list. When talking about stability, you can consider Ubuntu, Rocky Linux, or Debian.

So, make a list of crucial criteria for your case and stick to it during your search for an ideal operating system. Hope our review of the best Linux distros for the servers was helpful!