Best Linux Distros for VPS and Dedicated Server?

The Linux distributions are widely accepted worldwide as the best operating systems for servers, including dedicated server and VPS servers. Each server is designed to perform specific task such as debian is known for stability and reliability and Ubuntu is considered best for friendly user-interface. Choosing the perfect Linux distribution for your virtual private server (VPS) and dedicated server depends upon the needs and goals of your business. Your goals will better define what type of Linux distro is suitable to reach the next-level. This guide will help you to choose the best Linux distro for server by comparing the pros and cons of the Linux distributions. 

Factors to Consider for Choosing a Linux Distro for Virtual Servers

Before searching for the outstanding Linux distros options, it would be beneficial to understand your website’s requirements. The web hosting world is undergoing vast expansion due to the introduction of Linux distribution or distros, the best operating systems for virtual servers. However, to benefit from these, it is crucial to have complete knowledge of how to choose the best Linux distros for VPS Servers to avoid complexities. 

Because these operating systems come with different desktop environments, well-defined package managers and clean designs. You don’t need to explore complex security features like SELinux, window managers but you need basic information, so that you can choose the right option. Here is a brief guide about factors you need to consider before selecting one of the Linux options. It is advised to carefully choose a user-friendly desktop environment among these because they are not suitable for everyone. 

User Interface for VPS and Dedicated servers:

Consider the user-interface as the most important factor when choosing the best Linux distribution as a friendly user-interface allows the users to manage and navigate the system. It makes the system available for everyone, especially for beginners. T

Server Requirements to Manage VPS or Dedicated Server: 

Your distro must be compatible with your virtualization program and capable of meeting that server’s hardware and software needs. 

OS Security Features: 

Consider distro with the best security features and configuration. Check Linux distro having regular security updates and patches. Also, it has strong firewall configuration with authentication mechanism and access control. 

Performance of the Linux Distro for Servers: 

Go for a distro for virtual environments with efficient resource usage, tuned kernel settings, and support for virtualization technologies such as Xen, KVM, etc.

Stability and Reliability: 

Prefer the distro that comes with long-term support, track recording, and fewer bugs and issues. It must also have maintenance features to avoid stress in case of problems.

Package management and software installation: 

Your distros must have user-friendly package managers, such as apt, yum, and zypper, and an easy installation process. 

Available Hardware support Option: 

A distro provides the best functioning only if it supports virtual servers, processor architecture (e.g., x86, ARM), storage configurations (e.g., SSD, HDD), and Network interfaces and devices.

Pricing and Licensing Options: 

Distro comes with different licensing options, such as free and open-source distros, such as Ubuntu and CentOS, and commercial distros, such as RHEl and SLES, as well as support options. 

Check for your Specific needs: 

If you want to run a VPS without any issues, then it is good to choose one that tailors your needs, such as Web servers (e.g., LAMP stack), Databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL), and containers (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

Top Distro Contenders for VPS and Dedicated Servers

Here are the best Linux distro for server, with full hands-on guidelines about which applications these Linux distributions are suitable and relevant for. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages will help you decide on the right option for your VPS and dedicated servers. 

1:Ubuntu Server for VPS and Dedicated Server

It is one of the largest and most renowned Linux distributions for beginners, experienced users, and individual users in the market. This server is unbeatable due to its user-friendly interface, extensive documentation, interactive GUI experience, and reliability. Since its inception, it has been the favorite option of laptop users. It offers five years of updating features that save the users from malware.

Pros of Ubuntu:

Ubuntu’s unmatched popularity is renowned for its vast community support and extensive resources. Some other strengths of this excellent operating system are a user-friendly interface and an easy installation process due to the vast repository of software packages. It comes in updated versions with good stability and advanced features. It comes with long-term support versions and is optimized for a cloud environment. You can use it on other platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure. It runs smoothly on various architectures, making it an ideal choice for diverse applications. 

Cons of Ubuntu:  

Although it is a popular distro with many advanced features, it still has some weaknesses. It takes up a lot of space. One drawback is that due to its resources-intensive nature, its performance slows on older hardware. Some advanced users find its features limiting, leading to package conflicts and dependency issues. Furthermore, it may lead to compatibility issues due to instability and lack of hardware components. 

Ubuntu is used for

• Web servers
• Development and testing environments
• Application servers
• Cloud environments
  

2:Debian for VPS and Dedicated Servers

Debian is one of the oldest Linux server distributions, with a huge software repository that has more than 60,000 packages. Additionally, it offers a five-year updating program with consistent updates and security patches. It provides support for many architectures. It offers support for ARM, PowerPC, and others. For developers and enterprises, Debian is ideal. If you are looking for a stable and customized Linux distribution, then Debian is best for you. 

Pros of Debian: 

This distro is famous for its efficient stability and reliability. Additionally, stability makes this Linux distro ideal for mission-critical applications. It offers excellent focus and is highly secure for packages and comes with advanced security features. For users looking for stability, Debian is an open and free source, and it allows users to customize many settings and functions. It provides long-term support for packages also. 

Cons of Debian:

Debian installation and configuration can become long, difficult and complicated. As, it doesn’t accept updates readily and delays its access to the latest version. Although it is famous for performance, with a less friendly interface, this distro is not an ideal solution for beginners than Ubuntu. 

It is best for

• Experienced developers 
• Developing soft wares
• Administering systems
• Connecting to networks
• Debugging packages
• Database servers
• Application servers

3:CentOS Stream (successor to CentOS):

If you are in search of a versatile and dynamic Linux distribution, CentOS Stream is the best Linux distro for server with a mix of innovation and stability features. This Linux distro offers access to the latest software packages with the power of upstream development. This cutting-edge approach facilitates user’s access to the latest trends and technologies. It offers a forward-thinking and reliable Linux experience by balancing innovation and tradition. 

Pros of CentOS: 

It facilitates a free entry-level solution with RHEL features. It has a user-friendly interface and package management. The security features and stability make it an ideal solution for commercial issues. It is also suitable for production environments. It is compatible with RHEL, due to full compatibility users use this software for enterprise-level features. 

Cons of CentOS: 

CentOS is not for the future , it supports ends nearly, and due to this feature, this Linux distro is not best for long-term projects. It doesn’t always have the latest advanced software packages. You can consider other Linux distro, such as Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux, for a more stable approach on RHEL.

It is good for

• Beginner-level applications
• Web hosting
• Database server

4:Fedora Server for VPS and Dedicated Servers

Fedora Server is also the best Linux distro for server with cutting-edge features. It is developed by the Fedora Project and provides the latest and trendy features to customers for the best experience. It provides innovative and latest versions of packages like python. Likewise, it ensures the best security features for deploying services and applications. Some robust security features are firewalling and SELinux. It passed through many development cycles and became able to fix bugs and malware. For users searching for a flexible and configurable solution, fedora server is the right choice.

Pros of Fedora Server: 

It is the best open-source technology with advanced and trendy features and software packages. The administrator can customize the server environment to meet VPS’s needs. It comes with SELinux features that offer advanced security measures. It is a reliable and stable OS that supports multiple architectures

Cons of Fedora Server: 

Fedora Server offers a short life-cycle and approach that enhances the chances of risk and bugs. It supports only the latest hardware and doesn’t provide support for older hardware and certain proprietary drivers. This Linux distro is not best for the production environment. The Fedora server requires resources and time for updates.

It is best used for

• Hardware, clouds and Containers 
• For Developers
• Advanced  applications

5:Arch Linux for VPS and Dedicated Servers

Arch Linux is also the best Linux distro for server due to its minimalistic, simple, and flexible approach. Besides this, it is specifically good for experienced Linux users with customized systems. It allows complete control of the user over the server environment. This rolling release model allows user’s access to the newest features and lets them install the software according to their own needs. It offers manual configuration for the command-line interface.

Pros of Arch Linux: 

It supports PACMAN management. It facilitates power users with the latest software packages and allows access to the software without updating the new version. Furthermore, it comes with a flexible package manager for easy installation and management options. It installs the necessary instructions and protects the system from clutches and bugs. Arch Wiki is well-managed to offer comprehensive guides for improving performance. 

Cons of Arch Linux: 

Arch Linux requires a good understanding, as it has an advanced distribution. It doesn’t provide support for all hardware, especially new ones. It comes with limited software availability and requires manual configuration sometimes. Besides this, it becomes complex and time-consuming. These features make it the right choice for experienced users, but less suitable for beginners. 

It is best used for

• Custom server environments

• Advanced users and developers
• Lightweight and efficient servers

6:Rocky Linux for VPS and Dedicated Servers

Rocky Linux also comes under the best Linux distro for server for enhancing the performance and security of VPS and dedicated servers. Furthermore, it is a downstream that is rebuilt for RHEL with 100% bug-for-bug compatibility. It is supported by a growing community and provides reliability, as RHEL supports and facilitates the users with commercial support options. The regular security update feature ensures a secure environment for users.