Which operating system should I choose for the server?

Choice operating system for a server is usually perceived as something insignificant, especially when choosing characteristics such as the amount of RAM, processor type, SSD or HDD. The phrase “OS: Linux or Windows” seems too “simple”, but it is this parameter that determines how convenient and easy it will be for you to create a website, install programs and manage the server in the future. This is the foundation on which all other characteristics “stand” and if you make the wrong choice, you will waste a lot more time, money and nerves.

In this article we will look at how to choose an operating system. We will not delve into the comparison of architectures and philosophies, but will look from a practical point of view.

It’s not about which OS is «best» but what you plan to do on the server.

Linux — if you run a website on WordPress, Joomla, OpenCart and other CMS»

The most common scenario is creating a website. Regardless of whether you run a blog on WordPress, create a corporate website on Joomla, or launch an online store on Opencart, in any of these cases a standard stack is required: Linux, Apache or Nginx, MySQL and PHP. This is a well-known LAMP stack, and it functions specifically on systems belonging to the Linux family.

Linux servers are low cost, easy to manage, and their hosting panels are intuitive and well supported. If you plan to create something simple so that your site functions stably, choose Linux. 

The most popular choices remain Debian Server And Ubuntu Server.

• Ubuntu — This is a more affordable and relevant option. It’s great for beginners.
• Debian — reliable and stable. Great if you have experience or a technician who knows how to work with it.

Windows Server will be a good choice if you work with 1C or .NET applications

There are cases where Linux is not suitable. For example, if you are going to use the server to install 1C, SQL Server or develop on ASP.NET. Here the choice is clear — Windows Server.

Operating systems Microsoft optimized for their own technologies: Active Directory, PowerShell, IIS, RDP — all this functions without additional configuration. Windows will also be convenient to use if you are going to connect to the server via a remote desktop, like a regular PC.

The greatest importance and stability are Windows Server 2019 and 2022. They are actively maintained, regularly updated and are ideal for a variety of tasks, from accounting to customer relationship management systems.

Linux — if you are eager to learn, test and implement original approaches

A server is not always a website or a business program. Sometimes it is used for testing, storing information, or running server services. In this case, a customizable and flexible system with no frills will do — again, Linux.

The choice depends on tastes: for some, Ubuntu is more convenient, others prefer CentOS or AlmaLinux. The most important thing is that you gain freedom. You can install Docker, launch a DBMS, and deploy a unique service. And all this — at no cost and quickly.

Whether you’re starting a career in DevOps, backend development, or just want to experiment, Linux is a solid platform for any task.

FreeBSD — if you are a technology fan and prefer original approaches

There are also users who are fond of unusual systems — such as FreeBSD.

This is not Windows or Linux, but a unique operating system with its own architecture and concept. It is chosen by people who value stability, simplicity and control of everything that happens in the system.

FreeBSD requires a lot of knowledge and is error-free, but if configured correctly, it will function for years without failure. Suitable for experienced administrators who understand exactly why they need this particular system.

So what should you take?

Everything is easy: the operating system must be up to the task.

• If you are creating a website, learning, trying new things, setting up custom services — choose Linux.
• If you use Microsoft products, definitely Windows.
• If you need a unique approach — FreeBSD.

There is simply no single solution that would suit everyone, but there is an ideal option specifically for your project.

If you have doubts, that’s okay. Contact UFO.Hosting support, describe your launch plans and we will recommend a suitable OS.

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