Linux is a popular and widely used operating system for servers, with a range of distributions to choose from based on specific needs and requirements. In this article, we will take a look at the top 8 Linux distributions for servers in 2023, based on their popularity, stability, security, and support for server deployment.
Ubuntu Server:
Ubuntu Server is a popular and user-friendly distribution that is known for its ease of use, good support for cloud and container deployments, and large repository of packages. It is also a popular choice for web servers, database servers, and virtualization. Ubuntu Server is updated every six months, and Long-Term Support (LTS) releases are available every two years, providing stable and well-supported releases for up to five years. For more info visit Ubuntu Server website.
CentOS:
CentOS is a free and open-source community-driven distribution based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It is a popular choice for servers due to its stability, security, and compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. CentOS is designed to be a stable, predictable, and reproducible platform, and is updated on a regular basis with security patches and bug fixes. For more info visit CentOS website.
Debian:
Debian is a stable and well-supported distribution with a large repository of packages, making it a popular choice for servers, especially for web and database servers. It is known for its stability, security, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware and software. Debian is also a popular choice for cloud and virtualization deployments, with good support for containers and virtualization technologies. For more info visit Debain website.
Fedora Server:
Fedora Server is a cutting-edge distribution that offers the latest technology and tools, making it a popular choice for developers and tech-savvy users. Fedora Server is designed to be a platform for innovation, with a focus on the latest software and technologies. It is updated every six months, with Long-Term Support (LTS) releases available every two years. For more info visit Fedora Server website.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server:
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is a versatile and secure distribution with support for multiple platforms, including cloud and container deployments. It is known for its stability, security, and support for mission-critical workloads, making it a popular choice for enterprise servers. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is updated on a regular basis with security patches and bug fixes, and offers a range of management and deployment tools. For more info visit SUSE Linux Enterprise Server website.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a leading enterprise-level distribution known for its stability, security, and support. It is a popular choice for mission-critical workloads, such as databases, applications, and virtualization, and is widely used in large enterprises and data centers. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is updated on a regular basis with security patches and bug fixes, and offers a range of management and deployment tools. For more info visit Red Hat Enterprise Linux website.
CentOS Stream:
CentOS Stream is a rolling-release distribution that provides a bleeding-edge development platform, making it a popular choice for developers and tech-savvy users. It is based on the development version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and is updated on a regular basis with the latest software and technologies. CentOS Stream is designed to be a platform for innovation and experimentation, and is not recommended for production use. For more info visit CentOS Stream website.
Oracle Linux:
Oracle Linux is a secure and reliable distribution optimized for running Oracle workloads, making it a popular choice for databases and applications. It is based on the open-source version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and is updated on a regular basis with security patches and bug fixes. Oracle Linux offers a range of management and deployment tools, and is widely used in large enterprises and data centers. For more info visit Oracle Linux website.
Note: The ranking is based on popularity, stability, security, and support for server deployment, and may vary depending on the specific needs and use case of the organization.