What operating systems are available with a VPS/Dedicated Server

Dedicated servers can be set up with the following distributions of Linux:

PLEASE NOTE: If you require a specific version of the OS, create a ticket to our Billing team.

Let’s talk about what Linux distributions are and the differences between the ones we provide.

Linux distribution is an OS that is built upon the Linux kernel, which is the core of the OS that handles memory as well as input/output requests from software, etc. A full Linux distribution consists of the kernel plus a number of other software tools for file-related operations, user management, and software package management.

A package manager is an important part of an OS and is a set of tools that automates installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing software for an OS.

Choosing the distribution comes down to personal preferences, user goals, and requirements of the software that is planned for use. For example, cPanel can only be installed on CentOS or Cloud Linux.

Below we will describe each of the available distributions in more detail.

PLEASE NOTE: With Dedicated Server Hosting/VPS Hosting, you are not limited to options listed below if you’re able to perform the Operating System (OS) setup on your side.

CentOS - Free

CentOS is a free Linux distribution based on the source code for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which is only available through a paid subscription.

Given CentOS is an enterprise-level OS, this means it’s highly stable and secure even though its packages may be somewhat outdated. CentOS versions are maintained for 10 years, which is one of the main reasons why it’s popular within an enterprise environment.

CentOS is the only free distribution that officially supports cPanel and WHM, making it a common choice for those who use one or both.

Ubuntu - Free

Based on Debian, Ubuntu is a free OS and was initially released in 2004. Ubuntu and Debian are two distributions that share a lot of common features such as Debian’s package format and package manager. Many available packages are compatible with both Ubuntu and Debian. However, that’s not always the case. Ubuntu receives more frequent updates than Debian, which means it includes more up-to-date software and new features.

Ubuntu is better suited to those who want to have all the latest services and software. Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) releases are still stable and secure, just not as stable and secure as Debian. LTS releases have a support shelf life of 5 years.

Ubuntu also comes with certain features like pre-installations and enabled default firewalls, making it easier for beginners and advanced users alike so the solutions can be found more easily.

Debian is a free OS, with the first version being released in 1993. It is one of the earliest operating systems based on the Linux kernel. Debian’s stable version updates are infrequent and contain somewhat outdated software. However, every release is thoroughly tested and remains incredibly stable and secure.

Debian is a suitable choice for enterprise servers where stability and security are of the highest priority. Debian stable releases are supported for about 3 years.

CloudLinux - $20/month (for Dedicated servers only)

CloudLinux is a paid subscription that’s marketed to web hosting providers. CloudLinux comes with a modified system kernel and a set of original features. Some of the features include:

• Increased stability of the shared environment due to the encapsulation of each client’s processes in its own secure and isolated environment.
• Increased security due to using a virtual file system to keep users from seeing one another and viewing sensitive information.
• Flexible features such as Python/Ruby/Node.JS apps, which support Shared Hosting users and a PHP selector, which allows users to easily customize their PHP version and used extensions.
• Performance features, such as mod_lsapi, which is the fastest way to serve PHP with Apache.

You can find more information about CloudLinux in this article.

To recap, CloudLinux is the OS of choice for those who plan to use Shared Hosting or Reseller Hosting in the future.