English
Magyar
A VPS server is the perfect choice if you want hosting for your website, for storing files or for running software with high system requirements, as it perfectly combines the advantages of physical and dedicated servers.
Its greatest advantage is that it completely relieves owners of the hassles associated with managing physical hardware, thus offering a wide range of applications.
It is important to note, however, that the usability and features of a VPS server are fundamentally determined by the operating system. Which system we choose to use is, in every case, entirely up to us.
However, when making the right choice, there are many factors to take into account, as there is little point in swearing by Windows-based solutions if our needs are better served by Linux-based distributions.
So let’s take a look at how to choose an operating system, and what features each type has to offer!
Linux-based solutions for VPS servers
Linux-based distributions are very often chosen for VPS systems, and contrary to popular belief, this is by no means solely because they are free.
This is because they are extremely stable, secure, open-source and backed by a huge support network.
Although they are, in some respects, more difficult to use than Windows-based solutions, it soon becomes clear that there are versions which are unbeatable when it comes to running a VPS server.
Debian
Debian is considered one of the most popular operating systems for VPS servers. It is based on Linux and is a particularly good choice for web server solutions, servers designed for databases and email servers alike.
This Linux-based operating system is so popular because it is extremely stable – perhaps the most stable solution of all the alternatives, particularly in a server environment – and the developers created it based on a very minimalist philosophy.
This not only ensures quick transparency, but also prevents you from installing unnecessary software. It features excellent documentation and its support cycle is outstanding, reaching up to 5 years for LTS versions.
One drawback is that Debian does not have as large a community behind it as, for example, Ubuntu, and it is not always up to date in terms of software versions, although this is often seen as more of an advantage.
Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server is actually a Debian-based Linux distribution, which is particularly advantageous because it not only offers a rewarding experience for advanced users, but is also one of the best options for beginners.
A good solution for VPS servers that we would use for web hosting, databases, containers or CI/CD systems.
One of its key advantages is undoubtedly the extremely large and active community behind it; thanks to this, there are countless guides available, and you’ll also find plenty of dedicated forums and blogs relating to Ubuntu.
Users also receive support for several years with LTS versions, whilst it provides a robust foundation for both containerisation technologies and cloud solutions.
There are no major drawbacks, but its higher resource requirements – at least compared to Debian – are often mentioned here, as are the overly frequent updates, which can often lead to compatibility issues – although the active community quickly finds solutions to these.
AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux
We need to mention AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux in the same breath because both carry on the legacy of CentOS, which used to enjoy enormous popularity. Unfortunately, CentOS has not been supported since 2021, but thanks to the community’s efforts, two alternatives have emerged.
AlmaLinux is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, whilst Rocky Linux was developed by the original creators of CentOS and is also built on RHEL compatibility.
The features of the two systems are essentially identical, so it is not possible to distinguish between their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Not only have both been optimised for enterprise environments, but they also come with exceptionally long support periods, guaranteeing updates for 10 years, whilst offering the option to choose between cPanel, DirectAdmin or other control panels.
Essentially, there are no particular drawbacks; many people’s only complaint is that it is updated more slowly than Ubuntu, but given the incompatibility issues, this isn’t necessarily a major problem.
Both systems can be the perfect choice for web hosting, cPanel-based systems and running business applications alike.
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is a very specific operating system which is used less frequently for VPS servers than the types mentioned above; however, it is a great alternative for server environments used for educational or research purposes, or for non-critical systems.
As well as its features, it is popular because it always provides users with the very latest software and offers a level of customisability that perhaps no other Linux-based solution can match.
However, due to its specific nature, many people complain that running it always requires advanced technical knowledge; furthermore, it suffers from more stability issues than other Linux distributions, and frequent updates only exacerbate this problem.
Fedora Server
Fedora Server is a good choice as an operating system for a VPS server if you want to run a development environment on the server or work with containerised applications, but it can also be a good alternative in other situations.
It is a particularly specialised operating system, which has the added advantage of being developed by Red Hat and supporting cutting-edge technologies, whilst providing a perfect testing environment for RHEL.
The reason it is rarely chosen for other uses is that it is not supported for very long; however, during that period, it receives a great many updates, which often result in updates being released that cause compatibility issues.
Windows-based solutions for VPS servers
Although there are nowhere near as many options for Windows-based solutions on a VPS server as there are for Linux – as, in practice, Windows Server is the only choice – its popularity remains unquestionable, given that everyone is well acquainted with Microsoft’s developments.
It is mainly chosen by those who value a familiar graphical interface and ease of use, as the majority of desktop computers run some form of Windows operating system, which is why many people prefer to stick with it even in a server environment.
Windows Server
Although we could discuss each type of Windows Server individually, anyone who is seriously involved in – or wishes to become more seriously involved in – the subject will undoubtedly opt for the latest versions. We would just like to add that this is absolutely the right choice.
Windows Server is suitable for virtually any situation, but it is most often chosen for a VPS server when owners wish to implement Microsoft-based enterprise solutions, or when .NET development and the Remote Desktop environment are important to them.
It has many advantages, but just as many disadvantages; therefore, it is safe to say that most people only opt for it because they are unfamiliar with Linux-based systems.
Furthermore, other advantages include, for example, support for the .NET-based applications mentioned above, as well as MSSQL and Active Directory, whilst these systems support Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) as standard.
One of its biggest drawbacks is that it is a licensed product – in other words, it is not free – and it requires far more resources than Linux-based distributions; in particular, it uses significantly more CPU and RAM, whilst the frequent updates and the resulting reboots also make it unpopular with many users.
Other solutions for VPS servers
Many people believe that the only operating systems available for VPS servers are Linux and Windows, when in fact there is a third option – at least amongst the more popular choices.
This is none other than FreeBSD.
FreeBSD
FreeBSD is often mentioned amongst Linux-based software, even though it is not actually Linux; rather, as its name suggests, it is a BSD-based system, essentially a UNIX system.
It is particularly often chosen in cases where the use of a VPS server is not standard but specialised; for example, we frequently encounter it when security is paramount in the server’s design.
This is an extremely secure and exceptionally stable operating system, which supports, for example, the ZFS file system, as well as installation directly from the source code.
It offers significantly better network performance than most Linux distributions, which can be such a crucial advantage in certain situations that, for many people, choosing FreeBSD is a no-brainer.
Of course, this comes at a ‘price’, as there is significantly less software available for this operating system by default; it does not have nearly as much support or a background as Linux distributions, and indeed, it does not work at all with a great deal of Linux-based software, or produces annoying compatibility issues.
How to choose an operating system for a VPS server?
Although we have outlined above the most popular operating systems that may be considered for VPS servers, the choice may still be unclear to many. What should you bear in mind when making your choice? Let’s look at the main considerations:
- Defining your purpose: Most operating systems serve different purposes. Once you’ve decided what you want to use the system for, it will be much easier to make a decision. For example, Ubuntu is excellent for web servers, Debian for email servers, whilst FreeBSD is better suited to security solutions.
- Expertise: When making a choice, the level of technical knowledge you possess matters a great deal. For beginners, for example, Ubuntu and Debian are good choices, whilst Arch Linux or FreeBSD are recommended for more advanced users; for those who prefer simplicity and are used to Microsoft solutions, Windows Server is a good alternative.
- Resources: The resources of the VPS server also play a key role in the decision. Debian, for example, makes exceptionally good use of the available hardware, whilst Windows Server requires a great deal of RAM and a powerful processor.
- Up-to-date and stable: When it comes to a VPS server, being up-to-date and stable can be very important. In terms of being up-to-date, Ubuntu or Fedora, for example, are unbeatable, whilst in terms of stability, Debian is one of the best alternatives.