Best Operating Systems for VPS Hosting | Find Your Ideal OS

Discover the best operating systems for VPS hosting and choose the ideal one for your needs. From Ubuntu to CentOS, explore their features, benefits, and drawbacks to make an informed decision. Get reliable performance and security for your virtual private server with the right OS.

Updated: 13 Sep, 23 by Susith Nonis 13 Min

List of content you will read in this article:

Due to digital development, businesses need to adopt modern technologies and alter their operating models. 

Organizations have been compelled to develop websites to improve client accessibility due to shifting business models and revenue streams. However, not all businesses know the technical components of website hosting, such as bandwidth, server security, operating system, scalability, etc. 

This makes them vulnerable and may cause them to make poor decisions that could harm the organization.

The VPS operating system you choose is a crucial factor that may impact your company. Even though choosing the hosting server is difficult, the work is not done yet. 

Your business will be impacted by the Operating System you choose for your VPS from the programs you can install to how simple it is. learn more about what is vps server.

The needs and priorities of your company, as well as your budget, technological capabilities, etc., must be considered when choosing the ideal OS for VPS.

You have a choice between Windows and Linux regarding OS for VPS Hosting.

Microsoft sells Windows, which has excellent interoperability with third-party and internal software. 

The Microsoft technical team creates the Windows server OS for VPS; thus, utilizing it wouldn't require a lot of technical expertise. Also, managing a Windows server environment is comparably simpler.

Its most notable advantage is the Windows operating system's user-friendly interface, simplifying hosting-related tasks. 

If your company processes are set up to rely on Microsoft software, such as if you want to build your website using the ASP.NET framework, then the Windows operating system is the obvious choice.

Using a remote desktop is yet another impressive benefit of Windows VPS hosting. It provides simple access to VPS hosting through a user-friendly interface. In contrast to Linux OS, which requires Secure Shell protocol, Windows OS offers a simple and hassle-free way to administer server operations.

Windows operating systems are administered through the Plesk control panel instead of Linux operating systems, which are managed through the more recognizable cPanel. 

Thanks to its user-friendly GUI, the Windows operating system outperforms Linux regarding user comfort.

When is Windows VPS hosting the ideal choice?

There are numerous OS choices available for Windows VPS servers, but just one is the optimal OS for VPS. 

Not every business website can function in every situation. Windows is the greatest VPS operating system and is specifically required by some apps. Windows VPS stands out from other operating systems because of its fantastic features and association with a reliable brand. 

You must select Windows as your preferred operating system for the VPS server under the following circumstances or circumstances: 

Windows has been specifically created to handle applications like ASP.NET, MySQL, MS Access, and others when they run on those platforms.

Whenever you require FTP access to move files from your computer to a network and vice versa, you can access online software archives with FTP access.

Windows is the best VPS operating system to ease your working style. Plesk is typically the preferred control panel for Windows. Out of many control panels, Plesk has a reputation for having a user-friendly interface.

Since Microsoft supports Windows, there are no questions about its IT support.

Here are some of the best Windows Server OS for VPS hosting with a brief description of each:

  1. Windows Server 2022 - The latest version of Windows Server with advanced multi-layer security, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and a flexible application platform. It introduces secured-core capabilities to help protect hardware, firmware, and Windows Server OS capabilities against advanced security threats, and also provides secured connectivity with faster and more secure encrypted HTTPS connections. It also improves hybrid server management and Windows container capabilities.

  2. Windows Server 2019 - The latest version of Windows Server with improved security and hybrid capabilities for cloud integration.
  3. Windows Server 2016 - A stable and reliable OS for VPS hosting, with added security features and support for containers.

  4. Windows Server 2012 R2 - A popular choice for VPS hosting, with enhanced virtualization capabilities and improved storage management.

  5. Windows Server 2008 R2 - While no longer supported by Microsoft, it is still a viable option for legacy applications and provides stable performance.

  6. Windows Server 2012 Essentials - A cost-effective solution for small businesses with limited IT resources, providing simplified management and easy integration with cloud services.

Remember that the best Windows Server OS for VPS hosting will depend on your specific needs and requirements, such as the type of applications you plan to run, the amount of traffic you expect, and the level of security you require.

Linux is an operating system's kernel, or core, which handles all of the system's related tasks, including memory management, hardware, data control, etc. The kernel is the foundation of any distribution, and the kernel is also the most crucial and significant component of every operating system.

Torvalds also created the original Linux kernel, a major factor in the changes. When we refer to Linux, we mean the open-source distribution of the Linux kernel.

Since there are so many different Linux distributions, users can create their own by altering the code.

There are numerous Linux OS available for various purposes. There are server and graphical variants of Linux. Typically, the server edition is installed by the providers of VPS services. 

You need to understand how to use SSH commands to use Linux Server.

Two Linux-based VPS operating systems that are simpler to use and great for beginners are Ubuntu and CentOS. Debian, Fedora, Red Hat, and OpenSUSE are options for more tech-savvy users.

When is Linux VPS hosting the ideal choice?

Depending on the kind of need, the user bases of Linux and Windows can differ. Like Windows, Linux also ensures increased efficiency and all the other advantages of a VPS host. But there are situations when Linux as an operating system is preferred:

  • Linux is the ideal OS for VPS if you don’t have access to that many resources.
  • When you want to avoid rebooting daily because it gets hectic under heavy workloads.
  • When you need greater flexibility.
  • When using a reliable control panel, such as cPanel.
  • When you need both FTP and SSH.

Discover the top OS for Linux VPS hosting in this comprehensive list that includes popular options like Ubuntu Server, CentOS Stream, Debian, and Fedora Server, as well as community-driven alternatives like Almalinux and Rocky Linux. Get a brief overview of each OS and recent versions to help you choose the ideal one for your VPS hosting needs.

  1. Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS (latest), 20.04 LTS - The latest and previous version of the popular Linux Server OS with long-term support, a large community, and extensive documentation.

  2. CentOS Stream 9 (latest), 8 - The latest and previous version of the cutting-edge Linux Server OS with rolling updates that enables you to test and develop new features before they are released in the stable version.

  3. Debian 11 (latest), 10 - The latest and previous version of the reliable and flexible Linux Server OS that is highly customizable and suitable for a wide range of applications. It is known for its package management system and security features.

  4. Fedora Server 35 (latest), 34 - The latest and previous version of the cutting-edge Linux Server OS that is designed for developers and advanced users. It offers the latest software versions and innovative features for virtualization and containerization.

  5. Almalinux 8.4 (latest) - A community-driven Linux Server OS that is a 1:1 fork of CentOS 8. It offers long-term support, stability, and security features.

  6. Rocky Linux 8.4 (latest) - A community-driven Linux Server OS that is also a 1:1 fork of CentOS 8. It offers long-term support and is designed to be a stable and secure alternative to CentOS.

Keep in mind that the best Linux Server OS for VPS hosting will depend on your specific needs and requirements, such as the type of applications you plan to run, the level of technical expertise you have, and the level of support and documentation you require.

After discussing the VPS options available, you must understand the key differences between Windows and Linux-based VPS Operating Systems.

These two operating systems can be compared based on different aspects, which are detailed below:

Security

It is essential to ensure that your VPS Operating System provides the best security, given the increase in cyber-security breaches and DDoS attacks. 

Due to its open-source and open community, Linux is comparatively more secure. These two features make sure that any bugs, as well as backdoors, are found and fixed right away.

Moreover, Linux is less vulnerable because it has fewer users than Microsoft. Given the attempted attacks, Microsoft has a safe operating system, but a breach is more likely.

Performance

Users anticipate a quick and dependable experience when they visit a company website. Because of this, the functionality of the VPS operating system is equally important to your company's success. 

The command line can be used for all administration tasks on Linux, which is made to be used with a secure remote login. 

Linux performs more quickly since it doesn't need to restart after every upgrade. However, the Command Line Interface (CLI), which requires typing lines of commands for each operation, can be challenging for the average user.

Windows is more user-friendly since it uses a Graphical User Interface (GUI). A general user is more skilled at using Windows' user-friendly interface due to the widespread use of Windows OS in laptops and personal computers. 

For those without a strong technical foundation, the Linux OS CLI can be challenging. Hence, Windows OS with GUI is user-friendly, and anyone may use it, regardless of their level of technical expertise. 

However, with Windows OS, VPS must reboot after each driver update or patch.

Scalability

You will require an OS for VPS that can enable you to handle additional traffic without compromising performance as your business expands. You will have the option to upgrade both your Linux and Windows virtual private servers.

Cost

Most Linux-based software and apps are free to use, and no yearly costs are associated with using the Linux operating system. 

Microsoft products, on the other hand, demand that you buy a license. As a result, you could have to pay a license price for your VPS operating system and a few other potential applications.

Technical support

Regardless of your team's level of technical proficiency, you will occasionally require support teams for the operating system's technical assistance. 

It might be for something simple, like resolving a little bug, or it might be for something more severe, like a hacking attempt. A sizable community of programmers supports Linux and will fix bugs, respond to questions on public forums, and offer fixes for common issues.

Grievance resolution is not rapid or devoted because it is a voluntary service; thus, it may take longer. Microsoft has expensive licensing costs and is a premium service. 

This guarantees a dedicated support staff whose sole responsibility is to assist you in finding answers to your questions as soon as possible. As a result, Microsoft VPS OS will guarantee improved customer service.

The best OS to choose for your VPS is not as simple as it may seem, as was mentioned earlier in this article. 

First, you must evaluate the unique requirements of your organization and the resources—both human and financial—at your disposal. More adaptable, compatible, and developer-friendly will be Linux OS for VPS. 

On the other hand, the Windows VPS operating system will be incredibly simple to use, with an intuitive UI, increased control, and better and faster support.

You must ascertain your precise demands and abilities because each operating system provides unique advantages. 

Choose an operating system that most closely matches the needs and objectives of your organization.

🚀 Ready to take your VPS hosting to the next level? 💪 Visit our VPS hosting page now to learn more about our lightning-fast performance, unbeatable reliability, and 24/7 support. With flexible and scalable plans, a user-friendly control panel, and a wide range of operating system options, you can customize your VPS to meet your specific needs. 💻🔧 Click here to visit our VPS hosting page and discover the perfect plan for your website. 🤖💻

People also read: 

Susith Nonis

Susith Nonis

I'm fascinated by the IT world and how the 1's and 0's work. While I venture into the world of Technology, I try to share what I know in the simplest way with you. Not a fan of coffee, a travel addict, and a self-accredited 'master chef'.