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The overall performance of the server or computer depends on your operating system. There is no doubt that an operating system can make a huge difference to your business. Many businesses don’t give a thought to the operating system, ignoring the fact that it is the most essential software on your computer. There are many kinds of operating systems available in the market, you can choose any of them based on your business needs. In this article, I have come up with the top operating systems that you can use for your business and personal needs.

This article will help you to choose the best operating system based on your business and personal needs. What is the best server OS for your business depends on the specifications of your business such as, whether you are a small or large size business, what are your server requirements, and how much traffic you are expecting from your website, once your business is established. To find the best operating system for servers, you have to understand your business requirements and a good knowledge of different operating systems specifications and technicalities. Choosing the right operating system for servers is a critical decision to make because all businesses have different needs and we cannot name just one operating system that would fulfill the demands of all businesses.

Check out this article to learn the different features and specifications of all servers based on your business, and choose the best operating systems for your business.

Windows Operating System

Windows is one of the most famous and widely used operating systems right now. After all, 80 % of the total market was based on this operating system. Microsoft announced to discontinuation of the development of Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, due to Windows 7 EOL (End of Life), it is not suggested to use it further. Windows 10 Pro operating system is effective enough to fulfill SMEs’ needs. On the one hand, this is undoubtedly a benefit. People are already very familiar with this operating system’s structure and work so you don’t have to train your employees to use this OS.

Similarly, it is so dominant that you may have no difficulty in finding extra software. No need to mention, that support is available freely and therefore, you must be able to get many problems sorted out quickly. The best thing about this OS is that it allows frequent updates and changes, this OS offers a lot of features of management that you may need for your business.

As a business, the cost is the key aspect that you have to focus on. Besides, Windows products and licensing fees can get rather expensive if you are catering to a large amount of customers. I would recommend you use this OS for small businesses because the more you are likely to grow your business, the more expensive it will get.

Maybe what many businesses are concerned about are the security hazards. It is no wonder that out of all the available operating systems, Windows is most inclined to security attacks. This mainly happens because hackers are more acquainted with the operating system, and it is easier for them to find the loopholes in it.

The following are Windows-based operating systems, and you can use any of them based on your business needs.

Windows 10 Pro

For small to medium businesses using an old Windows version or an old device and are considering buying or upgrading a device, it is the best time to do it. The major benefit is the defense in contradiction of modern security intimidations, plus you will get seamless incorporation with the defenses and the cloud that you require.

Windows 10 Enterprise (E3)

If you are very much concerned about your security and privacy then it is the best Windows operating system to have. For bigger SMEs, mainly in highly controlled businesses or those where security and privacy are at the lead when controlling complex data needs to be secured and managed. In Windows 10, creating the current security defenses, Windows Defender ATP offers a post-breach protection layer to the security stack of Windows 10. With a mixture of client technology made on Windows 10 and a strong cloud service, it can support to detection pressures that have made it past other defenses, offer businesses data to examine the breach across endpoints, and provide recommendations for the response.

Windows 10 Enterprise (E5)

The provides advanced threat protection to its clients. Windows 10 Enterprise E5 is the latest proposal for clients who want to get the maximum benefit of everything with additional Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection also known as Windows Defender ATP is a new facility to help businesses identify, examine, and respond to advanced network attacks. 

Linux

There is a one-way Linux can beat the Windows operating system as far as affordability is concerned because of Linux OS free. To work with Linux OS, you don’t have to make any investments. Also, you may know that Linux is not a complete OS, it is more like a kernel. The advantage of this is that you can select the enterprise operating system-related distros, for example, Ubuntu which is one of the top operating systems available. Linux is an affordable operating system that is a good choice for businesses.

The Linux distros allow you to make modifications in Linux based on business requirements. Therefore, this operating system is easy to tailor to specifically suit your business’ wants. Using this operating system for business, you will enjoy better and more effective performance. Now, compared with Windows, Linux operating systems are safer, and consequently, it is less disposed to security risks and similar viruses.

You must be acquainted with the Linux installation on computers; however, you should also know about the drawbacks of the kernel. In the meantime, it can be changed, which makes Linux relatively complex to use. Hence, you will have to depend on employees with definite skills to deal with this, and it is not an easy task. Also, as there are very few programs inscribed for Linux, you may have a hard time finding someone who can develop new programs for your business.

Here are some Linux-based operating systems, you can use to fulfill your business or personal needs.

Oracle Linux

Oracle Autonomous Linux is said to be an autonomous operating system that needs no human administration to function. This web server OS was unveiled by Larry Ellison, Oracle CEO and co-founder, at the OpenWorld conference in San Francisco, and it is the world’s first autonomous operating system proficient in patching and tuning itself while working. According to Oracle, its existing customers of Cloud Infrastructure can access the operating system without any extra cost.

Oracle OS Management Service is also launched by Oracle. The service lets users select the servers that can be controlled manually and which are automatic, and used to remove manual responsibilities such as configuration management, patch management, and compliance and security reporting. When you use it with OS Management Service, Oracle Autonomous Linux offers automatic tuning, patching, and updating, with 100% automatic updates of security to the Linux kernel and userspace library consistently.

Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu is the best operating system for business that is made on the Linux kernel basis. It is known as the Linux distribution. Ubuntu is one of the few enterprise operating systems which are made on the Linux kernel foundation. You can also find other operating systems built on Linux for your business or personal use. Other Linux kernel’s open-source operating systems are free to use and available to download. There are dedicated developers’ communities who can provide you with assistance to effectively use the operating systems. The one issue with free open-source operating system downloading is that it might be very complex for a non-technical user. This OS is distributed by the Canonical company.

One of the major advantages of Ubuntu is that it is free to use and small businesses and startups can also install this OS without breaking their banks. Unlike Windows or Mac OS, you don’t have to invest any money in it. Although Windows now also offers customization features Ubuntu OS is more customizable than any other famous server operating system. This guarantees that you can use it exactly based on your requirements. You can modify every aspect of a user interface which also confirms that you can make your server more efficient. There are many operating systems with their deficiencies and issues. Ubuntu is yet more secure than other operating systems such as Windows. To protect your server, you have not paid a fee to make it secure on this OS. This is also a reason I highly recommend businesses to go for Ubuntu. It offers numerous desktops just like your smartphone screen. You can shift between the various screens to work on different software. 

Fedora Linux

Fedora is one of the well-known operating system brands that needs no introduction as it is quite a popular Linux distribution together with other big names such as Red Hat, Debian, and Ubuntu. But if you are coming across the distro for the first time, you must know that it is a professional, Red Hat-backed customizable Linux distro well-known for offering its users modern features while being real with the open-source community. With Fedora, you don’t have to manually install and maintain software.

The Fedora OS is also known as a bleeding edge because it is continuously rolling out with updated versions of software, Linux features, and driver updates, This contributes to the reason why you can confidently use Fedora as soon as the installation is complete – it ships with the modern stable kernel with all its advantages. Fedora has the biggest communities all around the world with an opportunity settled by numerous users who will help happily you resolve the problem that may have you wedged using the distro.

This is discrete from the large Reddit community and Fedora IRC channel which you can have access and learn from other users’ experiences. There are different versions of Fedora-based one community as “spins” and it uses a Desktop Environment from the default Gnome Desktop. The currently available Spins are LXQT, XFCE, KDE Plasma, LXDE, Mate Compiz, Cinnamon, and SOAS. Fedora is sponsored by the Red Hat community so its users enjoy a lot of benefits of getting assistance from the Red Hat community that comprises constant security updates and commercial support.

 Users of Linux enjoy good security because of the Linux kernel underlying distro but developers of Fedora have further gone to advanced features of security in distro through the Security-Enhanced Linux module. Security-Enhanced Linux module is a security module in the Linux kernel that allows assistance for accessing security rules such as permission rights management.

Fedora enjoys numerous paybacks because the groups support it and a respectable example is how willingly Fedora will function on computers or servers, with scanners, printers, cameras, etc. from various merchants straight out of the box. In case, you need any Linux distro that wouldn’t offer you any compatibility annoyances then Fedora is probably the best choice for you. Fedora doesn’t forbid its users from software installation; it has all open source apps and it is repo has a no non-free policy for software.

The only disadvantage is that you may be required to resort to proprietary software downloading from third-party resources. Anyhow, here the point is that the open-source philosophy of Fedora is amongst the severest in the community that you may like about this operating system. The most common operating system of Linux is famous for its user-friendliness and Fedora is amongst the easiest distros to use. Its simple User Interface is very easy to work on and even a non-technical person can use it without any trouble the software offers a user experience that gives a feeling of familiarity and consistency to the user.

CentOS Linux

CentOS Linux is also a Linux distribution that can provide the best operating systems for business. it is derived from another distro named Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This is also free to use, CentOS is very common among the users of Linux, small businesses, and web hosts. Though it comes with more free things, you have to give up something. In this situation, there are no CentOS support facilities accessible to the team of CentOS. So, choosing the CentOS for your business or personal use, keep in mind a few things about the CentOS Linux operating system.

In my opinion, I have also used CentOS for my business, but some concerns are growing about its commercial use. At numerous hosting providers, the price variance between Red Hat Enterprise Linux and CentOS is slight. CentOS is said to be a repackaged form of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. So, seeing this, you should be very careful with selecting the right operating system for you by comparing CentOS Linux features with the Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The CentOS team repackages Red Hat Enterprise Linux into binaries that are available publicly. The software is formerly scattered through numerous public mirrors. As far as I know, there is no straight partnership or relationship between Red Hat and CentOS. The absence of these relationships has formed a lot of issues in the past, for example when Red Hat Enterprise Linux required all branding of Red Hat removed from CentOS.

there are a lot of businesses supporting CentOS Linux, but you may not find any commercial, official support service. With Red Hat Enterprise Linux, you can get direct support from Red Hat. On the other hand, in the case of CentOS, you have to rely on the IT consultants or community to get commercial support. Factually, when a main Red Hat Enterprise Linux version was released, CentOS followed up very soon. Recently, there has been an increment in the lag time. In the current releases, more than 200 days went by before CentOS 6 was moved out. StandAlone SysAdmin places it, CentOS is continuously trying to catch up.

So, it can be said that the CentOS team can’t rebuild packages till Red Hat releases them. CentOS and any Red Hat Enterprise Linux repackaged version are going to pause behind the product. Naturally, this is not a problem, but when serious issues of security are identified and publicized, you require quick updates. If you are in contract with someone who offers CentOS support, they are unable to do anything unless the CentOS team reconstructs the packages. Red Hat Enterprise Linux also offers training programs and certification to help professionals in learning, how to support their products. There are no official plans for the support of CentOS. Because of the resemblances in both operating systems, somebody who has learned to support Red Hat Enterprise Linux can also support CentOS. However, some companies require certified support staff. In this case, you can search for someone who is offering good support for CentOS operating systems.

Mac OS

It is the newest Apple operating system known as Mac OS Mojave. FOR small business owners, it may not have happened to you to even reflect on this OS because of the cost. It is very much like Mac computers which are more expensive than other companies and OS in the market. However, you may discover that executive-level servers from other brands. Mac OS Mojave is the latest Apple operating system that is a bit expensive.

Undoubtedly, the main reason why people are attracted to the use of the Mac operating system is the high level of security it offers to the users. The Mojave is said to be one of the security systems available. As such, most hackers, malware, and other risks related to security will find it hard to download and install the system. You may observe that in this operating system, there are some problems connected to the software. In general, if you select to install this operating system, you will have fewer fires to put out.

With the Mac OS, it isn’t a requirement for all employees unless any specific design company. So, it can be said that the job of operating system management for Mac OS is very complex and can only be given to the experts.

Wrapping Up

In this article, I have shared with you some of the most famous and effective operating systems that you can use to fulfill business or personal needs. There are numerous operating systems available in the market you can select any of them based on your business needs. Selecting the right operating system is a serious decision to make because all businesses have different requirements and we cannot suggest one operating system that would fulfill the demands of all businesses. The best thing about Windows OS is that it allows recurrent updates and changes, this OS offers many features of management that you may need for your business.

The Linux distros allow you to make modifications in Linux based on business requirements. If you need any Linux distro that wouldn’t offer you compatibility annoyances then Fedora is probably the best option available for you. For many hosting providers, the price variance between Red Hat Enterprise Linux and CentOS is minor. CentOS is said to be a repackaged form of Red Hat Enterprise Linux so it is important to be careful with both operating systems.

 I hope the information shared in this article will help you to choose the best OS for the server. If you still have any issues in deciding on a well-suited OS for your business, you can ask me in the comments section. do share this post in your circle, if you find it helpful.