Linux / Unix Distribution Comparison

The following is a comparison of supported Linux / Unix operating systems to use as a guideline. We give you the flexibility of choosing from a wide range of operating systems with every dedicated server plan.

Not sure which operating system to choose? Don't hesitate to contact us so we can work with you in recommending the best software for your dedicated servers.

PRO

  • Mature and stable, RedHat only use proven technology and methods.
  • Long Life cycle, bug patches and security fixes released for 7 years
  • RedHat Support included in license fee covering basic usage, configuration, and diagnosing bugs
  • Created and maintained by professionals.

CON

  • License fee

PRO

  • Free
  • Mature and stable, based on RedHat Enterprise
  • Long Life cycle, bug patches and security fixes released for 7 years
  • Popular, lots of guides on the internet on how to do various tasks

CON

  • Patches release usually one or two days after RedHat
  • Community developed during peoples spare time.

PRO

  • Free
  • Mature and stable, Debian take a very conservative approach to new releases and subject new software versions to strenuous testing
  • Medium length life cycle, patched for up to 3 years
  • Popular, and one of the oldest distributions, lots of guides on the internet on how to do various tasks
  • Comprehensive software repository, makes installation of additional software a lot easier.

CON

  • Community developed during peoples spare time, though with a large community of developers

PRO

  • Free
  • Based on Debian.
  • Corporate support available from Canonical (for a fee)
  • Professionally and community developed.
  • LTS version released every 2 years has long life cycle, patches and updates for 5 years
  • Software more up to date than Debian

CON

  • Community developed during peoples spare time, though with a large community of developers
  • As software versions are newer, they've not be subjected to the same amount of real world testing so stability isn't as guaranteed, more likely to have bugs.
  • Non-LTS releases only patched for up to 18 months.

PRO

  • Free
  • Uses very latest technology
  • Produced by RedHat, as a testing ground for features to go to RedHat, maintained by professionals

CON

  • As software versions are extremely new (bleeding edge, often still in Beta stage), they've not be subjected to the same amount of real world testing so stability isn't as guaranteed, and a lot more likely to have bugs and security exploits
  • Very short life cycle, patches only released for 13 months.

PRO

  • Mature and Stable, core packages subject to strenuous testing before release.
  • BSD was designed from the ground up around the concept of the network
  • Handles heavy loads better than Linux distributions
  • Generally more secure than Linux.
  • Full operating system, rather than a series of packages provided alongside the Linux kernel.

CON

  • Some (not much and usually specialised) software is yet to be ported to FreeBSD from Linux
  • Not quite as user friendly (not a problem in conjunction with cPanel)
  • Community supported, with a smaller community than most major Linux distributions
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