Operating Systems for the Web Server - the Best Operating Systems

The Windows or Linux operating system on a server holds an exposed position compared to a laptop, a desktop PC, or an embedded device, and fundamentally must fulfil different tasks. A well-optimised Dedicated Server combines the characteristics of these three different constructions and, like a mobile computer, must have excellent security, deliver high performance like a desktop PC, and operate extremely efficiently like an embedded PC. For these and numerous other reasons, it is crucial for secure, long-term use to choose the appropriate operating system during setup.

Table of Contents:

The operating system on a server and its structure
Different servers and their tasks
Choosing the right operating system for the server
Differences between server and Linux or Windows web hosting
Special requirements for a web server operating system

The operating system on a server and its structure

Superficially, a server may appear to be an extremely fast calculator that stores all information in a format that can be stored by capacitors as 0s and 1s. The processor coordinates the activity of the numerous individual memory cells and switches them according to its logical calculations to these two values to perform calculations, which the server then outputs in a human-readable form such as text, image, video, control signal, or interactive content for humans or peripherals. For this purpose, there are several different levels on which the web server operating system translates the abstract arithmetic operations of the processor architecture into an understandable output in several steps. These levels exist in every computer, including the server, and consist of:

• The hardware operating in machine language
• A core or kernel between hardware and software
• Programs written in different languages for specific tasks
• The output of a result for further processing in connected devices
• Multiple interfaces for configuration and data exchange

Every operating system and every server - whether Linux on an Embedded PC, Windows on a Gaming Computer, or a Linux VPS hosting for a website - operates on this principle. The difference between these devices lies in the selection of services or programs offered, the type of access, and the user's interaction with the operating system. This can be done either through a graphical interface as with Windows or purely text-based as is often the case with a Linux Server - for example, a Debian VPS hosting.

Various Servers and Their Tasks

In the early days of the internet, a single physical server was responsible for delivering content. Upon a request from a web server, it provided static information related to a specific address, contained in a source file with references to additional elements such as images or videos. Due to numerous disadvantages - primarily the difficulty of maintenance and the need to manually organise all content individually - this concept of static websites was replaced by a dynamic linking of web servers, services, and information. In this setup, Linux or Windows web servers centrally store the relevant information and create a unique response to the visitor on each visit to a website, compiled from scripts from different sources such as layout, databases, and multimedia content. Some possibilities include:

• Dedicated Servers with exclusive, dedicated hardware
• Linux VPS hosting with graphical or text-based interface
• Windows VPS hosting with Microsoft Server operating system
• Stable and efficient Debian VPS hosting
• Managed Linux VPS hosting with external support for configuration and maintenance

In addition to a so-called Dedicated Server with its own hardware, virtualised Windows VPS hosting or Linux VPS hosting are also available as alternatives, possessing similar characteristics. They are highly scalable in terms of performance and costs, and offer all the advantages of having your own server with an independent operating system. Virtual servers like a Windows VPS hosting or a Linux VPS hosting are therefore a special form. This involves purely virtualised hardware on which a Linux or Windows operating system is installed. By using powerful hardware, numerous virtual instances can run on a single physical server, increasing efficiency. This allows providers to operate virtual Linux or Windows servers at very low costs and offer them to their customers at affordable prices.
 

Characteristics of a dedicated server with an operating system

A server with an exclusively used operating system offers far more possibilities than predefined IT infrastructure such as Windows web hosting or Linux web hosting. Depending on requirements, it can perform numerous tasks in addition to serving as a primary web server, such as hosting any number of databases, a private cloud, or an unlimited number of email addresses. Since the Linux or Windows operating system is available to a single user, they are free to choose suitable software and can use commercial or freely available open-source solutions that best meet their requirements. Furthermore, there are additional benefits that enable the setup of a customised IT infrastructure optimised for its use through hardware and operating system. The key features include:
 

• Exclusive use of Windows or Linux operating system
• No restrictions on the number and type of services
• Possibility to install own programs in the operating system
• Scalable performance according to current needs
• Redundant network connection
• Efficient cost control
• Powerful hardware without the need for personal investments
• Professional support from the provider
• Full management, for example with a Managed Linux VPS hosting
• Freedom to choose the operating system

With a Dedicated Server, the configuration and use of the entire system are solely in the hands of the user. Depending on the type of virtualisation, there may be some limitations with a Linux VPS hosting - for example, it may not always be possible to use a customised kernel for the operating system, and access to certain interfaces such as those for networking may be restricted.
 

Choosing the Right Operating System for the Server

In the past, Linux and Windows have established themselves as operating systems for a server. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered when making a choice, and they have different requirements in terms of hardware and the user's technical knowledge.

The Linux operating system was designed in the early 1990s by the computer science student Linus Torvalds as a free alternative to commercial Unix. Due to its high flexibility and excellent resource utilization, it has since become the most widely used operating system in the world and is widely used for servers, embedded devices such as routers, smartphones, desktop PCs, telecommunications, and industrial production. The operating system is open source licensed and can be adapted and modified according to individual requirements and needs. The operating system, like a large part of the available software, is free of charge and freely available for download.

Over time, certain packages - known as distributions - have been developed to facilitate use, which include the kernel and additional freely available software as a complete Linux operating system. Some of the most well-known distributions include Linux Debian and its derivative Ubuntu, the commercially supported Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Fedora, or the originally developed in Germany OpenSUSE. Each distribution is maintained by a team of full-time programmers in cooperation with a large community. Every user can submit suggestions for changes or optimizations or report issues, allowing Linux as an operating system to continuously evolve. Its key features are:
 

• Excellent performance and efficient use of hardware resources
• Open, freely modifiable, and cost-free source code
• Operating system with high security and stability
• Highly versatile hardware support and compatibility with different processor architectures
• Various utility programs such as web, file, or database servers available
• Possible use as a Private Cloud
• Graphical interface or text-based configuration via remote access possible
• Excellent support from a global community
• Choice between distributions with different focuses such as stability, long-term support, or user-friendliness

Unlike Linux, Microsoft operating systems (such as Windows Server 2022) are commercial operating systems that are paid for and distributed under license fees. Due to its user-friendly interface for end users, it dominates the market for privately used PCs, but is also a common choice for industrial or security-critical applications due to the guaranteed support and liability provided by the manufacturer. Updates are irregular and solely the responsibility of Microsoft. In direct comparison with Linux, Windows consumes more resources, which is why many providers prefer stability, performance, and security-focused distributions like Debian for their servers.

For Microsoft Windows, there are numerous additional programs, some of which originate from the open-source movement or are also commercially offered by third parties. When used on a server, the operating system typically used is a version of Windows Server designed for this purpose. It includes various services such as integrated servers for databases, websites, email, and necessary environments like the scripting languages PHP and Python.
 

Differences between Server and Linux or Windows Web Hosting

With a server, the user has access to the infrastructure and can freely utilise it. In contrast, Windows or Linux web hosting provides a predefined environment, typically consisting of one or more scripting languages like Python or PHP, access to databases, and a web server. There are significant limitations on configuration options or the selection of programs used - any subsequent changes, for example due to increased requirements, are usually only possible by booking a different Windows or Linux web hosting package.
 

Special Requirements for a Web Server Operating System

While an operating system for desktop PCs, laptops, or smartphones is primarily optimised for user-friendliness and software compatibility, a web server must meet different requirements. For a server operating 24/7/365, essential properties such as stability, error control, and fast response of internal processes and services take precedence. The load fluctuates significantly throughout the day and seasonally, so high scalability of performance is crucial for good energy efficiency - only through this can cost-effective operation 24/7/365 be achieved. At the same time, as the load increases, the operating system must almost instantly switch the server to a more powerful mode. Even brief delays can significantly slow down the output of a website via the web server during spontaneous load peaks.