What Is a Linux Server? Exploring the Linux OS

What Is A Linux Server

When it comes to enterprise IT environments and client-server architectures, Linux is the operating system of choice for servers.

Thanks to their flexibility and secure design, Linux servers can better handle an enterprise’s operational, security, and storage needs than a Windows server.

Furthermore, since Linux is built on open-source technology, Linux servers support snapshots, allowing you to scale your business more efficiently with greater cloud technology support.

In this article, we’ll cover the history, benefits, and types of Linux servers, popular Linux distributions, how to set up and manage a Linux server, best security practices, common challenges and troubleshooting, and future trends and innovations — scroll and let’s roll!

History of Linux Servers

Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991 as an alternative to Unix. Linux is a kernel: a program that sits at the core of an operating system, serving as the foundation with which all other systems interact.

Torvalds initially wanted to name his project “Freax”: a portmanteau of “Free,” “Freak” (a common term used in the computer programming and hacking community), and “x” (as an allusion to Unix). However, one of the project’s volunteers changed the name to Linux.

Linux was released under the GNU General Public License, which means that software developers and technology enthusiasts could use, modify, and redistribute the source code. Linux remains open-source software to this day.

From its humble beginnings, Linux’s popularity grew over time, and it is now the heart of many popular operating systems.

Distribution of Linux-Powered Websites bar chart
Overall, Linux servers power 39.2% of websites whose operating systems we know. Source: W3Techs

Linux is reliable and secure and has many use cases, including servers, smartphones (Android is a modified, specialized version of the Linux kernel), supercomputers, embedded systems, and enterprise environments.

Linux as a Server Operating System

Of the top 1 million servers worldwide, 96.3% use Linux distributions, also known as distros. These distros include the Linux kernel and potentially thousands of software packages, applications, and utilities.

They allow Linux to be used as an operating system, providing the functions and user interface you’d expect from a computer. Because of this, even though all distros use the same kernel, they can have wildly different user experiences and use cases.

Linux servers began gaining popularity in 1993, when the most popular distro for server environments, Debian, was launched. However, due to widespread internet adoption, Linux has only recently become a must-have technology for servers.

Tip: Most Linux server distros can also be used as operating systems, though they may not have the most recent version of the Linux kernel.

Benefits of Using Linux Servers

Windows is the most popular operating system (OS), commanding 68.32% of the market share for desktops, laptops, tablets, and consoles such as the Xbox. Linux, AKA GNU/Linux, is a distant sixth, with a market penetration of just 3.82%.

Most people are accustomed to Windows, as it has a gentler learning curve and a lower skill floor. However, while there are use cases for Windows servers, Linux servers are much more versatile and come with additional benefits aimed at server administrators.

The advantages of using Linux servers include cost-effectiveness, enhanced security, stability and reliability, increased performance, and flexibility and scalability.

Cost-Effectiveness

Linux is budget-friendly. Because Linux is open-source and under a public license, you don’t have to pay a single cent to acquire a Linux distro to use as a server operating system.

A Windows Server OS license, on the other hand, can cost thousands of dollars. Organizations can take advantage of the money they save from implementing a Linux system by investing in more infrastructure or security.

Security

The Linux kernel features built-in security features such as firewalls with packet filtering, AppArmor or SELinux Mandatory Access Control (MAC) systems, Linux Kernel Lockdown, and UEFI Secure Boot.

Linux’s open-source advantage is also worth mentioning—its source code is constantly reviewed, and vulnerabilities, if any, are identified and eliminated as soon as possible.

Stability and Reliability

Linux is designed for intense uptime and workload requirements, making it suitable for mission-critical applications and services.

Linux servers typically experience less downtime and fewer crashes than Windows servers, contributing to a more reliable and smooth computing experience.

It’s worth noting many popular Linux distributions offer long-term support (LTS), which means bug fixes and security updates are supported for eight years.

Performance

Linux is a lightweight operating system that can run efficiently on legacy and modern high-end systems — ideal for demanding applications and workloads. You can implement load-balancing techniques to get the most out of your Linux server.

You can also monitor CPU utilization, memory usage, disk performance, and network throughput using popular tools and commands to optimize performance further.

Flexibility and Scalability

Linux is highly flexible. You can choose from a wide range of distros and customize them to your liking.

Additionally, you can use Linux in various server environments, like web servers and database servers, and quickly scale up or down. Linux offers several scalability options to accommodate changing business requirements.

Technologies like containerization and orchestration also improve resource use and scalability.

Types of Linux Servers

Earlier, we mentioned two types of server environments Linux OSes can be used in (web servers and database servers); of the two, Linux web servers are by far the most popular.

The other types of Linux servers include file, mail, and application servers.

Web Servers

Linux web servers are a web hosting staple; They store web server software, such as Apache HTTP Server and Nginx, and website data, including JavaScript files, CSS stylesheets, images, and HTML documents.

When you request a webpage through a web browser, the web server software processes the request and delivers it to your device almost instantly — the faster your web hosting plan, the quicker your webpage is delivered.

Here are some of the best Linux web hosts and their standout features:

  • Hostinger: Each of Hostinger’s Linux shared hosting plans include ample NVMe storage, managed WordPress capabilities, and robust security measures.
  • IONOS: IONOS makes dirt-cheap, fast, and scalable Linux web hosting a reality.
  • A2 Hosting: If you crave super-quick Linux hosting speed, there’s none better than A2 Hosting.
  • Bluehost: Bluehost combines the best Linux shared hosting with managed WordPress hosting at affordable prices.
  • SiteGround: If you seek the ultimate Linux hosting performance with a 100% renewable energy match guarantee as a bonus, SiteGround is the host for the job.

Each web hosting provider offers plans that include web server software like Apache HTTP Server, Nginx, LiteSpeed Web Server, and Microsoft IIS.

While Apache HTTP Server is a solid choice, we recommend Nginx for modern websites with high traffic demands and LiteSpeed Web Server dynamic content and eCommerce applications.

Database Servers

Linux database servers shine in client-server architectures and run database management systems (DBMSes) like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. Database management software provides database server functionality.

This software stores the database, applications, and non-database files, provides concurrent access control, and helps you deal with large amounts of frequently processed data.

File Servers

Linux file servers are specialized computer systems that store, manage, and provide access to files and directories for authorized clients within a network—they act as a central storage hub of sorts.

They’re enabled by distributed file-sharing systems like NFS and Samba. Both solutions are excellent in their own right, but we recommend NFS if you’re looking to prioritize performance and Samba if you’re looking to prioritize security.

Mail Servers

A mail server, also known as an email server or Mail Transfer Agent (MTA), is a centralized computer system used to transfer and receive emails using protocols like Exim, Postfix, Axigen, Sendmail, and qmail.

Setting up your own mail server gives you enhanced privacy and control over the emails on your system and is recommended for enterprise environments.

Application Servers

An application server sits behind the web server. It hosts software such as Apache Tomcat and JBoss Enterprise Application Platform to facilitate the creation of web applications and software and provide an environment to run them.

Apache Tomcat is a solid option for lightweight JSP-based and servlet applications, while JBoss Enterprise Application Platform is ideal for enterprise applications that need a comprehensive Java EE platform with high availability and clustering features.

There are hundreds of actively maintained Linux distros, several of which are based on popular distributions like Ubuntu (Kubuntu and Lubuntu), Debian (antiX and Deepin), and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux).

Anyone with a sufficient understanding of Linux can create a new distro — here are the features and advantages of the most popular ones.

Debian

Debian is the crown prince in the kingdom of Linux server distributions.

Debian logo

More than 1,000 official developers continuously maintain and optimize the open-source software to ensure its reliability for server deployments.

Debian is compatible with most hardware types, simple to use, and robust overall — no wonder Debian commands 16% of the Linux market share!

We recommend Debian as the Linux OS of choice if you want to deploy a server quickly and reliably.

Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu Server is a variant of Ubuntu, the most widely-used Linux distro. Ubuntu accounts for nearly 34% of the Linux market.

Ubuntu logo

While Debian is the gold standard of server distros, Ubuntu Server is no slouch.

It offers regular maintenance updates, a five-year Standard Security Maintenance (SSM) window, hyperscale computing, and a reputation for resource efficiency.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

As the name suggests, Red Hat Enterprise Linux is an enterprise-grade Linux operating system — unfortunately, unlike most Linux Distros, it’s not free.

Red Hat logo

While a subscription to RHEL will set you back by a few hundred dollars, it may be the modern, security-oriented, and feature-laden Linux OS your business needs.

RHEL is certified in the cloud, offers top-notch security and compliance, supports emerging open-source technologies, and guarantees extended lifecycle support.

CentOS

Derived from RHEL, CentOS Stream is a new version of CentOS — CentOS Linux has been discontinued as of June 30, 2024.

CentOS logo

It’s an upstream development version that provides a view into future RHEL kernels and features.

Although it’s a high-performance OS, it isn’t rock-solid stable. It’s only recommended as a testbed for applications that developers may want to deploy on future RHEL versions — you shouldn’t bank on it for production applications.

Red Hat releases a new CentOS Stream software version every six months, but it is supported and maintained for only five years.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is another enterprise-level Linux OS. Like RHEL, SLES isn’t free: a subscription costs more than $100.

SUSE logo

It is worth the investment, though, as it offers the longest-term support: a whopping 19 years per version.

This Linux distro is compatible with major cloud vendors and hardware environments. It is secure and compliant, streamlines container development, and reduces downtime, ensuring business continuity.

Setting Up a Linux Server

A Linux server is a magnificent centralized option to store data, run applications, host websites, and share media. Setting up a Linux server for personal or business use isn’t difficult, though some moderate technical know-how is essential.

For starters, select appropriate hardware, like a dedicated server machine or an old computer system, and ensure it has sufficient processing power, RAM, storage, a reliable network interface, and expansion slots for additional peripherals.

Choosing the Right Distribution

Since there are hundreds of Linux distros, selecting the right one may seem tricky. However, identifying the purpose of your server can considerably narrow down your options.

For example, Debian and Ubuntu Server are excellent choices if you need a Linux server for web hosting. CentOS is a solid option for application development.

Installation Process

Let’s assume your Linux server is for web hosting and database management and that you have decided to install Ubuntu Server on your system.

Here are the steps you should follow to install the Linux distribution:

  1. Never download software from an unofficial link. Visit Ubuntu’s official website and download the latest iteration of Ubuntu Server.
  1. Use a tool such as Etcher, Rufus, or dd to create a bootable USB drive. Replace “/path/to/downloaded.iso” with the ISO file path and “/dev/sdX” with the drive.
  1. Plug the drive into your server and turn on the power supply. Open the BIOS/UEFI settings and configure the server to boot from the drive.
  1. Here comes the easy part: diligently follow all on-screen instructions to install the Linux distro. Ensure you select appropriate configuration options, such as disk partitioning.
  1. Eject the USB drive and restart the system.

You’re good to go! Installing a Linux distribution on your server is just half the job. The post-installation setup process shapes your Linux server.

Post-Installation Setup

To determine if the server is accessible on the network, obtain its IP address by entering the command “ip addr show” in the terminal (CLI) and ping another network device or remote server (such as Google’s primary DNS server at 8.8.8.8).

You can also set up a static IP address and configure your subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers.

User Management

Setting up user management is also crucial. Use the command “sudo useradd username” to add a user and “sudo passwd username” to set a password for the account.

Run the command “sudo deluser username” to delete a user. Be aware that (you’ll have to manually delete their home folder after doing this.

Package Installation

Finally, update and upgrade the packet list. Run the commands “sudo apt-get update” and “sudo apt-get upgrade,” respectively.

Linux Server Management and Administration

The server is now ready to use.

To ensure it runs at optimal capacity, regularly monitor system resources, set up automatic updates, and secure your Linux server by installing a basic firewall, configuring SSH for remote access, and taking all other necessary security measures such as log monitoring.

Command Line Basics

If you don’t want to purchase a commercial web hosting plan, you’ll need to understand the command line basics.

You won’t have the luxury of a fancy control panel for centralized management. Regardless, having fundamental command line knowledge is essential to operate a Linux server.

Common commands and their uses:

  • To list detailed CPU information, use the command “lscpu.”
  • Use the command “free” to show total memory, used memory, free memory, and buffer-cache, expressed in MB.
  • The “df -h” command displays disk space usage on all mounted file systems.
  • You can use the command “ip link show” to view the status of all network interfaces.

This is just the start. You should know these 50+ commands at a minimum. While it may seem like a lot, you can either refer back to this list or memorize a few at a time — learning takes time, so don’t be afraid of it.

User and Permission Management

Creating and managing users is simple. We’ve already listed the commands to add users to your network, set up a password for their accounts, and remove them from the network when it’s time to say goodbye in the User Management section of this article.

Once you’ve modified the network user list, you may have to alter file permissions; “chmod” is one of the most potent Linux commands, as it’s used to control file permissions.

You can use this command to detail who can access files, run scripts, and search directories. You can either set up file permissions on a user-by-user basis or apply them to all users of a particular group.

Service Management

You can use systemd, Linux’s default system and service manager, to start, stop, and manage services.

A few popular Linux systemd services include:

  • NetworkManage.service to manage network connections
  • Udev.service to manage device nodes in the /dev directory)
  • cron.service (to manage scheduled tasks)

Systemd is used in many Linux distros, but you’ll have to check whether it’s compatible with yours.

Monitoring and Maintenance

It’s best to employ reliable tools for Linux server performance monitoring, as they ensure you can correct potential issues and maintain the efficiency of the server.

Nagios and Zabbix are two fantastic open-source network monitoring tools that come to mind. We recommend Zabbix, as it’s the stronger overall solution.

Another tool we recommend, especially if you’re new to the command line interface, is Webmin. It provides a GUI for Linux server management.

Remember to regularly backup server data (set up automatic backups if possible), employ the latest updates and patches, and review user accounts and permissions — stay on top at all times.

Security Best Practices

Fortifying your Linux server is critical to protecting your data and preventing unauthorized access.

For example, after setting up file permissions, ensure all network users use secure file transfer solutions like SSH and SFTP to transfer files. You must install and configure these protocols on each system.

We also recommend using strong and unique passwords for account access — passwords like “123456” will not do. Here are some security best practices for Linux servers.

Firewall Configuration

A well-configured firewall acts as a protective barrier against malicious activities and unauthorized access. You must set up and implement firewall configurations to secure the Linux server.

firewall configuration illustration

We recommend using Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW), an interface for iptables (an extensively flexible firewall utility service), to configure Linux server firewall rules.

UFW simplifies configuring and managing a firewall, and advanced users can directly use iptables commands.

SSH and Remote Access

If you seek remote access to your server, you need to learn the ins and outs of Secure Shell (SSH). All data shared using SSH is encrypted and can’t be tampered with or intercepted by wrong-doers.

ssh and remote access illustration

Using the cryptographic network protocol’s key-based authentication mechanism, you can log in to the server using your private key (it eliminates the hassle of password-based login).

This is especially useful if network users are notorious for setting up weak passwords!

Regular Updates and Patch Management

As mentioned before, keeping the system up to date is crucial — cybercriminals are getting smarter each day, and even a tiny network vulnerability could spell danger.

regular updates and patching illustration

We recommend using tools like Ansible and Puppet to automate patching — for successful patching automation, remember to set up modules to stop apps during an update (and start when completed), preserve working states using snapshots, and send email reports.

Combining consistent updates and patching can help reduce vulnerabilities.

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSes) such as Snort (ideal for network-wide monitoring) and Tripwire (perfect for identifying unauthorized access and vulnerabilities) help detect suspicious activity and unauthorized access.

intrusion detection system illustration

Once you’ve chosen an IDS and installed it, you must configure it to spot suspicious activity accurately.

You should also integrate other security tools into the system, including log management and security information and event management (SIEM) tools.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned system administrator, you may be frustrated by common Linux server challenges, especially if you don’t understand the world of Linux — lucky for you, we’ve got your back.

You may encounter issues with network connectivity, disk space, software compatibility, security, performance, and hardware. By keeping our tips in mind, you should be able to resolve them quickly.

Performance Issues

By using commands such as “top” and “htop,” you can monitor resource usage and identify processes that consume the most resources.

You can either optimize these processes by adjusting their configurations or set specific limits for them and network users. We also recommend using techniques like load balancing. Sometimes, restarting a faulty process works wonders.

Network Issues

First and foremost, check whether all cables are firmly in place (a loose wire may be the root of the problem).

If all is clear on the basic network connectivity side, use commands such as “ip addr show” and “ipconfig” to verify network status — you can reconfigure routing rules, network interfaces, and IP addresses accordingly.

You should also inspect system logs and take a look at firewall settings.

Hardware Compatibility

Several Linux distros include pre-installed drivers for common software. You must check whether the hardware components in your server support them and determine which drivers they may need.

If your hardware supports them, check if the distro will automatically download them or if you’ll have to do it manually.

Package managers like apt (Debian-based distros) and yum (RHEL-based distros) make it easier to download and install drivers from official sources.

Another solution to tackle performance issues is to install Docker and Kubernetes on your Linux server. You’ll understand the workings of this power duo shortly.

AI/ML, in particular, has a vital role in the future of Linux servers. For example, Linux server tuning is a complex process, and by leveraging these technologies, you can automate and adapt Linux kernel optimization for enhanced performance.

Here are some other trends and innovations.

Containerization and Linux Servers

A container is a lightweight, executable software application unit that includes software code, libraries, and dependencies. Containerization enables apps to be written once and run anywhere, be it on desktop computers, traditional IT infrastructure, or the cloud.

containerization illustration

Docker and Kubernetes play a crucial role in containerization and the orchestration of container deployments in Linux server environments — the former is used to deliver software in container packages, and the latter is used to manage, automate, and scale these deployments.

Using Docker and Kubernetes in a Linux server is highly beneficial. The combination ensures that each containerized application receives appropriate processing power, networking facilities, memory, and storage.

Cloud Computing

Linux is the dominant player in the cloud computing space due to its open-source nature, compatibility, and interoperability with numerous platforms and technologies, cost-efficiency, and stringent security and stability features.

cloud computing illustration

Edge computing has also emerged as a top choice among companies.

Edge computing brings data computation and storage closer to the network edge, delivering quicker results. Edge servers are in demand, and Linux is their outstanding operating system choice.

Automation and DevOps

From complex configurations to deploying software and managing Linux server infrastructure, you should use automation tools and techniques to make your life easier.

automation and devops illustration

Automation is essential for modern development and operations (DevOps), especially if you manage multiple Linux servers.

We recommend using containerization tools (Docker and Kubernetes), bash scripting, configuration management tools (Ansible and Puppet), and backup and recovery tools (Bacula and Duplicity).

Why Linux Is the Best OS for Server Deployments

While Linux may not seem as fancy as Windows on paper, you can’t go wrong with it in a server environment.

Linux’s stability, versatility, security, and long-term support make it a powerhouse in home and enterprise server environments.

Explore Linux distributions, select one that meets your needs, install it, set up your server, and remember our security best practices. While Linux servers are already low maintenance, you can reduce administrative attention by employing automation tools and the latest technologies.