Free Server OS

Free Server Operating Systems

The Free Server OS has two major stream - BSD and Linux. BSD as a Free Server has a niche and is used by many Internet Based Companies. However, as such I am finding BSD usage in India to be very meager and not many companies uses BSD Server OS.

In Linux, I find Server OS is in two genes - Debian and RPM. Though Gentoo and Arc also have some Server Editions, they are almost never used in India.

Let me see the Top 5 Debian Server OS

1) BOSS Server Edition

If some one wants the best options and optimise Client’s Speed then the best Server OS is BOSS. By Stability, Security, Speed and Simplicity, BOSS is superb Server OS. However, only few Indian Organisations uses it as the awareness about it is very less

2) Ubuntu Server Edition

The Ubuntu Server Edition is really better than the Desktop Edition. It is now getting into the market with Big Publicity and Support Services. Today almost 75% of Open Source Market is commanded by Ubuntu.

3) Mandriva Server Edition

Previously RPM Based, Currently Debian Based, as a Server Mandriva has many things to offer and is really a better Debian Based Server OS.

4) Xandros Linux

This is more like Windows Server and is a perfect replacement for Windows Servers.

5) Vyatta Linux

This is the best for all Entertainment Based Companies. This is not freely available like the above mentioned Linux Server OS. It has to be requested and the people will send you the OS in their CD or DVD. You have to pay for it. It tries to replicate Mac Server. But has not even touched it.

RPM is having rich server editions. However there are not as many as Debian Gene has. The best 5 RPM Based Server Linux OS are as below:

1) CENT-OS

This is the RHEL in a stripped down edition. We all know RHEL is having 85% Market Share of Paid Server. Hence CENT-OS is natural choice for any person who wants a Free RHEL

2) Suse

Free Server Edition of Suse is much better than its Desktop Variant. Server Edition is superb with lot of Customisability.

3) Unbreakable Linux

This is Oracle’s Creation. They have made their free OS to look like RHEL Paid Edition.

The only drawbacks are cross platform integration. RHEL is good in connecting any Client Machines - whether they are in Windows, Mac, Any Linux OS or BSD. However Unbreakable Linux is not capable of that level.

4) Mageia

The most promising upcoming RPM Based Free Enterprise Edition is Mageia.

In Fact Mageia is the best Desktop OS too. Thus with its Server and Desktop, Mageia if used properly can be the best OS. I am 100% satisfied with the Server Edition.

 

5) Mandriva

Mandriva is based on Mandrakes Red-hat and hence is very good for Business Use. However, I am not comfortable with Mandriva. However it has migrated to Debian Package Manager with RPM Installer. I have mentioned few words about it in Debian Distros above

 

6) Clear OS

Non Red-Hat and Novel edition available in RPM Gene is Clear OS. They are offering a comparable Server OS. It seems to be more promising.

Conclusion

In my Opinion, it is best to use Mageia as Server and Desktop for Office Use. The technical features and the documentation are the best. They are borrowing Red Hat’s Security, Stability, Speed and Compatibility and also Debian’s Simplicity. Thus from the point of view of Business Organisation, Mageia is the best Desktop and Server OS.

 

The second alternative is use BOSS Server and any Windows or Linux OS as the people may require.

The Third Alternative is to go for Ubuntu. The main reason for Ubuntu is that it is most windows compatible and is close to windows in all respects. Business World Runs on Windows.