Server operating systems (OS) are specialized software designed to run on servers and provide the necessary infrastructure for hosting applications, managing resources, and facilitating communication within a networked environment. These operating systems are optimized for stability, security, and performance in data center and server room environments. Here are some commonly used server operating systems:
Windows Server:
- Microsoft’s Windows Server OS is widely used in enterprise environments. It offers a range of editions, such as Windows Server Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials, each tailored to different workloads and deployment scenarios.
Linux:
- Linux server distributions are popular choices for a wide range of applications. Examples include:
- Ubuntu Server: Known for its ease of use and community support.
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL): Provides a stable and supported platform for critical workloads.
- CentOS: A free and open-source version of RHEL.
- Debian: Known for its stability and widespread usage.
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES): Offers a range of enterprise-grade features.
Unix:
- Unix-based operating systems like AIX (IBM), HP-UX (Hewlett Packard), and Solaris (formerly Sun Microsystems, now Oracle) are used in large enterprise and research environments, often for mission-critical applications.
VMware vSphere/ESXi:
- VMware’s vSphere is a virtualization platform that includes ESXi, a lightweight hypervisor optimized for virtualization. It’s used to create and manage virtualized server environments.
FreeBSD:
- FreeBSD is a Unix-like operating system known for its performance and advanced networking capabilities. It’s often used in web hosting and networking environments.
Oracle Linux:
- Oracle Linux is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and is designed to run Oracle’s database and middleware software.
IBM i (formerly AS/400):
- IBM i is an integrated operating system used on IBM’s midrange servers (formerly AS/400 and iSeries). It’s known for its robustness and is often used for business-critical applications.
Windows Nano Server:
- A minimalistic version of Windows Server designed for container-based deployments.
Docker OS:
- Some Linux distributions are designed to run containerized applications efficiently. Examples include CoreOS and RancherOS.
OpenVMS:
- OpenVMS, originally developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), is used in specialized industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing for its reliability and uptime.
The choice of a server operating system depends on various factors, including the specific needs of the organization, the type of applications to be hosted, budget considerations, and IT expertise. Some server operating systems are more suitable for certain workloads or industries, so careful consideration is essential when selecting the right one for a particular use case.