Choosing an OS

When considering Linux distributions, they can generally be categorized into two main sections: Debian-based distributions and RPM-based distributions. While they all share the Linux kernel at their core, differences arise in areas such as kernel modules and package management systems.

For server applications, it's essential to choose a distribution that offers long-term support. For instance, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) boasts a life cycle spanning over 11 years for each version. Fortunately, there are also freely available Linux distributions well-suited for server deployments, including Debian and Ubuntu LTS.

Below are some popular choices for server distributions:

Debian-based:

• Ubuntu Server LTS
• Debian

RPM-based:

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (often abbreviated as RHEL)
• CentOS (now discontinued, with community replacements like Rocky Linux and Alma Linux)
• openSUSE

In this book, the focus will be on installing and configuring a Debian-based server distribution.