Operating Systems Guide
Make the right choice for your dedicated server
CentOS
The Community enterprise Operating System, hands down the most popular choice at XLHost. CentOS is 'downstream' from Redhat Enterprise Linux meaning that it essentially uses the same packages, kernel, and core OS bits as Redhat Enterprise Server. In addition to being almost identical to Redhat Enterprise Linux in operation, CentOS offers a long software update support cycle. XLHost recommends CentOS to anyone new to Linux, anyone who is familiar with Redhat, or anyone who is interested in running cPanel on a dedicated server.
For more information visit the distributor site.
Debian
Debian, a favorite of many users at XLHost and the father of Ubuntu, has always provided a stable and secure dedicated hosting platform. With its easy to use package manager and excellent application support it has quickly become a favorite amongst hobbyists, organizations, and IT departments across the globe. Debian tends to have a very long cycle between major releases. XLHost recommends Debian to any user who is not interested in running cPanel, and has some knowledge of Linux.
For more information visit the distributor site.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu, a "fork" of Debian has made quite a splash on the desktop Linux scene in the few short years since it has been made available. Ubuntu offers configuration and operation which is nearly identical to Debian. Ubuntu also has one of the largest Linux user communities which offer technical support (commercial technical support is also available). Ubuntu has a fairly regular major release cycle and publishes security fixes very quickly. The current LTS Server version of Ubuntu which XLHost installs will be supported until 2013. XLHost recommends Ubuntu to any user which is not interested in cPanel, has at least minimal Linux experience and doesn't mind self or community based support.
For more information visit the distributor site.
FreeBSD
FreeBSD has quickly become the most widely used open-source version of UNIX. With its popular and very user friendly library of ported software (software which was originally designed for Linux or another operating system but now has been made to work on FreeBSD) it is easy to install well known software such as Apache, PHP, and MySQL within a true UNIX environment. XLHost recommends FreeBSD for any user who is familiar with Unix, is not interested in cPanel, and does not require a binary package system (such as Yum or Aptitude).
For more information visit the distributor site.
Windows
Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 offer security, reliability, and ease-of use for many dedicated server applications. With IIS 7 Windows Server 2016 has made great strides in improving the performance, security, and compatibility of the flagship Windows web server. Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016 come in various editions (see chart below ) which add additional functionality and the ability to use more memory. Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016 dedicated servers provide a graphical user interface (GUI) via remote desktop which allows (by default) up to two simultaneous users to administrate the server. XLHost recommends Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016 to any user who is more comfortable with Windows than Linux, wants a graphical user interface, and is not interested in cPanel.