Operating Systems Guide

Linux

Linux is the most popular choice for dedicated servers at XLHost; many users choose Linux because of its reliability, security, and the wide availability of open source software. Many Linux distributions come with no licensing cost. Applications for Linux range from anything to a simple dedicated web server, to VoIP, to a fully fledged hosting environment using cPanel. Many Linux distributions today come ready for Virtualization using the Xen hypervisor. XLHost dedicated server Linux installations are CLI (SSH) based and do not come installed with a GUI (Gnome/KDE) although with most Linux distributions it is very simple to install the GUI after your dedicated server has been provisioned.

Linux Ready 2 Go

Available on most Linux distributions/versions, Ready 2 Go Linux is a regular server installation of your favorite distribution of Linux with some pre-configuration already finished:

Software installed:

• The latest version of Apache supplied by your Linux distribution.
• The latest version of MySQL supplied by your Linux distribution.
• The latest version of PHP supplied by your Linux distribution.
• The latest version of vsftpd (Very Secure FTP Daemon) supplied by your Linux distribution.
The latest version of some popular PHP modules (GD, MySQL, etc) supplied by your Linux
• distribution.

Other:

• Services which are never used on dedicated servers are automatically disabled (Bluetooth, PCMCIA, et cetera).

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 2012 and Windows Server 2016 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.

VMWare ESXi

ESXi is a hypervisor created and maintained by VMWare. ESXi allows a user to run multiple Virtual Machines (VMs) on a single dedicated server Each VM has its own virtual hardware and is mostly transparent to the guest operating system. By having an ultra-thin footprint ESXi takes hardware virtualization a step further in removing the operating system layer which reduces system resource consumption and security concerns. XLHost recommends ESXi to any user who wishes to consolidate multiple physical hosts, or who needs the flexibility to run multiple operating systems on a single dedicated server.

VMWare ESXi is managed via vSphere client.

For more information visit the distributor site.

Citri XenServer

XenServer is a hypervisor based on Xen created by Citrix. Like VMWare ESXi, Xenserver allows a user to run multiple isolated Virtual Machines (VMs) on a single dedicated server. Each VM has its own virtual hardware and is mostly transparent to the guest operating system. By having an ultra-thin footprint XenServer takes hardware virtualization a step further in removing the operating system layer which reduces system resource consumption and security concerns. XLHost recommends XenServer to any user who wishes to consolidate multiple physical hosts, or who needs the flexibility to run multiple operating systems on a single dedicated server.

Citrix XenServer is managed via XenCenter.

For more information visit the distributor site.