In business and technology, servers play a central role in a company’s data storage, application processing, and network management. The deployment of servers is vital to ensure streamlined operations in enterprises where performance, security, and reliability are critical. Determining Right OS for Your Server is as important as determining server hardware. In this blog we will focus on the major types of computer servers, examples of popular internet servers, leading brands of servers and finally, answer the question. If you don’t have any personal server for your online business you can purchase it from Onlive Server.

What is the best Server Operating System in 2025?

Types of Computer Servers

Before discussing some of the best server operating systems, it’s worth noting all the different types of computer servers as well as their uses. In general, servers will fit into the following categories:

  • Web Servers: These are known to provide the hosting for various websites and serve website pages to users. Some well-known commercial web servers include Apache HTTP Server, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS.
  • Database Servers: These types of servers contain the databases and manage them, providing the appropriate records to clients over a network. A few database servers are MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.
  • File Servers: File servers contain and manage files and enable users to retrieve, share, and manipulate files on the computer network. While usually a Windows Server feature, file servers can also be accomplished with a Linux-based solution.
  • Application Servers: Application servers execute and supervise business applications. Application servers include JBoss, WebLogic, and Tomcat.
  • Mail Servers: These servers control email services, sending, receiving, and storing mail. Microsoft Exchange Server and Postfix are examples of mail servers.
  • Game Servers: This type of server is used for hosting Multiplayer Online Games. Minecraft servers, Counter-Strike servers, and Battlefield servers are examples.

Examples of Internet Servers

Internet servers are essential for supporting businesses and applications in the cloud. These servers facilitate web traffic, file transfer, and app support. Below are some examples:

  • Apache HTTP Server: The most widely used web server in the world. It is reliable and flexible.
  • Nginx: A high-performance open-source web server known for its high-performance level while using fewer resources than other web servers. It is also sometimes used to serve static content.
  • Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services): An information server developed by Microsoft, predominantly used in Windows.
  • Tomcat: Serves as an application server for Java; it runs Java Servlets and Java Server Pages (JSP).
  • Postfix: A mail server that can use to route and send messages.
Server Brands: Leading the Market

With so many options, selecting the right server hardware for your business can be tricky. Some brand names make the choice easier based on their track record in server reliability, performance, and customer support. Here are a few server brands that are known to be very useful.

  • Dell EMC: Famous for serving enterprises with enterprise-grade server solutions and excellent support.
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): Dominates server solutions for companies of all sizes with their scalable and flexible servers.
  • Lenovo: Manufacturer of servers that provide above-average robustness, reliability, and cost-performance value.
  • Supermicro: Long known as a prominent server manufacturer, they provide custom-built servers that are tune for high-performance computing.

What Is the Best Server Operating System? 

Determining the best OS for a server depends primarily on the tasks that will be run on the server and how the hardware is integrated with it. Some servers are tuned for specific server OS types, while others perform better on different platforms. Let us look at the top server OS options in 2025: 

1. Linux (Ubuntu Server, CentOS, Debian) 

The usage of Linux operating systems is widespread when it comes to computing servers, especially at the enterprise level. They are renowned for their open-source nature as well as their security and flexibility. There is an array of Linux distributions designed for server use, with the most common ones being: 

  • Ubuntu Server: Very user-friendly and perfect for anyone that is a beginner to Linux-based servers. Ubuntu Server comes with great community support and easily accessible updates.
  • CentOS: An enterprise-class free OS that offers good stability and performance. It’s great for businesses that need a solid Right OS for Your Server but do not wish to incur the costs of a Red Hat subscription.
  • Debian: Favoured for web hosting, file servers, and application servers due to its reliability and security.
2. Windows Server 

For companies that utilise many Microsoft products and services, Windows Server continues to be one of their top options. It is most appropriate for businesses that require high uptime, enhanced scalability, and seamless integration with Microsoft systems such as Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Exchange. Here are some of the most used versions of Windows Server:

  • Windows Server 2022: The most recent release with updated security measures, hybrid cloud capabilities, and better support for containers and other software.
  • Windows Server 2019: A reliable, proven version that works well with many companies.
3. Unix-Based OS (FreeBSD, AIX, Solaris) 

FreeBSD, AIX, and Solaris are examples of Unix-based OS that stand out for users who are looking for high performance levels alongside precise stability and security. These systems offer great reliability and the ability to expand as needed, particularly for critical business applications.

  • FreeBSD: Its specialised features make it a good web server and for high-performance computing.
  • AIX: IBM’s own proprietary version of Unix known for its expansion capabilities and other enterprise-level offerings.
  • Solaris: Popular for the performance it offers in large-scale server environments but is now owned by Oracle.
Best Server OS for 2025

The most suitable server OS in 2025 will still be Linux (Ubuntu Server and CentOS) or Windows Server based on primary requirements. We continue to see Linux for its affordability, ease of scaling, cost-efficient community support, and strong industry reputation, as a budget-friendly or open-source solution. Windows Server remains the go-to option for businesses within the Microsoft ecosystem and those who rely on enterprise-grade services. 

Why Choose the Best Server Operating System? 

The best server Operating System increases your server’s functionality and efficiency while providing strong security and scaling capabilities as your business grows. Below are some of the server-level factors that are affected by your choice of server OS: 

  • Performance and Speed: The right server OS will optimise the server speed as well as increase streamlining of workflows.
  • Security: Multiple OSs have security features that can reduce the risk of attacks and data breaches to data-enhancing systems.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Servers are known to be costly to maintain, but options within the Open Source segment can significantly reduce licensing costs.
  • Support: Businesses with in-use software can leverage the user support and update community, therefore reducing downtime and further stabilising the performance of the server.

Main Points 

  • Server types include web, database, file, application, and mail servers, all distinctly categorised by their function.
  • Servers on the Internet include Apache HTTP Server, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS, which are among the most well-known.
  • Leading brands such as Dell EMC, HPE, and Lenovo have dependable servers which cater to business hardware needs.
  • The best OS for servers is still up for debate depending on use case, but in 2025, it seems that Linux and Windows Server will dominate for most businesses.
  • For businesses heavily invested in Microsoft, Windows Server is preferred; however, Linux-based options like Ubuntu Server and CentOS are more popular due to their adaptability and robust security features.
In Summary

2025 will demand organisations to define their Right OS for Your Server needs based on specific requirements and objectives. From commencing a cloud infrastructure to establishing an enterprise database system, the choice of server OS plays an integral role in determining system performance, security, and reliability.