Currently there are many operating systems that are efficient enough and allow using the full power of modern technologies. One of them is Debian. Installing it on a dedicated server allows appraising all effectiveness and reliability of this Linux distributive. The advanced packets control system and tools for testing them, a wide range of applications, ability to adjust any parameters for your needs – all this makes Debian one of the leaders among Unix-compatible operating systems.
Choosing an operating system on hosting
After the problem of choosing a hosting service has been solved, it\’s time to choose, what operating system will be run on the dedicated server. Obviously, it must be:
- reliable;
- correspond to all functionality requirements;
- provide substantial data security;
- have flexible settings and handy user interface;
- have a reasonable price.
Microsoft Windows Server doesn\’t fit all these parameters, especially when it goes about buying a license. Besides, it makes sense to buy the rest of required software from Microsoft too. In spite of ability to pay for licenses as renting, monthly, such expensive option is suitable for very few users.
Different versions of server Linux OS better correspond to such requirements, and the zero price for the open source code of the operating system and the rest of software fully compensates some their disadvantages. For instance, it is slightly smaller working speed compared to commercial products. One of the most complicated, but faultlessly stable and reliable representatives of Linux family for dedicated servers is OS Debian.
The advantages and disadvantages of Debian as an operating system
From the first minutes of Debian installation it becomes clear: you won\’t need to adjust to this operating system. It provides users with ability to create absolutely everything just like they want. Moreover, even if to install Debian in the minimal configuration, you can add new capabilities up to maximum at any time you want.
Debian is perfectly suitable as an operating system for a dedicated server. Actually, the installation implies forming the environment that a user needs, with all its capabilities using perfectly compatible program units with sorted and logically correct configuration. Each of these units was properly tested, and it demonstrates perfect fault-tolerance and efficiency. The structure of Debian catalogues is as transparent, as in any other Linux version – configuration files can be found in /etс, logs are in /var/log, and user programs are located in /usr/bin. Debian setup is enough to perform once, but this must be done correctly. User permissions are restricted similar to other Linux operating systems, and there can be up to a few hundreds.
In spite of its similarity to the rest of Linux-based systems, Debian can compete in the complexity of installation with FreeBSD. This OS was initially developed for experienced, properly trained specialists. That is why it may be difficult for newbies. From the other hand, there are advantages in such situation too: the need to read rather big amount of specialized literature and tutorials will turn a beginning “Linuxoid” into a real professional. However, in respect to the Debian installation on a dedicated server, it\’s better not to risk and trust this diligent and extremely responsible work to professionals. As a rule, when ordering hosting, you can discuss Debian installation and setup too.
Reliability is all but the major advantage of Debian: you need to setup the system correctly once, and then you can forget about any possible faults in configuration and constant need to fix something. Besides, a dedicated server will get:
- nearly the best APT (advanced packaging tool for software installation);
- all required packages in repository;
- full support of various devices (for instance, multimedia keys will work on laptops);
- clear and comfortable interface for setup and administrating.
Programs for Debian OS
All software for Debian GNU/Linux has open source code and is available for free that is also important. Such approach has some disadvantages, but it rarely affects the work of a dedicated server. Especially, if its work is related to processing big amount of multimedia-content:
- flask format is played using “Gnush” and “swfdec” packages that are behind Adobe Flash Player in running speed;
- “Open JDK” system (Java platform support) has lower processing speed than Sun corporation product for OS Windows.
Prospects for the development
Even today servers under Debian operating system benefit from better security, stability and reliability levels. However the system evolves dynamically. More than fifteen hundred of volunteer programmers from all over the world are working on updating it and extending its functionality. The updates are released every few months and help to make this OS handier, more reliable and stable.
