An operating system is needed not only for PCs, but also for servers. Nowadays, various server operating systems are produced, which differ in functionality, performance and cost. How to choose one of them?
What is a server OS and why is it needed?
A server OS is an operating system installed on server hardware. Installation and debugging of such an OS is included in server maintenance. It is intended primarily for managing server software, which is designed to serve all network users.
The server OS should be selected based on which server it will be installed on. Novice administrators usually choose the most familiar system, and they turn out to be wrong. Server maintenance professionals have long highlighted the benefits of all existing systems for each specific server.
Types of server OS
The most commonly used operating system for a server is:
- Windows Server 2003. This system was released quite a long time ago, but it cannot be called outdated. It is considered the most universal. It may have a graphical shell, but in this case it requires too many system resources. Ideal for creating a terminal server, as well as for novice system administrators.
- Windows Server 2008 R2. One of the most productive OS. Great for file and terminal servers. In general, this system is quite universal, but it consumes much more resources than its analogues.
- Ubuntu Server 10.10. The leader in popularity among unix systems. Made on the Linux kernel. Despite the fact that the system does not have an interface, it is even easier to configure than Windows Server OS. Consumes few resources and is inexpensive. It is easy to install and maintain, it is quite reliable and versatile.
- CentOS 5.5. One of the most stable operating systems, perfect for those servers that need to ensure long-term trouble-free operation.
- Gentoo. Also based on Linux. It features very flexible settings and capabilities for obtaining high performance with proper server maintenance carried out by professionals.
- FreeBSD 8.2. One of the Unix-like systems, an ideal solution for creating a web server. Used on the most important servers that provide access to irreplaceable information. It can withstand significant traffic loads and runs on one of the most reliable operating systems.
Here are the main server OSes with a brief list of their pros and cons. And, of course, it’s up to you to decide!
This material presents a list of the most popular, common server operating systems, which are widely used here in Russia.
First, we will find out why we need a server operating system.
What is a server operating system for?
Server operating system- designed to manage software, which in turn serves all network users, both internal and external. Why can’t you use a regular, user OS as a server OS? You ask, because the server OS provides specialized management functionality, so to speak, more convenient, efficient, designed specifically for specific administration and management purposes, and such functionality simply does not exist in user operating systems, which, by the way, act as clients of these server operating systems. And, of course, we can conclude that if we have specialized functionality and the cost of this functionality will be completely different, there are, of course, exceptions.
Now let's figure out how to choose a server operating system. First of all, you need to clearly decide for what purposes this server and, accordingly, its operating system will be used. And, based on the specific task, you will select the operating system and the necessary hardware configuration for this operating system. But, if you are not familiar with the operating system that will be the best option in all respects, then choose the OS in which you have already worked or carefully study and test ( for example, on a virtual machine) OS unfamiliar to you. Since knowledge, skill and understanding of operating system administration greatly influences not only the initial installation and configuration, but also its further maintenance and management.
Well, now let’s move directly to the consideration of server operating systems, which are the most popular and widespread today.
Let's start, of course, with Microsoft products. Today I will highlight two versions of the operating system: Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
Note! This material is outdated and currently Windows Server 2003 is no longer supported, and Windows Server 2008 R2 is already far behind modern versions in functionality, so I recommend using newer versions, for example, Windows Server 2016.
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003- is already a fairly old operating system but, one way or another, is widely popular among system administrators in Russia.
This product can be used for almost all purposes that arise for administrators, but do not forget about quality, since all desktop options ( those. have a graphical shell) request many more resources than non-frontend operating systems. Therefore, if you are going to use an OS with a graphical shell, you need to take this into account when choosing equipment for the server. Windows Server 2003 is great for novice system administrators. This platform is perfect for domain controllers, if you use the Active Directory directory service, and if you plan to use remote user connections in your network, then on this OS you can easily implement “ Terminal Server».
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2– a more advanced, in terms of new technologies, operating system from Microsoft.
Windows Server 2008 R2 is already a leader in many performance tests of server operating systems. For example, it is best to run a file server on this OS. In addition, in this operating system: improved support for virtualization, a new version of the Active Directory directory service, support for up to 256 processors, unlike Windows Server 2003, it is also better implemented “ Terminal Server" The advantage of this platform is that it is suitable for high-quality performance of almost all tasks, but the disadvantage is that it requires more resources, unlike its relatives.
Now let's move on to unix-like operating systems, and let's start, in my opinion, with the leader in popularity ( among unix-like).
Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server– an operating system that uses the Linux kernel.
Ubuntu Server will cost you much less than those listed above. Many novice system administrators experience fear and horror when it comes to non-front-end Unix-like operating systems, explaining this by the fact that “It’s complicated and unclear" I dare to assure you that setting up these operating systems is much easier than the same Windows Server 2008 R2, where there is an endless variety of options and settings. And in Unix systems, all setup comes down to editing configuration files. Also, as noted above, these systems require significantly less resources than their GUI counterparts.
Ubuntu Server is easy to install and maintain, provides high reliability and performance, and also has a high level of security and is great for almost all tasks.
CentOS
CentOS is a Linux distribution based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux from Red Hat.
The operating system is also very friendly and many system administrators prefer this operating system. All CentOS software is highly stable as everything is carefully checked and tested. CentOS is widely used as a platform for Web servers. You can read more about this operating system in the material – Installing Linux CentOS 7.1 and review of the distribution.
Debian
Debian is one of the most popular Linux distributions. By the way, Ubuntu is based on Debian.
Many organizations ( both small and large) gave their preference to Debian. Here I will highlight the Debian 8.0 release, since it has already been sufficiently tested and shows good results. One of the features of Debian is that its repositories contain a huge amount of software. Some people think that Debian is difficult to administer compared to other systems, but I believe that if you have dealt with Unix-like systems, Debian will not be difficult for you to master. Debian features also include:
- A unique package management system, i.e. system ( or its individual components) can be updated without reinstallation and even without losing user settings, and in some cases even without rebooting;
- Debian development is carried out by people all over the Internet, something that no other Linux distribution can boast of, where development is carried out by separate groups or organizations.
Gentoo
Gentoo- Linux distribution, popular because it is extremely flexible in configuration and, if configured correctly, you will receive performance benefits as a result.
It is also known that this distribution is used only by professionals in their field, since this very setup requires certain knowledge. Gentoo has a number of advantages such as: fast speed, excellent user community.
FreeBSD
FreeBSD- A Unix-like operating system, very popular among Internet companies, since this operating system is perfect for all kinds of web servers.
FreeBSD is a great option for a web server because it is a powerful TCP/IP stack with support for industry standards such as SLIP, PPP, NFS, DHCP and NIS. And so FreeBSD can easily interface with other systems, as well as serve as a server for a large enterprise, providing vital features such as NFS ( remote file access) and email services, or represent your organization on the Internet, providing services such as WWW, FTP, routing and firewall functions.
FreeBSD runs some of the largest and busiest sites on the Internet ( for example, Yahoo!) and a large proportion of all other sites also run on FreeBSD.
But FreeBSD can be used not only as a platform for an Internet server, but also as a regular server that performs all the tasks that other server operating systems perform and there is no need to limit the capabilities of FreeBSD. FreeBSD is highly secure and performant. In addition, this operating system will cost you free and, among other things, FreeBSD is developed and supported by a large team of developers.
Solaris
Solaris- an operating system developed by Sun Microsystems, which is now owned by Oracle Corporation, and from this it became paid.
This operating system is one of the most productive OS in the world, and therefore enjoys a certain popularity.
These are the server operating systems that are widely used by many enterprises, and your choice of OS is yours!
Microsoft strives to fully satisfy existing market demands. Their Windows Server software product represents the best option for consumers. It is a server operating system that meets the requirements of reliability, functionality, performance and upgradeability. All this allows us to talk about its popularity in the IT market around the world.
Possibilities
If we consider the benefits of Microsoft Windows Server, we should start with its functionality. The full list is simply huge and only the main points should be considered:
- Directory service. Security options are provided to ensure network coverage from the core to the edge. This helps ensure a high safety record. You can ensure differentiation of rights for individual users on one device.
- Print service and file service. For many companies to operate successfully, control over documents is required. It is important to ensure simple exchange between network participants with the ability to guarantee the proper level of security. The operating system uses resources in this direction as efficiently as possible. Public folders remain accessible even if the server fails.
- Shadow copies of shared folders. It is used when it is necessary to create consistent and time-appropriate versions of unified network resources. Network administrators can view such documents in their original form. As for the users, they are able to perform recovery of accidentally deleted folders. At the same time, they do not need to contact the system administrator, which saves time.
- Management service. Taking into account modern business conditions, we can talk about a constant increase in the cost of support. It is for this reason that Microsoft's Windows Server programmers sought to keep costs to a minimum. Automation principles are actively used to achieve the most effective results in everyday activities.
- Excellent internet access. The ability to go online is one of the fundamental requirements for many companies. At the same time, Windows Server provides for the use of only one connection for all workstations. This approach can save the owner a lot of money and provide increased simplicity, as well as safety. Capital costs were significantly reduced through the use of a firewall embedded in the operating system.
- Remote access. Quite often there is a need for company employees to be able to access the corporate network from anywhere. Of course, this adds additional stress to the security system, but provides a wide range of benefits. The operating system includes a set of tools for the administrator, allowing him to work more effectively with remote users.
- Storage management. Maintaining disks or volumes has become not only as simple as possible, but also fast. Simplification of the procedure is not accompanied by a decrease in reliability, since the developer paid special attention to this point. Connection to new networks for data storage is allowed.
- Terminal server. It is necessary for the user to have access to numerous programs on the server. A variety of devices can be used for connection. This makes the overall task of working with the system easier.
- Windows SharePoint Services. Collaboration and exchange of information is a request that constantly arises in customer surveys. The task at hand found an original and effective solution in Windows Server. These services can create web nodes that will exchange data. It allows you to work with files in shared mode, which is especially important. This contributes to increased productivity in the activities of all employees.
- Convenient postal service. The operating system uses a mail server, which operates in accordance with the POP3 and SMTP protocols. For the given tasks, such a solution must be called optimal.
- Wireless LAN support. Guarantees increased security and system performance. There is a wide range of tools for the administrator.
- Remote assistance. Allows a network administrator to gain remote control of a specific device. For example, if an employee needs help, it is not at all necessary for a specialist to come to his workplace. Most activities can be implemented through remote connection and this is a very important point for optimizing the work of companies.
When you install Microsoft Windows Server, you can access a huge amount of software. This server operating system is considered the most popular. Program developers release most applications specifically for it. This allows you to have a huge selection, including free options. There are a number of other advantages to note:
- A huge number of service specialists. There are over half a million certified systems engineers alone.
- Easy to learn and many official courses. This will allow you to develop as efficiently as possible.
- Certified solutions. All hardware suppliers develop drivers for this operating system. This greatly simplifies their installation and allows for ease of use of additional devices.
Report on the topic “Server operating systems” Creating an IT infrastructure for any modern company usually begins with the selection of infrastructure software, in particular server operating systems. In this report we will focus on the most famous server operating systems and talk about their areas of application.
Purpose of server operating systems The purpose of a server operating system is to manage applications that serve all users of the corporate network, and often external users. Such applications include modern database management systems, network management and network event analysis tools, directory services, messaging and groupware tools, Web servers, mail servers, corporate firewalls, application servers for a wide variety of purposes, and business application backends. . The performance and reliability requirements of these operating systems are very high; This often includes support for clusters (a set of a number of similar computers that perform the same task and share the load among themselves), and the possibility of duplication and redundancy, and reconfiguration of software and hardware without rebooting the operating system. The choice of a server operating system and a hardware platform for it is primarily determined by what applications must be run under its control (at a minimum, the selected applications must exist in a version for this platform) and what requirements are imposed on its performance, reliability and availability
Windows Server 2003 The main features of this family of operating systems are the presence of the Microsoft platform. NET Framework, as well as support for XML Web services (up to the presence of a UDDI server in the operating system). Windows Server 2003 comes in four editions: Windows Server 2003 Web Edition is an operating system for deploying and maintaining Web applications and Web services, including ASP applications. NET; Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition is a network operating system for running the server part of business solutions and is designed for use in small companies and departments. It features resource sharing and centralized application deployment for desktop computers, as well as support for up to 4 GB of RAM and symmetric multiprocessing using two processors; Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition is an OS that is primarily intended for medium and large companies. It supports servers based on 64-bit processors (up to eight) and up to 64 GB of RAM and is available in versions for 32- and 64-bit platforms; Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition is an operating system that is used to create mission-critical technical solutions with high requirements for scalability and availability. Such solutions include applications for processing transactions in real time, as well as solutions based on the integration of several server products. This OS provides support for symmetric multiprocessing using up to 32 processors, and also has load balancing services and the creation of clusters consisting of eight nodes. This OS is available for 32- and 64-bit platforms.
Windows Server 2008 R 2 is a more advanced operating system from Microsoft in terms of new technologies. This system is a leader in many performance tests of server operating systems. For example, it is best to run a file server on this OS. In addition, this operating system has: improved support for virtualization, a new version of the Active Directory directory service, support for up to 256 processors, unlike Windows Server 2003, and a “terminal server” is also better implemented here. The advantage of this platform is that it is suitable for high-quality performance of almost all tasks, but the disadvantage is that it requires more resources, unlike its relatives.
UNIX The UNIX operating system is one of the long-lived server operating systems market - it was created in the late 60s at Bell Laboratories of AT&T. A distinctive feature of this OS, which determined its “survivability” and popularity, was that the kernel of the operating system, written in assembly language, was small, while the rest of the operating system was written in C. This approach made it easily portable to a wide variety of hardware platforms and the operating system itself, and the applications created for it. An important advantage of UNIX was its openness, which allowed both commercial and non-commercial versions of UNIX to exist simultaneously. Features common to all versions of UNIX are a multi-user mode with means of protecting data from unauthorized access, the implementation of multiprogram processing in time-sharing mode, the use of virtual memory and swap mechanisms, unification of input-output operations, a hierarchical file system, various means of process interaction, including internetwork.
Ubuntu Server 10. 10 uses the Linux kernel, and what’s nice is that this software product is much cheaper than many others listed in this report. Many novice system administrators experience fear and horror when it comes to non-front-end Unix-like operating systems, explaining this by the fact that “It’s complicated and unclear.” However, setting up these operating systems is much easier than the same Windows Server 2008 R 2 where there is an endless variety of options and settings. And in Unix systems, all configuration comes down to editing configuration files. Also, as noted above, these systems require significantly less resources than their GUI counterparts. Ubuntu Server 10. 10 is easy to install and maintain, provides high reliability and performance, and also has a high level of security and is great for almost all tasks.
Gentoo Linux Gentoo is a Linux distribution that is popular because it is extremely flexible in configuration and, if configured correctly, you will get performance benefits as a result. Gentoo Linux is called a meta-distribution because on its basis you can create a system suitable for any task: be it a desktop, workstation, server, diskless terminal or router. This flexibility is achieved through the portage mechanism, which is somewhat similar to the BSD ports system. Thanks to USE flags, you do not depend on maintainers and build packages with the options that you need. It is also known that this distribution is used only by professionals in their field, since this very setup requires certain knowledge. Gentoo has a number of advantages such as fast speed and an excellent user community.
Free. BSD is a Unix-like operating system, very popular among Internet companies, since this operating system is perfect for all kinds of web servers. Free. BSD is an excellent option for a web server because it is a powerful TCP/IP stack with support for industry standards such as SLIP, PPP, NFS, DHCP and NIS. And therefore Free. BSD can easily interface with other systems, as well as serve as a server for a large enterprise, providing vital functions such as NFS (remote file access) and email services, or represent your organization on the Internet, providing services such as: WWW, FTP , routing and firewall functions. On Free. BSD runs some of the largest and busiest sites on the Internet (for example, Yahoo!) and a large share of all other sites But Free. BSD can be used not only as a platform for an Internet server, but also as a regular server that performs all the tasks that other server operating systems perform and limits the capabilities of Free. No need for BSD. Free. BSD is highly secure and performant. In addition, this operating system is completely free and, among other things, Free. BSD is developed and maintained by a large team of developers.
Solaris (Sun Microsystems) Sun's Solaris operating system is one of the best-known commercial versions of UNIX today. This OS has developed means of supporting network interaction and is one of the most popular platforms for developing corporate solutions - there are about 12 thousand different applications for it, including application servers and DBMS from almost all leading manufacturers. Solaris meets many industry standards and is highly scalable. For the vast majority of applications, this operating system provides almost linear performance growth as the number of processors increases due to symmetric multiprocessor computing. Currently, Solaris supports SPARC and Intel x 86 processors. Among the features of Solaris 9, it is worth noting support for up to 1 million concurrently running processes, up to 128 processors in one system and up to 848 processors in a cluster, up to 576 GB of physical RAM, support for file systems up to 252 TB in size, configuration and change management tools, built-in compatibility with Linux. The Solaris 9 operating system is the foundation of the Sun Open Net Environment (Sun ONE). Solaris 9 includes key Sun ONE applications: Application Server, Directory Server, Integration Server, Message Queue, Portal Server, Web Server.
HP-UX (Hewlett-Packard) The HP-UX operating system, developed by Hewlett-Packard, is a descendant of AT&T System V. Its latest version, HP-UX 11 i, is available for two hardware platforms - PA_RISC and Itanium - and is focused on the main image to servers manufactured by Hewlett-Packard. HP-UX 11 i features include integration tools with Windows and Linux, including tools for porting Java applications developed for these platforms, as well as tools for improving the performance of Java applications. In addition, HP-UX 11 i supports the Linux API, ensuring application portability between HP-UX and Linux. Note that applications for HP-UX 11 i are transferred between the two hardware platforms it supports without changes or recompilation. Speaking about the performance and scalability of HP-UX 11 i, it should be noted that one copy of the operating system supports up to 256 processors; Clusters up to 128 nodes are also supported. In addition, this platform supports connecting and disconnecting additional processors, replacing hardware, dynamically configuring and updating the operating system without the need to reboot, online backup and disk defragmentation without shutting down the system. The choice of software for this operating system is very wide - these include application servers from leading manufacturers, Web and WAP servers, search servers, caching tools, and directory services.
AIX (IBM) AIX is a UNIX clone from IBM designed to run on IBM @server p servers. Series and RS/6000. Like HP-UX, this operating system is compatible with Linux. AIX 5 L features include a fully 64-bit kernel, device drivers and application runtime (there is also a 32-bit kernel, as well as support for 32-bit applications), support for 256 GB of RAM, support for files up to 1 TB, convenient administration tools, support for clusters (up to 32 computers), developed network support tools. AIX provides self-tuning capabilities with features such as power-on-demand and processor offloading, as well as self-healing, self-optimization, and self-protection capabilities including all-system error logging and proactive fault analysis.
Net. Ware (Novell) Early to mid 90's Novell Net. Ware was the dominant network operating system. Although the share of servers managed by Net has now decreased. Ware, like the number of applications and infrastructure software created for it, this operating system remains popular due to its reliability, scalability and ability to manage a large number of workstations. The main features of the latest version of this operating system, Novell Net. Ware 6.5, are the ability to create geographically distributed clusters, the availability of tools to support mobile and remote users, tools for managing remote network resources, as well as tools for synchronizing user information and bringing directories into conformity with each other in mixed environments. Data protection in Novell Net. Ware 6.5 is implemented using NDS directory services e. Directory. Part of Novell Net. Ware 6. 5 includes the famous Open. Source products, namely: Apache Web server, My DBMS. SQL, Apache Tomcat application server. In addition, in Net. Ware 6.5 includes a J 2 EE 1.3 certified application server and Novell exte development environment. Nd and the so-called virtual office, which allows access to the user’s business resources through a Web interface, including files, e-mail, and scheduling tools. This operating system is usually used as a network and file server, print server and group work.
Mac OS X (Apple) The Mac OS X operating system, created by Apple in collaboration with a number of university scientists, is based on BSD UNIX. In 1999, Mac OS X Server was released as an Open Source product, allowing developers to tailor Mac OS X to specific customers and also involve them in the further development of this operating system. Mac OS X is characterized by the presence of a virtual memory manager, the ability to completely isolate applications from each other, and multitasking support comparable to similar support in Windows. Mac OS X has an emulator of previous versions of Mac OS, graphics editing tools, and built-in Open support. GL, email client, password management tools for accessing Web resources.
The choice of a network operating system is a strategic decision made by an organization based on the specific requirements for the platform on which business solutions are expected to be built. Support for network services and file and printer sharing remain important among these requirements.
The purpose of a server operating system is to manage applications that serve all users of the corporate network, and often external users. Such applications include modern database management systems, network management and network event analysis tools, directory services, messaging and groupware tools, Web servers, mail servers, corporate firewalls, application servers for a wide variety of purposes, and business application backends. . The performance and reliability requirements of these operating systems are very high; This often includes support for clusters (a set of a number of similar computers that perform the same task and share the load among themselves), and the possibility of duplication and redundancy, and reconfiguration of software and hardware without rebooting the operating system.
The choice of a server operating system and a hardware platform for it is primarily determined by what applications must be run under its control (at a minimum, the selected applications must exist in a version for this platform) and what requirements are imposed on its performance, reliability and availability.
In our project we will compare 2 types of server OS: Windows Server and Linux.
It is quite difficult to analyze all the forums, letters, interactive messages that were devoted to one single topic: which is better - Windows or Linux. Both operating systems have an entire army of supporters who fiercely defend their beliefs, provide irrefutable arguments and do everything. To prove the advantages of their “favorites”. Often such disputes are overly emotional and rather superficial.
Of course, today everyone knows Windows; recognition of this brand is very high all over the world. For many years, Windows has been the leader in the operating system market, with a share of up to 90%. The palm belongs to Windows in the field of home operating systems - the popularity of Windows 10 is undeniable. A convenient and intuitive graphical user interface, stable operation, minimal settings, and other characteristics have won the hearts of millions of users around the world.
The situation is slightly different with the Windows Server network operating system. Historically, Windows Server (2012 R2) has gained market share through an uphill battle against UNIX. And other operating systems, since UNIX was the main operating system in the world in the 80s of the 20th century. After the release of Windows NT 3.1, Microsoft's network operating system began to attract more supporters (as the x86 architecture developed). As a result, it has become the primary architecture for processors used in home and office computers. In parallel with the development of Microsoft's network operating system, major changes were also taking place in the UNIX world, which led to the emergence of a new system - Linux.
Linux should be understood as the general name for an architecture based on a single software kernel. This kernel is the basis on which the various versions of the Linux operating system developed by many developers are built. Such packages include, in particular, Red Hat, SuSE, Mandriva (formerly Mandrake), etc.
The Linux operating system is based on the UNIX architecture, but develops in its own way. Its main difference from UNIX is that Linux is a free operating system. In addition, Linux is characterized by excellent stability, security and performance. The main areas of application for Linux are corporate servers, Web servers, email gateways.
However, these functions can also be performed by a Windows Server-based system. To decide on the choice of operating system, let's compare some of their features.
User graphical interface
The ease of working with an operating system depends entirely on its user graphical interface. Many years ago there was no such thing as a graphical interface, and most work was done in character mode. It is thanks to the provision of an easy-to-read graphical interface that the Windows operating system has become so popular among home and office users. The very concept of “convenience” in the context of a graphical interface can be interpreted in different ways. Of course, a well-designed interface should be clear, not overloaded with visual elements, and at the same time provide effective means for sorting and presenting screen elements. However, a simple habit also makes the interface convenient. If a person has worked with one type of interface for a long time, then switching to another can be quite difficult. It is this fact that largely explains the popularity of Windows - if someone is accustomed to the Windows graphical interface, then the Linux interface will seem “unusual”, “complex” and “incomprehensible”. Although this is not entirely true, Linux has a fairly user-friendly interface; all it takes is some practice.
Safety
The issue of security is critical for any server. It is better to take server equipment with a built-in firewall. The server of any company usually stores important data, the confidentiality of which must be guaranteed. Over the past few years, cases of illegal penetration into computer networks of companies and organizations in order to seize information or to disable the entire network have become more frequent. It is for this reason that a modern operating system must provide the highest possible level of protection against hacking and computer viruses.
The possibility of “hacking” and infection by computer viruses became possible mainly due to shortcomings in the security system of the operating system. For example, exploiting a software bug such as a buffer overflow allows one to gain remote control over the user's entire system. There are thousands of similar errors, and new ones appear every day.
But the leader in their number is currently Windows. It is enough to go to any Web site dedicated to computer security issues and see how many errors have been identified for, for example, such a popular Windows program as Internet Explorer. The result is unlikely to be reassuring. The security level of Windows can be considered relatively low; Tens of thousands of computer viruses are designed to harm Windows 10 and Windows Server R2 2012, and the situation is getting worse every year.
Linux's positioning as the "most secure operating system" is generally true. While there are daily reports of new security flaws in Windows, much less is known about computer viruses for Linux. Does this mean that Linux is a more secure system than Windows? It is impossible to give a definite answer to this question. In any case, there is no “total” advantage of Linux over Windows in the field of security. The small number of computer viruses for Linux is largely due to the fact that the popularity of this system among home users is extremely low.
In any case, Windows cannot be considered completely “defenseless”. The security system of this operating system is constantly being improved, and with the use of antivirus programs and firewalls (mandatory for Linux as well), Windows security can be considered sufficient.
Operation stability
Stability of operation is another argument that is given in favor of Linux. Many Windows users are familiar with the phenomenon known as the “blue screen of death”. This fatal error, caused by critical incompatibility of certain software components, happens quite often and can take a lot of time to resolve. Windows-based systems freeze when the only way out is to restart the computer.
The stability of Linux has become almost legendary. While a typical Windows user might reboot their computer several times a day, Linux users often go for months without a single reboot. Many Linux-based servers can operate for a year or more without a reboot. At the same time, errors in program operation certainly occur in Linux, but their consequences are often less significant than in Windows.
The above lists a number of advantages of Linux, but the conclusion that Linux is the most stable operating system is also ambiguous.
Many Windows-based servers work in the same way for many months without a single reboot; many home users reinstall Windows no more than once every year and a half. It all depends on the conditions of use of the operating system and methods of working with it.
Possibilities
The possibilities of both Windows and Linux are almost limitless. Both operating systems allow you to fully configure the server to perform one or more functions. As a result of the development of server operating systems Windows and Linux, typical areas of their application gradually emerged, and in some of them there is an advantage of Windows over Linux and vice versa.
Today, Linux is one of the most popular operating systems for use as a Web server. More than half of all Internet sites run on servers running Linux and the Apache Web server. DNS servers, print servers, file servers, email server, FTP server and much more are tasks that can be efficiently implemented using Linux.
The Windows operating system also has its advantages. Perhaps the main advantage of a Windows server and a local network implemented on a Windows basis is the Active Directory directory service. This service was first introduced in Windows 2000 Server and expanded in Windows Server R2 2012 and Windows Server 2008. The service provides centralized network management and allows you to efficiently add, remove, and move resources such as user accounts, printers, servers, databases, and computers , security policies and much more. In many ways, the popularity of Windows is due to Active Directory.
This is the only aspect in which Linux has an unconditional advantage. Various versions of Linux are developed under the GPL license and are available for download and use free of charge, without any licensing or other costs. Likewise, tens of thousands of programs for Linux are free, among which you can find applications to perform any task. A number of paid programs designed for Windows have free analogues in the Linux world. Thus, the Microsoft Office suite of office programs has a free competitor, OpenOffice (as well as some other packages).
In turn, the cost of both the Windows server operating system itself and licenses for its use can reach an impressive amount, which will most likely be higher than the cost of the hardware components of the server itself. In addition, the cost of licenses for user and ton Windows 10 systems on the local network should be added to this amount.
Justification for choice
On the Linux side - cost, stability, high efficiency and security. On the Windows side there is also high operating efficiency, wider distribution and a familiar interface, the Active Directory directory service, hundreds of thousands of programs developed specifically for Windows. You should also take into account the huge number of updates offered daily by Microsoft, Service Packs that are periodically released for operating systems and other applications. Quite a lot of financial software is created exclusively for Windows, but the use of Linux for various databases has recently become common practice. And in conclusion, let’s talk about the considerable cost of licenses for Windows, which contrasts with the opportunity to get Linux and most programs for free.
It would seem that many advantages are on the side of Linux, an operating system that is developing more than actively. Nevertheless, she has. considerable shortcomings. First of all, administering Linux requires higher qualifications than managing Windows Server; the main services of Windows Server R2 2012 can be configured using an intuitive interface and on-screen prompts. When setting up Linux, you will have to work with the command line and scripting languages. Which, of course, is somewhat more complicated. The free nature of Linux, oddly enough, is also a disadvantage of the operating system. Many Linux programs (like itself) are not provided with any technical support or maintenance, so all tasks for their installation and maintenance, and solving all kinds of other problems are assigned to the system administrator. This factor can become a serious drawback and even a threat to the stability of the entire network infrastructure of the company if the server administrator is not sufficiently experienced in working with Linux.
In Fig. 21comparison of Windows Server and Linux server operating systems for a Web server.
rice. 21 Comparison of server operating systems Windows Server and Linux for Wep server.
Figure 22 shows a comparison of the Windows Server and Linux server operating systems for a file server.
Rice. 22 Comparison of Windows Server and Linux server operating systems for a file server.
Conclusion: In this thesis project, we chose Linux OS for the Wep server and Windows Server for the file server.
