For many organizations, avoiding these losses starts with choosing the right server operating system (OS).
Why?
Because OS plays a central role in determining how stable, secure, and cost-efficient your infrastructure will be.
Proprietary platforms often come with high licensing fees and rigid limitations. Linux, on the other hand, is open-source, highly customizable across, and battle-tested across enterprise workloads.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a Linux server is, why it continues to dominate enterprise IT, and where it’s used today. You’ll also see the most common Linux distributions and how Linux compares to Windows servers.
TL;DR: Linux servers are the backbone of modern IT infrastructure
Linux is known for its stability and security, and it is a go-to for running mission-critical workloads.
It adapts easily across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments with no vendor lock-in.
A wide range of distributions gives you the flexibility to choose the right distribution for your needs.
Linux may support your infrastructure across AWS, Azure, GCP, or on-premises. But LogicMonitor ensures you get the most from it by providing unified visibility into performance and availability across all environments.
What Is a Linux Server?
A Linux server is a server that runs the Linux operating system, an open-source OS. It’s widely used in enterprise IT because it’s stable, cost-efficient, and adaptable to different workloads.
At the core of Linux is the Linux kernel, the part of the OS that interacts directly with hardware.
It manages hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and storage, and allows applications to run efficiently without conflicts. This enables Linux servers to support multiple users and applications at the same time, without sacrificing performance.
Since Linux is open-source, developers and IT teams can modify it to suit their needs. These modified versions are called distributions, or distros, and each one is used for specific use cases.
For example:
Ubuntu is popular for web hosting and cloud deployments.
Debian is known for reliability and a large package ecosystem.
Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux are community-supported successors to CentOS, which are built for enterprise workloads.
Use Cases
The wide range of distributions makes Linux servers suitable for many use cases, like:
Building private cloud and virtualization platforms
Supporting DevOps pipelines that use containers, automation, and CI/CD tools
Linux is also designed for multitasking and user management. Features such as access control lists (ACLs), group permissions, and modular security tools make it well-suited for running shared, large-scale infrastructure.
How Does a Linux Server Work?
A Linux server brings together several components that enable hardware and software to work efficiently as one system.
Let’s see how:
1. The Linux Kernel
The kernel is the core of the operating system. It manages hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and storage, and makes sure applications can run without interfering with each other.
For example, when multiple users access a Linux server at the same time, the kernel allocates resources so each workload gets the computing power it needs.
2. The Boot Process
When a Linux server starts, it goes through a predictable boot sequence:
The system firmware (BIOS or UEFI) initializes the hardware.
A bootloader (such as GRUB), then loads the Linux kernel into memory.
The kernel mounts the root filesystem and starts essential services.
The system launches user-level processes, such as login prompts or server applications.
This process ensures Linux servers can start up consistently and recover quickly after reboots or failures.
3. The Command-line Interface (CLI)
Most Linux servers are managed through the command-line interface (CLI) instead of a graphical interface.
Why?
Because CLI consumes fewer resources, while a graphical interface uses more CPU and memory, these are better reserved for applications and services.
CLI access also makes remote management simpler and more secure.
How?
Administrators connect to Linux servers over SSH (Secure Shell) and run commands directly, without needing a heavy desktop environment or local access.
Once connected, administrators have full control of the system using the CLI. This way, they can then use shell environments like Bash to create and run commands for managing users, configuring services, and monitoring performance.
This direct access also makes automation possible. Because the same commands an administrator runs in Bash can be turned into scripts or executed at scale with tools such as Ansible or Puppet.
This combination of efficiency, control, and automation is why the CLI remains the standard for managing Linux servers in enterprise environments.
4. Modular Design
Linux uses a modular design, which means its features are built as separate components rather than bundled into a single monolithic package.
This design gives administrators control over what runs on a server. They can enable only the components they need—for example, installing Apache to serve web pages or OpenSSH for secure remote access.
Leaving out unnecessary packages keeps the system lightweight. It also reduces the attack surface, since fewer components mean fewer potential vulnerabilities.
As a result, Linux servers are easier to secure and can deliver better performance for the workloads they are designed to handle.
Why Are Linux Servers So Widely Used?
Linux remains popular for two big reasons:
Flexibility
Cost-effectiveness
Organizations can run it almost anywhere, from embedded systems and private clouds to enterprise servers, without vendor lock-in or expensive licensing.
But that’s not just it; there are many other benefits.
So let’s look at nine more reasons why Linux is a popular choice for servers:
Open-Source Nature and Customization Flexibility
Linux is open-source and free to use. That means administrators and developers can view the source code, modify it, and share their own versions.
For most organizations, this customization happens at the distribution level. They first choose a distro like Ubuntu Server or Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) that includes the packages, tools, and security features needed for their environment. Then, administrators can also add software packages, such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems (IDS), to strengthen security.
Advanced teams can even go further and modify the Linux kernel, which is the part of the OS that manages hardware and system resources.
For example, they might recompile the kernel to remove unnecessary drivers because this would make the server lighter and faster.
Note: This level of customization isn’t required for everyday use, but it shows how deeply you can tailor Linux to specific workloads.
Range of Applications and Tools
Linux offers a wide range of applications and tools, which make it suitable for almost any server role. Since it’s open-source, administrators can choose the exact components they need and configure the system for their workloads.
It’s also highly compatible with different hardware architectures, which means Linux can run on older machines and even enterprise-grade servers. That’s why organizations can deploy it across a wide variety of environments without being tied to a specific vendor.
The most common Linux server use cases include:
Web hosting with Apache or Nginx.
Database management with MySQL, PostgreSQL, or newer options like MariaDB
File sharing using Samba or NFS.
Virtualization through KVM or Xen.
Running game servers for online multiplayer hosting.
Each of these requires specific packages or libraries, and Linux makes them easy to install and integrate without the need for costly proprietary software.
In fact, it also supports modern infrastructure management tools. That means administrators can use projects like Terraform or Ansible to configure many servers at once. Instead of logging into each system individually, they can automate deployments and maintain consistency with repeatable scripts.
Enhanced Security
Linux servers are designed with security at their core.
How?
One of the most important features is Linux’s built-in access control system, which lets administrators assign permissions to users and files.
For example, an admin can make certain files read-only to prevent unauthorized edits or restrict execution rights to reduce the risk of malicious programs running.
But controlling what users can do is only half the security.
Linux provides multiple ways to control who is allowed on the system in the first place. Beyond standard username and password logins, administrators can enable stronger methods such as SSH keys, smart cards, digital certificates, or even biometric checks.
But why should they do so?
Because these authentication methods strengthen security by ensuring only verified users can reach the sensitive data and services protected by access controls.
High Stability and Reliability
Linux has a long-standing reputation for stability.
In fact, Linux servers can run for months, sometimes even years, without needing a reboot. This makes it a strong choice for mission-critical workloads, where even a few minutes of downtime can cause major losses.
But how’s that even possible?
Because bugs and issues are identified and fixed quickly by its active open-source community. With so many developers reviewing the code, problems are patched before they can impact long-term reliability.
This stability is reinforced by long-term support (LTS) distributions.
Many Linux distros, such as Ubuntu LTS or Red Hat Enterprise Linux, offer guaranteed updates and security patches for five years or more. That means organizations can plan upgrades confidently without worrying about disrupting compatibility.
Linux’s stability is also why it is used in most of the world’s supercomputers and in a large share of internet infrastructure, from web servers to cloud platforms.
Community Support and Resources
Unlike proprietary platforms, where support often comes only from the vendor, Linux has a global network of contributors and users who provide help and resources.
You can find this support in user forums, online knowledge bases, detailed tutorials, and even live chat help desks. These resources cover everything from basic installation guides to advanced configuration topics.
What makes this support valuable is the people behind it.
Many forums have experienced system administrators and developers who share practical solutions.
So, if you ever run into a hardware compatibility issue or a tricky configuration problem, chances are someone has already solved it and posted the answer. If not, you can post your issue, and there may be people who would be able to help.
Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Proprietary Software
Linux is cost-effective because it eliminates expenses across licensing, hardware, cloud usage, and ongoing support.
Here’s how:
Unlike proprietary systems, you don’t have to pay per server or per user unless you choose enterprise editions like RHEL or Oracle Linux, which come with paid support.
Linux requires fewer resources to run. That means organizations can get strong performance from existing hardware instead of constantly upgrading to meet the demands of heavier operating systems.
In cloud environments, most providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP offer Linux-based instances at lower hourly rates than Windows servers. This can lead to significant savings at scale, especially when running large numbers of virtual machines.
The open-source model reduces long-term costs. Since the software is freely available, there are no recurring fees for upgrades.
Because Linux has such a strong community, administrators often get troubleshooting help without needing expensive third-party contracts.
Together, these factors give Linux a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). This means you can run mission-critical workloads affordably while still maintaining reliability and support options when needed.
Scalability for Handling Large Amounts of Data and High Traffic
Linux servers stay reliable even when demand spikes.
Imagine you run an online store.
On a normal day, a single Linux server might handle thousands of web requests without slowing down, due to efficient management of CPU, memory, and storage.
Now picture a holiday sale where traffic suddenly doubles or triples.
Instead of crashing, Linux can spread the load across multiple servers using clustering and load balancing. This way, requests are shared, and no single machine becomes overloaded.
For data-heavy tasks, Linux includes modern features like io_uring, which speeds up input/output operations. This is especially important for databases, where millions of read/write requests need to be processed with minimal latency.
In addition to traditional methods like clustering and load balancing, Linux is also the foundation for modern cloud-native scaling.
Containers, Kubernetes, autoscaling, and microservices all run on Linux. This helps organizations expand capacity in seconds and handle a massive increase in traffic.
Compatibility with DevOps Practices and Configuration Management
Many DevOps tools are built to run on Linux. This is because Linux is lightweight, modular, and easy to adapt to different environments.
Take Docker as an example.
It creates containers (small, isolated environments where applications run). Docker relies on Linux kernel features like namespaces (to keep processes isolated) and cgroups (to control how much CPU or memory each process uses).
This is why containers work so efficiently on Linux.
Kubernetes builds on the same concept.
Instead of managing only a few containers, it can coordinate thousands across many Linux servers. That makes it possible to scale applications up or down depending on demand.
In fact, Linux also works well with configuration management tools such as Ansible or Puppet. You can use these tools to automate common jobs like provisioning servers, applying updates, or making configuration changes.
For example:
With Ansible, you can write simple instructions in YAML and run them directly on Linux servers without installing extra software.
Puppet takes a different approach: you tell it what the server should look like, and it automatically makes sure the server stays in that state.
Because Linux supports these tools natively, it makes DevOps workflows faster and easier to scale.
Support for Virtualization and Containerization
Linux has strong support for virtualization, which means you can run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. This means your organization can use its hardware more efficiently and reduce costs.
Each VM acts like its own server, with its own operating system and applications, but they all share the same physical resources. This setup is widely used in data centers and cloud platforms because it combines flexibility with high performance.
Many enterprises pair Linux virtualization with live migration features, such as KVM’s support for moving running VMs between hosts without downtime. This helps with maintenance, load balancing, and high availability in production environments.
Linux also supports a lighter form of virtualization called containers.
With technologies like LXC and Docker, applications run in isolated environments that share the same kernel but use fewer resources than full VMs.
Containers start quickly and scale easily, which makes them popular for microservices and cloud-native applications.
Most container orchestration platforms, including Kubernetes and OpenShift, are built on Linux. This makes Linux the default choice for teams deploying large-scale, automated container environments in the cloud or on-premises.
By offering both traditional virtualization (VMs) and modern containerization, Linux gives you multiple options for building scalable and cost-effective server environments.
Linux Distributions for Servers
A Linux distribution is a packaged version of the Linux operating system.
So, when you’re setting up a Linux server, the first decision you’ll make is which distribution to use. Every distro is built on the same Linux kernel, but the differences in support, release cycles, and tooling can make one a better fit than another for your needs.
Let’s see five of the most common distros for servers and what they’re best at:
Ubuntu Server
If you want something easy to set up with extensive documentation, Ubuntu Server is a safe choice. It’s also the most common distro in the cloud, which makes it a great fit if you’re running workloads on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
If your priority is enterprise stability and guaranteed vendor support, RHEL might be the right fit.
It does require a paid subscription, but in return, you get certified updates, long support cycles, and access to enterprise integrations. So, if you’re running mission-critical workloads where you don’t want downtime, go for RHEL.
If you value stability over the latest features, Debian is worth considering. Its release cycle is slower, but that means each version is tested thoroughly before release.
Debian is a good choice for servers that need to “just run” without much tinkering, like file servers or databases that you don’t want to monitor.
AlmaLinux
If you are a CentOS user, AlmaLinux is one of the strongest replacements. Because it’s free, binary-compatible with RHEL, and offers long-term support cycles. In short, you get the stability of RHEL without the subscription costs.
So, if you want a reliable enterprise-grade server OS without paying licensing fees, AlmaLinux should be on your list.
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is another CentOS replacement, created by one of CentOS’s original founders.
Like AlmaLinux, it’s free, stable, and RHEL-compatible.
So, if you prefer a community-driven approach with long-term support, Rocky Linux is a solid option.
No matter which distribution you choose, monitoring is critical. And LogicMonitor’s Linux monitoring integrates with all major distros and cloud platforms, so you can track performance consistently.
Quick Comparison: Which One to Choose
Here’s a quick comparison of Linux distros to help you choose the one that fits your needs.
Linux vs Windows Servers
When you’re choosing a server operating system, the main comparison people make is between Linux and Windows. Both can run mission-critical workloads, but they take very different approaches.
Let’s see how.
Uptime and reliability
Linux servers are known for their ability to run for months or even years without needing a reboot.
Windows servers, on the other hand, often require reboots after applying updates or patches.
Cost and licensing
Linux is free to use in most cases, unless you’re paying for enterprise support (like RHEL).
Windows Server requires a paid license, plus client access licenses (CALs) for multiple users.
Security
Linux has a long-standing reputation for strong security. Its permission model, frequent patches, and open-source transparency mean vulnerabilities are often fixed quickly.
Windows security has improved in recent years, but it’s still a bigger target for attacks and often relies on waiting for Microsoft to release patches.
Performance
Linux is lightweight and modular, so you can strip it down to only what you need. That makes it efficient for running everything from web servers to high-performance databases.
Windows is more resource-intensive by default, which can mean you need more powerful hardware to achieve the same performance.
Many enterprise applications, especially those built on .NET or requiring Active Directory, run best on Windows Server, while Linux is often chosen for open-source stacks and cloud-native workloads.
Ease of use
If you’re already familiar with a graphical interface, Windows Server feels more approachable.
Linux relies heavily on the command line, which can have a learning curve. That said, once you’re comfortable, Linux offers far more flexibility and automation options.
When to Choose Each
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide the best option depending on your needs:
Ready to Optimize Your Linux Server Performance?
Linux servers have become the backbone of IT and cloud environments because they’re stable, secure, and cost-effective. If you’re running critical workloads, chances are Linux is likely already part of your environment or soon will be.
To get the most from it, you need visibility, and LogicMonitor provides exactly that. It allows you to track Linux server performance and availability in real time, so you know everything is running the way it should.
Linux server FAQs:
Distributions, Use Cases & More
Which Linux Distribution Is Most Commonly Used for Servers?
The most commonly used Linux distributions for servers are Ubuntu Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and Debian. Ubuntu dominates in cloud deployments, RHEL is popular in enterprises that need vendor-backed support, and Debian is trusted for its long-term stability.
Is Linux Free for Servers?
Yes. Most Linux distributions are free to download and use on servers. The exception is enterprise editions like RHEL or Oracle Linux, which require a paid subscription if you need official vendor support.
How Can I Secure a Linux Server?
You can secure a Linux server by:
Keeping it updated with the latest patches
Using SSH keys instead of passwords for remote access
Setting strict user and file permissions
Enabling and configuring a firewall
Monitoring logs and activity regularly.
How Much Control Do I Have Over Linux Systems?
Linux gives a lot of control over your systems. You can customize nearly every aspect of a Linux system, from the desktop environment to the core system settings. In fact, you can even customize security settings, install the software you want, and tweak the system’s performance.
How Can I Troubleshoot and Fix Boot Issues in Linux?
Boot issues in Linux typically occur due to problems with the boot loader (such as GRUB), filesystem errors, or faulty hardware. To troubleshoot:
Check the boot loader: If GRUB is misconfigured, your system won’t start. Review the GRUB config file and make sure it points to the right kernel.
Run a filesystem check: Use the fsck command to scan and repair disk errors that may prevent Linux from booting.
Look at the system logs: Files in /var/log can show you if the issue is related to drivers, kernel modules, or hardware failures.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, try booting into a live Linux USB. This lets you access your files, repair configs, and reinstall boot components without losing data.
What Should I Do If My Linux Server Is Running Out of Memory?
Check which processes are consuming the most memory with top or htop commands, and restart or reconfigure them if needed. Make sure swap space is enabled, set memory limits for heavy applications, and monitor usage over time to prevent future issues.
