Operating System Selection

Choose the right Linux distribution for your hardware.

The operating system you choose affects ease of setup, performance, and long-term maintenance.

Selecting the right operating system is crucial for a smooth hosting experience. Consider your hardware, Linux experience, and the services you plan to run.

Laptops, desktops, mini PCs:

Ubuntu Server

• Most documentation and tutorials available
• Good for beginners
• Regular releases with long-term support
• Large package repository

Debian

• Stable and minimal
• Excellent for servers
• Less frequent updates
• Rock-solid reliability

Fedora Server

• Cutting edge features
• Latest software versions
• Good for development
• More frequent updates

Arch Linux

• Rolling release
• Requires more Linux knowledge
• Minimal and customizable
• Excellent documentation

Raspberry Pi and single-board computers:

Raspberry Pi OS

• Official for Raspberry Pi
• Optimized for Pi hardware
• Good documentation
• Debian-based

Ubuntu Server for ARM

• Familiar if you use Ubuntu elsewhere
• Good community support
• Regular updates

Debian for ARM

• Stable and minimal
• Excellent for servers
• Long-term support

Termux-based solutions:

Termux + proot-distro

• Run Debian or Ubuntu inside Android
• Full Linux environment
• Most flexible option

UserLAnd

• Alternative to Termux
• GUI support available
• Easier for beginners

• Download ISO from official distribution website
• Create bootable USB using Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (macOS/Linux)
• Choose minimal server installation to save resources
• Create non-root user account during setup
• Enable SSH during installation if available

1. Update system: `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade`
2. Install SSH server: `sudo apt install openssh-server`
3. Configure SSH key-based authentication
4. Set up firewall: `sudo ufw enable`
5. Configure automatic security updates

• Hardware Overview
• Old Laptops and Desktops
• Raspberry Pi

Last updated: 2026-06-19

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