Choice of Linux distributions
While we can’t cater for absolutely every preference, we currently supply several different Linux distributions. You may already know which one you want, but in case you don’t, here’s a run-down of their various advantages:
Debian
Debian is a mature and sophisticated distribution with a long association with the free software movement.
Bytemark offer a particularly easy version of Debian featuring our bytemark-vhost package – this allows you to administer complicated aspects of system entirely by adding and removing files with a secure FTP client. It also provides automatic security updates.
Within Debian’s package management system, you can choose between the stable distribution, which has older, thoroughly-tested packages, the unstable distribution which is up-to-the minute if very occasionally broken, and the testing
distribution which lags behing unstable by a few weeks in order to achieve greater stability. Its apt-get tool is crucial to its success, providing flawless system upgrades when used exclusively with official Debian sources, and access to a globally-distributed repository of thousands of packages. Users can be guaranteed to be up-to-date with the latest security patches for their system by typing a single command: apt-get dist-upgrade, which eases many security worries of new users.
We currently use Debian for all our servers, and would recommend it to anyone who has no strong preference.
Available versions: stable , with easy upgrade path to testing or unstable.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a relatively new distribution with backing from UK-based Canonical . It has many similarities and advantages with Debian combined with the advantage of a predictable six-monthly release schedule.
The initial development thrust concentrated on desktop versions of the software, and provided little advantage over Debian in the server market. However Ubuntu are now releasing server editions which we’re happy to recommend and install.
Available versions: dapper (being retired) and gutsy , hardy
Centos
Centos (Community ENTerprise Operating System) is a distribution that is based on the same commercial codebase as a prominent North American Enterprise Linux vendor, and aims to be 100% binary compatible with it. It is aimed at the Linux user who does not need commercial support, but requires a level of binary compatibility specified by third-party applications. Each of its releases follows that of the upstream vendor with a five year support lifetime, issuing patches for security and stability during that time.
Available versions: 5.2