Operating Systems Supported by SurferCloud: A Comprehensive Guide for Choosing the Right OS

SurferCloud offers a variety of operating systems for its ULightHost and UHost cloud server plans, giving users flexibility to choose the best environment for their needs. Supported systems include CentOS, Ubuntu, Windows, and Debian, each with its unique advantages and limitations. This guide will explore these operating systems, their pros and cons, and when to choose each for different use cases.

For more details: Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Choosing the Right Virtual Private Server for Your Needs.

CentOS

Available Versions:

• ULightHost: CentOS 8.0 - 8.4 (64-bit)
• UHost: CentOS 6.x - 8.4 (64-bit)

Pros:

• Highly stable and reliable, making it ideal for enterprise use.
• Long lifecycle for CentOS 7 and 8, providing extended support.
• Excellent for enterprise-level applications.

Cons:

• CentOS 8 reached end of life (EOL) in December 2021.
• Older versions like CentOS 6 and 7 are no longer supported or receiving updates.

Best Use Cases:

• CentOS is a strong choice for businesses seeking a stable and secure environment for web hosting, database management, and enterprise applications. However, given its EOL status, users may need to consider CentOS Stream or alternatives like AlmaLinux to ensure future support.

Ubuntu

Available Versions:

• ULightHost: Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04 (64-bit)
• UHost: Ubuntu 14.04 - 22.04 (64-bit)

Pros:

• Regular updates with strong community support.
• Suitable for both desktop and server environments.
• Wide software repository, compatible with modern applications.

Cons:

• Older versions (e.g., 14.04 and 16.04) have reached EOL, meaning limited security support.

Best Use Cases:

• Ubuntu is an excellent choice for developers and enterprises looking for a flexible, user-friendly OS, particularly for application deployment, web hosting, and cloud computing. Long Term Support (LTS) versions like Ubuntu 22.04 are ideal for long-term projects.

Windows

Available Versions:

• ULightHost and UHost: Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022 (64-bit), plus Windows Server 20H2 EN.

Pros:

• Full compatibility with Microsoft applications such as SQL Server, ASP.NET, and SharePoint.
• Seamless integration with Active Directory and other enterprise services.

Cons:

• Higher licensing costs compared to Linux-based options.

Best Use Cases:

• Windows Server is the best option for enterprises deeply invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, particularly for running applications like Exchange or SQL Server, or for businesses that require Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services.

Further Reading Recommendation: SurferCloud: Get Windows VPS without Extra Fees.

Debian

Available Versions:

• ULightHost: Debian 10.0 and 11.7 (64-bit)
• UHost: Debian 10.0 and 11.7 (64-bit)

Pros:

• Highly stable and secure, with long-term support.
• Less resource-intensive compared to other distributions.

Cons:

• Software repositories may not be as up-to-date as Ubuntu or CentOS, especially for newer applications.

Best Use Cases:

• Debian is ideal for environments where stability and performance are more critical than access to the latest features, such as in server hosting, application development, and database management.

Conclusion

Choosing the right operating system for SurferCloud’s cloud servers depends on the specific needs of your project. For stability and enterprise support, CentOS or Debian are good options. For more frequent updates and modern features, Ubuntu LTS is a solid choice. And for businesses invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, Windows Server provides the highest level of compatibility and enterprise features.