Hey everyone! I just set up a dedicated server at home because my main computer couldn't handle all my work tasks anymore. Now, I'm a bit overwhelmed trying to pick the right Linux distro for it. I haven't really dived deep into Linux, and the terminal kinda intimidates me, especially when it comes to managing important data. Just for background, I have a Bachelor's in Computer Science and am somewhat familiar with Linux.
I was initially thinking of going with the headless version of Ubuntu Server, but I'm worried about the future. For instance, I might want to use my server as a Moonlight client connected to my TV, which means I'd need a desktop GUI. If I switch distros later on, will I lose all my data? Also, is the performance and stability of Ubuntu Server really different from Mint? Should I be looking at any other distros too?
5 Answers
You can actually install a desktop environment on Ubuntu Server later if you need one! If you're worried about unnecessary stuff, just go with a minimal installation of Ubuntu. That way, you can add only the packages you need for your home server setup.
I’ve been using Ubuntu Server for a few months, and honestly, any issues I’ve faced were my own fault. I did add a GUI, and I can’t really tell if it slowed down my server at all. Ubuntu’s been great for me!
Debian all the way! It’s reliable, and you can choose to install it with or without a desktop. Just be mindful of the bloat if you choose the desktop version.
I’d say Debian is a good choice, especially if you don't mind a headless install. But if you’re okay with having a GUI, installing it won’t hurt performance much. Just remember that unnecessary desktop environments can add bloat.
For a server, I’d actually recommend Debian. It’s super stable. But if you want something lightweight, Arch could be a nice option, though it requires more manual setup.
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