Linux

What is Linux?

Linux is a free, open-source, UNIX-based operating system that powers a huge proportion of the world's servers, including most web servers.

Linux is available in many different "distributions" - complete versions of the operating system bundled with various tools and software. Some of the most popular distributions include:

• Ubuntu: Known for its ease of use, and widely used on desktops, servers, and in the cloud.
• Debian: A stable, reliable, and secure distribution used on servers and workstations.
• Fedora: Sponsored by Red Hat, with a focus on cutting-edge technology.
• Linux Mint: A community-driven, user-friendly distribution based on Ubuntu and Debian.
• Arch Linux: A lightweight, flexible, and highly customizable distribution.
• AlmaLinux: A free, enterprise-grade distribution that is binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• openSUSE: Known for its stability and enterprise features.

Why is Linux popular for servers?

Linux is popular for web servers because it is free, stable, secure, and highly configurable. It runs the majority of websites on the internet, including those served by Apache.

Linux and MIDAS

A self-hosted edition of MIDAS runs happily on a Linux server with a Perl environment. Our own cloud-hosted MIDAS systems run on Linux-based Virtual Private Servers, chosen for their reliability and performance.