Preface

Linux servers are frequently selected over other server operating systems for their stability, security and flexibility advantages. This Learning Path will teach you how to get up and running with three of the most popular Linux server distros: Ubuntu Server, CentOS 7 Server, and RHEL 7 Server.

Ubuntu is an open source operating system and is based on Debian, a well-established Linux distribution. Since Debian is kind of limited to geeks, Ubuntu added an easy user interface named Unity that made it popular with various desktop users. Ubuntu carefully selects the best things from Debian and adds its own flavors to make it easy and more enjoyable for the end users. In addition to desktop systems, Ubuntu provides separate editions for various server platforms, cloud systems, mobile devices and tablets. With its easy-to-use package management tools and availability of well-known packages, we can quickly set up our own services such as web servers and database servers using Ubuntu.

CentOS is a community-based enterprise class operating system. It is available free of charge, and as a fully compatible derivative of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), it represents the first choice operating system for organizations, companies, professionals, and home users all over the world who intend to run a server. It's widely respected as a very powerful and flexible Linux distribution.

Dominating the server market, the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system gives you the support you need to modernize your infrastructure and boost your organization's efficiency. Combining both stability and flexibility, RHEL helps you meet the challenges of today and adapt to the demands of tomorrow.

This Learning Path begins with the Ubuntu Server and shows you how to make the most of Ubuntu's advanced functionalities. Moving on, we will provide you with all the knowledge that will give you access to the inner workings of the latest CentOS version 7. Finally, touching RHEL 7, we will provide you with solutions to common RHEL 7 Server challenges.