Virtual Server on Ubuntu: Advantages and Key Features

Virtual servers are commonly used to host websites, APIs, backends, task queues, and container platforms. These use cases require an operating system that can be deployed in a suitable configuration: in some scenarios, fast provisioning of multiple test environments is critical; in others, a minimal component set is needed for VPS instances with limited resources; and in more complex cases, full control over services, dependencies, and network parameters is essential.

Linux meets all of these requirements. It can be installed in a minimal configuration, does not require licenses, provides full access to system settings, and allows the environment to be gradually assembled according to the needs of a specific project.

Virtual machine performance is usually limited, so every unnecessary service directly affects system responsiveness. Linux runs without a graphical interface and does not consume memory on background processes, leaving more resources available for applications. The system is transparent: any process, open port, or configuration file can be inspected and modified directly.

Why Linux Is Well Suited for Virtual Servers

Most server-side tools are designed primarily for Linux, including web stacks, databases, system utilities, and container engines.

Linux is convenient due to its technical characteristics that directly affect server operation:

• Minimal initial configuration — the system starts without a graphical interface or extra services; administrators add only the components they need
• Low system requirements — web applications, databases, and message brokers often run reliably with just 1–2 GB of RAM
• Direct control — all configurations are stored in open, editable files; network rules, services, ports, logs, and dependencies can be managed individually
• Easy automation — directory structures and command-line tools make it easy to transfer configurations between servers using Ansible, Terraform, or custom scripts
• Compatibility with server software — DevOps tools, caching services, monitoring systems, container engines, and databases are primarily developed for Linux

Because of these characteristics, Linux is often chosen both for single VPS instances (for a website or API) and for infrastructures with multiple instances that require a consistent environment.

Linux or Windows: What to Install on a VPS

Windows Server is indispensable in scenarios that require deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, such as Active Directory, .NET Framework, terminal services, or applications that rely on a graphical interface. On virtual servers, however, such use cases are less common, and Windows has higher system requirements: the graphical interface, background processes, and service components consume a significant portion of available resources.

In comparison, Linux has several advantages:

• no licensing dependency
• faster boot times
• lower resource consumption
• efficient operation in console mode
• easier migration between environments

For web projects, APIs, microservices, and container-based infrastructures, Linux is a natural choice because it provides a minimal and fully manageable environment.

Why Ubuntu

Ubuntu is based on Debian and inherits its structure, while being easier to configure and maintain. After installation, administrators get a clean system with a basic set of tools and can add required services—such as a web server, database, task queue, or container engine—without unnecessary dependencies.

Ubuntu follows an LTS (Long Term Support) release model: versions receive security updates and bug fixes for several years. This greatly simplifies maintenance, especially when multiple VPS instances are used and environments need to remain consistent.

Another important advantage is the availability of comprehensive official repositories. Through APT, administrators can install web servers, databases, message brokers, language runtimes, monitoring tools, and DevOps utilities. In most cases, packages are installed from standard repositories, eliminating the need to build software manually or rely on third-party distributions that may differ in dependencies or behavior.

Working with a Virtual Server on Ubuntu

After deploying a virtual machine, the first step is configuring access. This usually includes disabling password-based login, setting up SSH keys, verifying directory permissions, and defining traffic filtering rules to establish a basic security layer. If IPv6 is used, firewall rules must be configured separately, as they do not inherit IPv4 settings.

The next step is service configuration. In Ubuntu, process management is handled by systemd, which makes it easy to see which service is using a specific port, what is being restarted, which dependencies are involved, and where errors occur. This subsystem is well suited for maintaining web stacks, message brokers, container engines, and databases. Configurations can be stored in Git and transferred between VPS instances without changing the directory structure.

Backups can be organized using the provider’s services or external tools such as rsync, Borg, or Restic. Ubuntu does not impose restrictions on backup solutions, allowing the approach to be chosen based on project architecture—whether that means hourly incremental backups or daily snapshots.

Where Ubuntu Delivers the Best Results

Ubuntu is well suited for web projects, container infrastructures, analytics workloads, and microservices deployed across multiple virtual machines. It enables fast environment setup, consistent maintenance, and seamless configuration transfer between servers without rebuilding the entire platform. Thanks to its structured design, accessible packages, and long-term updates, Ubuntu has become a reliable foundation for virtual servers regardless of project scale.

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