Ubuntu is a widespread desktop Operating System, which uses the Linux kernel, but its server version is getting really popular too. The reason is that the OS is amazingly light and it can function on almost any kind of hardware without any issues, utilizing its resources to the max. Ubuntu is also extremely reliable and secure and all of the Long-Term Support (LTS) versions are supported for at least 5 years, which warrants that you will have a risk-free and stable software environment on your hosting server all of the time. In addition, Ubuntu has one of the biggest user communities on earth, so if you experience any issue or have any question, you will find lots of resources on the net. Among the key benefits of this OS is the fact that it features a large number of software packages which can be freely customized according to your needs as well as the needs of the apps which you want to run, not to mention that you won't have to pay any license fees any time. In comparison, other OS's are paid and their code is not accessible, thus it cannot be changed.