Best Operating Systems for Azure Marketplace

Windows 11 offers a serene and innovative environment that encourages you to explore your interests within a refreshed interface. With an updated Start menu and enhanced methods of connecting with your loved ones, as well as access to news, games, and other content, Windows 11 fosters a space for thinking, expressing yourself, and creative activities. You can seamlessly access all your essential applications and juggle multiple tasks effortlessly using features like snap layouts, virtual desktops, and a newly designed redocking process. Instantly connect with friends and family directly from your desktop using Microsoft Teams, allowing for free calls or chats across any device. Utilizing Microsoft Edge and a variety of customizable Widgets, you can quickly remain informed about the news, insights, and entertainment that are significant to you. Finding the applications you need and the series you enjoy watching is made simple in the revamped Microsoft Store, where everything is organized for your convenience. The overall user experience in Windows 11 is designed to inspire creativity and foster connections, making it a perfect platform for both work and play.

To begin the installation process, you must first obtain a valid license for Windows 10. After securing the license, you can proceed to download and execute the media creation tool. Detailed guidance on utilizing this tool is provided in the instructions below. If your current setup is a PC that runs Windows XP or Windows Vista, or if you require installation media for setting up Windows 10 on another machine, please refer to the section titled Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on a different PC. Additionally, if you already possess a license for Windows 10 and are upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can follow the appropriate steps outlined for a smooth transition.

Debian can be obtained at no cost via the Internet. This webpage provides various methods for installing the Stable version of Debian. If you are curious about the Testing or Unstable versions, be sure to check our releases page. Numerous vendors offer the distribution for a nominal fee, typically under US$5 plus shipping, so it's wise to verify if they offer international shipping on their sites. You have the option to explore Debian by booting a live version from a CD, DVD, or USB drive, allowing you to test it without making any permanent changes to your computer. Once you feel ready, you can initiate the installation process using the user-friendly Calamares Installer, which has been available since Debian 10 Buster. As long as the images align with your size, language, and package preferences, this approach may work well for you. For further details on this option, take a moment to read additional information that can assist you in making your decision. It’s important to weigh your choices carefully to ensure you select the best installation method for your needs.

Enhanced security features, a wider array of packages, and cutting-edge tools are all part of your open-source ecosystem, spanning from cloud to edge. Safeguard your open-source applications by ensuring comprehensive patching from the kernel to libraries and applications for CVE compliance. Both governments and auditors have verified Ubuntu for compliance with FedRAMP, FISMA, and HITECH standards. It's time to reconsider the potential of Linux and open-source technology. Organizations partner with Canonical to reduce costs associated with open-source operating systems. Streamline your processes by automating everything, including multi-cloud operations, bare metal provisioning, edge clusters, and IoT devices. Ubuntu serves as the perfect platform for a wide range of professionals, including mobile app developers, engineering managers, video editors, and financial analysts working with complex models. This operating system is favored by countless development teams globally for its adaptability, stability, continuous updates, and robust libraries for developers. With its strong community support and commitment to innovation, Ubuntu remains a leading choice in the open-source landscape.

Windows Server 2022 brings forth enhanced multi-layered security features, hybrid functionalities with Azure, and a versatile application platform. Begin by fortifying your organization's security framework right from the operating system. Expand your data center capabilities to Azure to achieve improved IT efficiency. Equip developers and IT professionals with a robust application platform designed for building and deploying a range of applications. Discover how using Azure can lead to significant cost reductions through programs like the Azure hybrid benefit and extended security updates. Transform your workloads using Azure, recognized as the reliable cloud solution for Windows Server. Seamlessly connect your on-premises Windows Servers to Azure via Azure Arc. Upgrade to the latest operating system to enjoy superior security, enhanced performance, and increased value. By leveraging Azure, you can now fully tap into the myriad advantages of cloud computing. Starting is free, enabling you to manage servers, clusters, hyper-converged infrastructure, and Windows 10 PCs effectively with Windows Server, making your transition to cloud services smoother and more efficient than ever before.

Fedora Workstation stands out as a dependable, robust, and user-friendly operating system tailored for both desktops and laptops. It serves a diverse group of developers, including hobbyists, students, and professionals operating within corporate settings. The GNOME 3 desktop environment allows you to concentrate on your coding tasks without unnecessary interruptions. Built with the developer's needs in mind, GNOME offers a streamlined experience that emphasizes productivity. You can eliminate the frustration of searching for or compiling the necessary tools, as Fedora provides an extensive array of open-source languages, tools, and utilities that are readily accessible with just a click or command. Additionally, Fedora supports collaborative efforts through platforms and repositories like COPR, enabling you to share your projects and provide builds for the broader community to utilize. This makes it an ideal choice for developers looking to enhance their workflow and contribute to open-source initiatives.

JupyterHub allows users to establish a multi-user environment that can spawn, manage, and proxy several instances of the individual Jupyter notebook server. Developed by Project Jupyter, JupyterHub is designed to cater to numerous users simultaneously. This platform can provide notebook servers for a variety of purposes, including educational environments for students, corporate data science teams, collaborative scientific research, or groups utilizing high-performance computing resources. It is important to note that JupyterHub does not officially support Windows operating systems. While it might be possible to run JupyterHub on Windows by utilizing compatible Spawners and Authenticators, the default configurations are not designed for this platform. Furthermore, any bugs reported on Windows will not be addressed, and the testing framework does not operate on Windows systems. Although minor patches to resolve basic Windows compatibility issues may be considered, they are rare. For users on Windows, it is advisable to run JupyterHub within a Docker container or a Linux virtual machine to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. This approach not only enhances functionality but also simplifies the installation process for Windows users.

Explore the advantages of ChromeOS for PCs and Macs with its cloud-first, user-friendly, and secure approach. ChromeOS Flex offers a free and eco-friendly solution to upgrade your existing devices effortlessly. You can easily deploy it across multiple machines or simply test it out to discover the benefits of a cloud-centric operating system. By installing ChromeOS Flex on your computers, you ensure they are secure, boot up quickly, maintain peak performance over time, receive automatic background updates, and can be managed remotely through the cloud. Devices start swiftly, remain efficient, and update seamlessly, minimizing downtime for users. Enjoy rapid access to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and web applications in a streamlined and dependable environment. You can roll out ChromeOS Flex to your entire fleet using USB or network installation, and user settings and policies are synchronized to devices almost immediately. The Google Admin console allows for easy remote management of updates and configuration of device policies. Furthermore, the use of blocked executables and sandboxing technology eliminates the necessity for traditional antivirus solutions, making it a smart choice for modern businesses. This innovative operating system not only enhances security but also improves the overall productivity of your workforce.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux serves as a robust operating system designed for enterprise use, with certifications spanning numerous cloud platforms and a vast array of vendors. It offers a reliable foundation that ensures consistency across different environments while equipping users with essential tools to accelerate the delivery of services and workloads for a wide range of applications. By minimizing deployment challenges and expenses, Red Hat Enterprise Linux enhances the speed at which value is realized for essential workloads, fostering collaboration and innovation among development and operations teams in various settings. Additionally, it enhances hybrid cloud infrastructures by extending capabilities to edge environments, reaching hundreds of thousands of nodes globally. Users can create OS images optimized for edge computing, reduce interruptions from OS updates, execute system updates with greater efficiency, and benefit from automatic health checks and rollback features. Furthermore, specialized command line tools are available to streamline inventory tasks and remediation processes linked to subscription upgrades or migrations from other Linux distributions, making the transition seamless and efficient. This versatility ensures that organizations can effectively manage their IT resources in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Open source software and a universal router are key to democratizing the way we access networks. VyOS' vision is to revolutionize how we access networks, so that everyone can build the solutions they have always wanted, without limitations, restrictions, or prohibitive prices. We believe that internet access is just as important to human development as food, water, air, and healthcare. VyOS was founded by engineers for engineers. It is an open-source software company that makes it possible to access networks without restrictions or prohibitive fees. Through our open-source software and virtual platforms, we do this as VyOS. Stateful firewalls, zone based firewall, all types source and destination NAT (one-to-one, one-to many, many to many). For auditing, creating customized images and contributing, everyone has access to the entire codebase and build toolchain.

AlmaLinux OS is a free, community-driven enterprise Linux distribution that emphasizes long-term stability and serves as a reliable platform for production environments. It is designed to be fully compatible with RHEL® and pre-Stream CentOS, allowing users to transition seamlessly between systems. The source code and various tools necessary for building AlmaLinux OS can be accessed through our GitHub organization. Engage with a lively community on Reddit, where you can interact with fellow users, stay informed on the latest developments, and both offer and seek assistance. Participate in real-time discussions with other members, including the governance team and developers, to ask questions and share knowledge. As a fully independent operating system, AlmaLinux OS benefits from $1M in annual support from CloudLinux Inc, along with contributions from additional sponsors, ensuring ongoing development is driven by community involvement. This collaborative approach allows for a more resilient and adaptable OS that meets the needs of its users.

FreeBSD stands out with its sophisticated networking, exceptional performance, security, and compatibility elements that many other operating systems, including several top commercial options, still lack. It serves as a prime choice for both Internet and Intranet servers, delivering reliable network services even under extreme loads while efficiently managing memory to ensure excellent response times for numerous simultaneous user processes. Moreover, FreeBSD extends its advanced operating system capabilities to both appliance and embedded systems, accommodating a diverse range of hardware platforms such as higher-end Intel-based devices, as well as ARM, PowerPC, and MIPS architectures. Vendors globally depend on FreeBSD for their embedded products, which encompass everything from mail and web appliances to routers, time servers, and wireless access points, thanks to its integrated build and cross-build environments. Additionally, the Berkeley open-source license allows these vendors the flexibility to determine the extent of their contributions back to the community, fostering collaboration and innovation. This combination of features makes FreeBSD an invaluable asset for developers aiming to create high-performance embedded solutions.

EuroLinux Desktop represents a significant advancement in the realm of operating systems. It seamlessly blends the visual appeal and functionality found in Windows® and macOS® while delivering the dependability and security characteristic of Enterprise Linux distributions. By implementing several modifications to the Linux user interface, EuroLinux Desktop ensures an intuitive experience for users familiar with Microsoft® or Apple® platforms. Moreover, it guarantees top-tier security and stability, as it is based on the source code of Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® 9, which is widely utilized in high-stakes environments such as financial institutions, telecommunications, and public sector entities. This operating system caters to both individuals and organizations transitioning from Windows® or macOS®, seeking a robust platform that preserves the familiar aesthetics of Microsoft® and Apple® offerings, all while benefiting from long-term technical support. EuroLinux Desktop effectively addresses the requirements of public administration, the financial industry, educational institutions, and everyday users, making it a versatile choice for a diverse range of applications. As a result, it stands as an appealing alternative for those aiming to enhance their computing experience without sacrificing familiarity or security.

Stratodesk NoTouch, the #1 Thin Client OS and management software in the world, is available now. Stratodesk NoTouch is a combination of NoTouch OS, NoTouch Center and can transform any PC, Thin Client or Laptop into a centrally managed Thin Endpoint. NoTouch OS can be instantly deployed to thousands of devices, and managed from oStratodesk NoTouch. NoTouch OS is the best Thin Client OS and management solution. Stratodesk NoTouch is a combination of NoTouch OS, NoTouch Center and can be used to transform any PC, Thin Client or Laptop into a centrally managed Thin Endpoint. NoTouch OS can be instantly deployed to thousands of devices and managed from one browser. NoTouch OS is a minimal-sized OS that can be installed from your server onto your computer, laptop, thin client, or Raspberry Pi device. NoTouch Center is the best endpoint management software to manage your VDI endpoints.

openSUSE has introduced an innovative method for its development, resulting in a new kind of hybrid Linux distribution known as Leap. This version leverages the source code from SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE), which ensures a reliability that few other Linux distributions can match, and merges it with community-driven advancements to offer the best stable experience for users, developers, and system administrators alike. Those currently using openSUSE can easily transition to Leap by booting from a DVD or USB and selecting the upgrade option, or they can perform an ‘Online Upgrade’ with just a few commands. Leap adopts a traditional approach to stability, releasing a new version annually while providing ongoing security updates and bug fixes in between releases. This combination of features makes Leap particularly appealing for server environments, but it is equally suitable for desktop users due to its low maintenance requirements. Furthermore, openSUSE Leap's compatibility with SUSE Linux Enterprise not only enhances its stability but also allows users the flexibility to move to an enterprise solution if needed, ensuring a smooth transition for future growth and support. Overall, Leap stands out as a compelling choice for anyone seeking a robust and reliable Linux operating system.

Xfce serves as a lightweight desktop environment tailored for UNIX-like systems, designed to prioritize speed and minimal resource usage while maintaining an attractive and intuitive interface. To enhance Xfce's visual appeal and coherence, we developed a new set of icons for our core applications, all derived from a unified color palette to promote consistency across the platform. Additionally, we implemented some implicit design guidelines, drawing inspiration from Adwaita's aesthetics. The Settings Manager has been updated with a revamped filter box that can now be permanently concealed, alongside improved search functions that allow for queries in the descriptive 'Comments' section of each dialog's launcher file (commonly known as .desktop). Moreover, we have combined the previous 'Mime Settings' and 'Preferred Applications' dialogs into a single interface, simplifying the process for users to designate default applications for various file types. This consolidation not only streamlines user experience but also reinforces Xfce's commitment to usability and efficiency.

Oracle Linux provides a comprehensive and open operating environment that combines virtualization, management, and cloud-native computing tools along with the operating system in a unified support package. It maintains full binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, ensuring seamless application performance. You can browse the catalog to locate details about independent software vendors (ISVs) that have validated their applications for use with Oracle Linux and its virtualization capabilities. Certified applications on Oracle Linux are capable of running across various environments, including on-premises, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and other cloud services. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the Oracle Tux Tech Talk webinar on July 28, where you will learn how to benchmark performance, explore the advantages of the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK), and identify which workloads benefit from its enhancements. This session promises to equip you with valuable insights for optimizing your Linux applications.

Ubuntu Server offers both economic and technical scalability for your data center, whether it is public or private. Whether your goal is to establish an OpenStack cloud, a Kubernetes cluster, or a massive 50,000-node render farm, Ubuntu Server provides unparalleled scale-out performance that delivers exceptional value. You can seamlessly deploy a variety of applications, including NoSQL databases and web farms, without any hassle. With certification from leading hardware manufacturers and a robust set of deployment tools, you can maximize the efficiency of your infrastructure. The regular release cycle ensures that you always have access to the latest and highest performing open-source solutions. Additionally, its lightweight initial installation combined with integrated deployment and application modeling technologies positions Ubuntu Server as an ideal choice for straightforward deployment and scaled management. Ultimately, this makes it an excellent option for organizations seeking to optimize their operational efficiency and resource utilization.

Tailored for diverse environments, this solution encompasses a comprehensive range of essential business applications that enhance employee productivity. The SLE Desktop is built upon the foundation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and incorporates advanced security measures that offer exceptional safeguarding of critical enterprise information. It serves as a versatile and secure desktop operating system, ideal for situations where dependability, simple maintenance, and regular updates are paramount. The system is bundled with a multitude of top-tier applications, including a web browser, email client, and collaboration tools, all essential for fostering employee efficiency. With robust security features such as an application security system, integrated VPN, and antivirus solutions, it ensures formidable protection against viruses and malware threats. Additionally, it comes with enterprise-level support and maintenance services from SUSE, further enhancing its value. Users are also granted a significant level of customization to align with their specific business needs, making it a dynamic choice for any organization. Ultimately, this desktop solution not only prioritizes security but also empowers users with tools that adapt to their workflows seamlessly.

The advent of container-based infrastructure represented a significant transformation in technology. A Linux distribution specifically optimized for containers serves as the ideal groundwork for a cloud-native setup. This streamlined operating system image consists solely of the essential tools needed for container execution. By omitting a package manager, it prevents any potential for configuration drift. The use of an immutable filesystem for the OS effectively mitigates a range of security vulnerabilities. Additionally, automated atomic updates ensure that you consistently receive the most current security patches and open-source technology advancements. Flatcar Container Linux is purpose-built from the ground up to support container workloads effectively. It fully embraces the container philosophy by incorporating only the necessary components for running containers. In a world of immutable infrastructure, it is crucial to have an equally immutable Linux operating system. With Flatcar Container Linux, your focus shifts from configuration management to effectively overseeing your infrastructure, allowing for a more efficient and secure operational environment. Embracing this approach revolutionizes how organizations manage their cloud-native applications and services.

Kali Linux is a Debian-based, open-source distribution designed specifically for a variety of information security activities, including penetration testing, security research, computer forensics, and reverse engineering. While it's possible to take any Linux distribution and manually install penetration testing tools, this requires considerable setup and configuration efforts. Kali Linux is tailored to minimize this workload, enabling professionals to focus on their tasks right away. You can access a version of Kali from virtually anywhere, whether on mobile devices, Docker, ARM architectures, Amazon Web Services, the Windows Subsystem for Linux, virtual machines, or even bare metal installations. Thanks to metapackages that cater to specific security tasks and a user-friendly ISO customization process that is well-documented, creating an optimized version of Kali to suit your particular needs is straightforward. This makes it a versatile choice for both experienced users and newcomers alike, as comprehensive documentation ensures that everyone can find the guidance they require. Additionally, the active community surrounding Kali Linux continuously contributes to its improvement, further enhancing the resources available to users.

CIQ empowers people to do amazing things by providing innovative and stable software infrastructure solutions for all computing needs. From the base operating system, through containers, orchestration, provisioning, computing, and cloud applications, CIQ works with every part of the technology stack to drive solutions for customers and communities with stable, scalable, secure production environments. CIQ is the founding support and services partner of Rocky Linux, and the creator of the next generation federated computing stack.

Clear Linux OS is a performance and security-focused open-source, rolling release distribution designed for customization and easy management, applicable from the Cloud to the Edge. It can function without any specific configurations, even on a generic host with a vacant /etc directory. Stateless systems distinctly separate the operating system's settings, individual system configurations, and user data stored on each machine. This design allows users to efficiently manage their personalized configurations in contrast to system-level settings. Clear Linux OS enhances performance across the entire stack, encompassing the platform, kernel, mathematical libraries, middleware, frameworks, and runtime components. Additionally, it features an automated tool that perpetually monitors for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), ensuring they are promptly addressed. The clear distinction between User and System files not only simplifies customization but also facilitates easier management of the operating system's features and functionalities. As a result, users can enjoy a seamless experience while tailoring the system to their specific needs.

Alpine Linux stands as a distinctive, non-commercial, general-purpose Linux distribution tailored for advanced users who value security, simplicity, and efficient use of resources. It is constructed using musl libc and busybox, which contributes to its smaller size and enhanced resource efficiency compared to conventional GNU/Linux distributions. The entire container can occupy no more than 8 MB, while a minimal installation requires approximately 130 MB of disk space. Users gain access not only to a complete Linux environment but also to an extensive range of packages from its repositories. The binary packages are streamlined and divided, providing greater control over installations, which helps maintain a compact and efficient system. Alpine Linux prioritizes simplicity, ensuring it remains unobtrusive in its operation. With its specialized package manager known as apk, the OpenRC initialization system, and script-driven configurations, it offers a straightforward, clear Linux experience devoid of unnecessary complexity. Ultimately, this makes Alpine Linux an appealing choice for users looking for a minimalistic yet functional operating system.

CentOS Linux is a community-driven distribution that is built from resources made available to the public through Red Hat or CentOS repositories for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Its primary goal is to maintain functional compatibility with RHEL, while the CentOS Project focuses on modifying packages to eliminate any upstream vendor branding and visual elements. CentOS Linux is available at no cost and can be freely redistributed. Each version of CentOS is supported until the corresponding RHEL version reaches the end of its general support lifecycle. New versions of CentOS are released following the rebuilding of new RHEL versions, typically occurring every 6-12 months for minor updates and spanning several years for major releases. The duration of the rebuild process can range from a few weeks for minor updates to several months for significant version changes. This approach ensures that users benefit from a secure, dependable, and easily maintainable Linux environment that remains predictable and reproducible over time, fostering a strong community around its use.