Hello!

Recently, I needed to transfer an Internet resource from shared hosting to a VPS. As I had no prior experience with this, I had to learn on the go. I opted for a server with Ubuntu 14.04 since I was familiar with it from my home PC and there was ample dоcumentation available in the Russian-speaking community.
but, after a couple of weeks, it became apparent that Ubuntu required constant attention, extensive configuration, and was not particularly stable. While I have not tried other operating systems yet, I cannot switch at the moment due to time constraints.

My question is: which distribution is best for beginners? Is CentOS or Debian more stable and easier to configure, or should I stick with Ubuntu? While I have found articles on this topic from one or two years ago, I am interested in more recent opinions and materials.

CentOS is a free operating system that is highly regarded in the developer community.
It is considered as a viable alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), a respected company similar to Cisco. Furthermore, software setup on CentOS is straightforward and doesn't require any extra effort.

The comparison between Mazda and Honda can be applied to this situation. Although they may appear similar, their driving experience and service differ. The process of installing Bubunt is simple and user-friendly, with numerous guides available in English.

CentOS is a dependable operating system, particularly version 7 with SystemD and FirewallD. It should be noted that if Bubunt encounters difficulties, it does not necessarily imply instability, but rather issues with hardware or system settings. As an individual, I am interested in and use CentOS, but I have not abandoned Ubuntu.

Opt for what you are accustomed to. At home, I make use of Centos 6.6 (I'm planning to develop a good understanding of systemd, therefore you can install Centos 7), Ubuntu/Mint/Elementary, and others.
I don't have any particular dislike for Debian-based systems, it's only that within the company it is more conventional to utilize Centos/Fedora/RHEL.

Choosing the best distribution for beginners depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, both CentOS and Debian are considered stable and user-friendly distributions.

CentOS is known for its stability and is often chosen for server environments. It is derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and provides long-term support. CentOS has a reputation for being secure and reliable, making it a popular choice for enterprise-level use.

Debian is another solid option for beginners. It is known for its stability, extensive package repository, and ease of use. Debian focuses on free software and emphasizes stability over the latest features. It also has a large and supportive community.

Ubuntu, on the other hand, is widely recognized for its user-friendly interface and extensive dоcumentation. It is backed by a strong community and offers a wide range of software packages. Ubuntu's popularity and ease of use can be beneficial for beginners who prefer a more accessible operating system.

factors to consider when choosing a distribution:

1. Package Management: Different distributions use different package managers, such as apt (used by Ubuntu and Debian) or yum/dnf (used by CentOS). Consider the package manager that you find most intuitive and comfortable to work with.

2. Community Support: The strength and responsiveness of a distribution's community can significantly impact your experience as a beginner. Look for distributions with active and helpful communities that provide ample dоcumentation, forums, and support channels.

3. Long-term support: If you require long-term stability and support, distributions like Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support) versions, CentOS, or Debian Stable may be more appropriate. These distributions focus on delivering a stable and well-supported platform over a longer period.

4. Use Case: Consider the purpose of your server and the specific software or applications you plan to run. Some distributions may have better support and compatibility for certain tools, frameworks, or technologies.

5. Personal Familiarity: If you already have experience with a particular distribution, it may be easier for you to stick with it. Familiarity with the command-line interface, package management, and configuration files can save time and effort when setting up and maintaining your server.

Ultimately, the "best" distribution depends on your unique needs and preferences. It may be beneficial to experiment with different distributions in a test environment to gain firsthand experience and determine which one aligns better with your requirements and comfort level.