What operating system would be suitable for my home hosting installation? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated

I recently came across an old laptop from 2012 and decided to repurpose it as a home hosting setup.
Which OS would you recommend?

Currently, I have installed lubuntu and disabled the X server.
Could there be better alternatives?
And does it even make a difference?

My goal is to optimize the usage of all the laptop's resources
(without getting distracted by unnecessary processes required for GUI functionality).

P.S. I attempted a barebones installation, but faced numerous challenges when connecting to WiFi.

When it comes to choosing an operating system for your home hosting setup, there are several factors to consider. If you're looking for a lightweight and resource-efficient option, Lubuntu is a good choice. However, there are other alternatives you can explore as well.

One option to consider is Ubuntu Server, which is designed specifically for server installations. It provides a command-line interface and focuses on stability and security. Ubuntu Server also has extensive dоcumentation and community support, which can be helpful when troubleshooting any issues you encounter.

Another popular choice is Debian, known for its stability, security, and package management system. It offers a minimal installation option that allows you to customize your system according to your needs. Debian also has long-term support, ensuring that your system remains stable and secure over an extended period.

If you're familiar with Red Hat-based distributions, CentOS might be worth considering. It is a free and open-source alternative of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and has a strong focus on stability. CentOS provides a solid foundation for hosting applications and services.

Ultimately, the choice of operating system depends on your preferences and requirements. It's worth noting that these options all have command-line interfaces, which should help optimize resource usage. When it comes to WiFi connectivity, ensure that the chosen distribution has proper driver support for your laptop's wireless adapter.

If you're facing difficulties connecting to WiFi during the installation process, trying a different distribution may help. Researching specific compatibility issues with your laptop model and the chosen distribution can also provide insights and potential solutions.

Here are a few more options to consider for your home hosting installation:

1. Arch Linux: If you're comfortable with a more hands-on and customizable approach, Arch Linux provides a lightweight base that allows you to build your system from scratch. It offers a rolling release model, which means you'll have access to the latest software updates.

2. FreeBSD: If you're open to exploring non-Linux options, FreeBSD is a powerful and highly reliable operating system. It focuses on performance, stability, and security. FreeBSD has a strong community and extensive dоcumentation to support you in setting up and maintaining your home hosting setup.

3. OpenBSD: Similar to FreeBSD, OpenBSD prioritizes security and simplicity. It is known for its robust security features and thorough code auditing. While it may have a steeper learning curve, it can provide a secure foundation for your home hosting needs.

4. CentOS Stream: In addition to CentOS, CentOS Stream is another alternative to consider. It is a rolling release based on RHEL, providing a balance between stability and access to newer features. CentOS Stream can be a good choice if you want a stable base but still want to stay relatively up-to-date with software advancements.


few more operating systems you can consider for your home hosting installation:

1. Fedora Server: Fedora is a community-driven distribution that offers a server edition called Fedora Server. It provides a stable and secure platform with regular updates and a wide range of software packages. Fedora Server also has a user-friendly interface for managing services and configurations.

2. Alpine Linux: If you're looking for a lightweight and minimalist option, Alpine Linux is worth considering. It is designed with security and efficiency in mind and uses the musl libc library and busybox utilities. Alpine Linux is commonly used in container setups but can work well for home hosting too.

3. NixOS: NixOS is a unique operating system that relies on a purely functional package manager called Nix. It allows you to easily manage system configurations and rollbacks. NixOS is known for its declarative approach to system configuration, making it convenient for maintaining a consistent setup.

4. CoreOS: If you're interested in containerization and distributed systems, CoreOS (now part of Red Hat) is a specialized Linux distribution that focuses on running container workloads at scale. It provides automated updates, strong security features, and support for popular container runtimes like Docker and Kubernetes.

5. OpenMediaVault: If your home hosting setup includes media server functionality, OpenMediaVault might be a suitable choice. It is a Debian-based distribution specifically designed for network-attached storage (NAS) and supports various services like file sharing, media streaming, and backup.

To ensure minimal hassle, utilize a stripped-down version of any server distribution and configure the WiFi connection just once. While using a wired connection is more reliable, you can also opt for a Chinese USB network adapter if there is no network card available.

It is advisable to avoid directly installing anything on the server and instead use docker containers.

Begin with the simplest variant of Ubuntu-Server. This way, if you encounter any issues later on, you can easily switch to a different setup since everything is contained within the containers.

However, if I were in your shoes, I would avoid dealing with local hardware unless you specifically require it for a smart home or a local NAS project. Instead, I would suggest getting a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS). These are now affordable and incredibly convenient for home-based projects.

Clear Linux is a Linux distribution developed by Intel. It ensures that the OS, profile, user, and program files are kept separate. This separation allows for efficient scaling and optimization.

I find it fascinating how Clear Linux is specifically designed to address the needs of fast scaling. By separating different types of files, it enables better performance and flexibility in managing the system. It's a great example of how technology continues to evolve to meet the demands of modern computing.