Ubuntu is a popular desktop OS, that uses the Linux kernel, and its server release is getting quite popular too. The main reason is that the operating system is very light and it will function on almost any kind of hardware without issues, utilizing its resources to the max. Ubuntu is also pretty reliable and secure and all the Long-Term Support (LTS) releases are supported for a minimum of five years, which warrants that you will have a safe and stable software environment on your website hosting server at all times. Also, Ubuntu has one of the largest user communities around the world, so if you experience any difficulty or have any question, you'll discover numerous resources on the web. Among the basic advantages of this OS is that it features numerous software packages that can be freely customized in accordance with your needs and the requirements of the apps which you wish to run, not to mention that you won't have to pay any license fees at all. In contrast, other OS's are paid and their program code isn't accessible, thus it cannot be changed.