Choosing an operating system (OS)
You can choose the operating system to install when you order. They fall broadly into the Windows family and the Linux family, and the right choice depends on what you'll use the server for.
When to choose Windows
- When you need to run commercial software widely used in Korea (accounting/business programs, etc.) directly on the server
- When you're used to working with a mouse in a graphical environment (Remote Desktop)
- When you run .NET-based applications
You connect with RDP (Remote Desktop). If you already have a genuine license key, choose bring your own license to use it without license fees, and register the key yourself after you get the server.
When to choose Ubuntu (Linux)
- Most server applications, such as web servers (Nginx, Apache), databases and Node.js/Python
- Discord bots and game servers (Minecraft, etc.)
- When you want a lightweight, stable setup — with the same specs, you have more resources to spare than with Windows
You connect with SSH, and it's much more convenient with VS Code Remote-SSH. It has the most reference material, and most installation guides are written for Ubuntu, so it's a safe choice if you're new to Linux.
An OS is shown as "Not supported"
Depending on the plan (specs), some operating systems may not be supported. On the order page, that OS button is grayed out and disabled, with a "Not supported" badge. In that case, choose a different operating system, or if you need that OS, look at other plans.
Can I change the OS after installation?
The operating system is decided when the server is created, and you can't switch to a different OS afterward without reinstalling. To change the OS, you need to get a new server.