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Linux Distribution

# Linux Distribution Selection for MediaWiki 1.40

This article details the considerations for selecting a Linux distribution for hosting a MediaWiki 1.40 installation. Choosing the right distribution is crucial for performance, security, and maintainability. This guide is intended for newcomers to server administration.

Why Linux?

Linux is the overwhelmingly preferred operating system for running MediaWiki due to its stability, security, cost-effectiveness (many distributions are free), and extensive community support. It provides a robust platform for the required software stack: a web server (typically Apache or Nginx), a database server (MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL), and the PHP scripting language.

Popular Distributions and Their Suitability

Several Linux distributions are well-suited for hosting MediaWiki. We'll examine some of the most common choices:

Debian

Debian is a highly stable and well-respected distribution known for its commitment to free software. It’s a good choice for those prioritizing long-term stability and a large package repository. However, its package versions can be older than other distributions.

Feature Description
Stability Excellent – Debian is renowned for its stability.
Package Freshness Moderate – Packages tend to be older but thoroughly tested.
Learning Curve Moderate – Requires some familiarity with Linux system administration.
Community Support Extensive – Large and active community.

Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu Server is based on Debian but offers a more frequent release cycle and generally newer packages. It’s very popular and has excellent documentation, making it a good choice for beginners. Long Term Support (LTS) releases are particularly recommended for production environments. See Ubuntu Server installation for more information.

CentOS Stream / Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux

These distributions are all derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS Stream is a rolling-release preview of RHEL, while Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux aim to be direct replacements for the older CentOS Linux, providing stability and compatibility. They are often favored in enterprise environments.

Distribution Base Release Cycle Stability
CentOS Stream RHEL Rolling Moderate – More frequent updates mean potential for instability.
Rocky Linux RHEL Periodic (similar to RHEL) High – Designed for long-term stability.
AlmaLinux RHEL Periodic (similar to RHEL) High – Designed for long-term stability.

Fedora Server

Fedora Server is a community-driven distribution focused on providing the latest software packages. While it's a great platform for testing and development, its rapid release cycle makes it less suitable for production MediaWiki installations unless you are comfortable with frequent upgrades.

Recommended System Specifications

The following table outlines recommended specifications for a MediaWiki server. These are estimates and will vary depending on the size and traffic of your wiki. Refer to the MediaWiki installation guide for more detailed requirements.

Component Minimum Recommended High Traffic
CPU 2 Cores 4+ Cores 8+ Cores
RAM 2 GB 4+ GB 8+ GB
Storage 20 GB SSD 50 GB SSD 100+ GB SSD
Network 100 Mbps 1 Gbps 10+ Gbps

Database Server Considerations

The choice of database server significantly impacts performance.

⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️

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