How to: Picking A Linux Distribution
This guide is intended to be distribution agnostic so users can use [any distribution](https://distrowatch.com/) they want. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind:

You want a distribution that...

- ...**is stable**. Unless you like debugging issues at 2 AM, you don't want an [unattended upgrade](#automatic-security-updates-and-alerts), or a manual package/system update, to render your server inoperable. But this also means you're okay with not running the latest, greatest, bleeding edge software.
- ...**stays up-to-date with security patches**. You can secure everything on your server, but if the core OS or applications you're running have known vulnerabilities, you'll never be safe.
- ...**you're familiar with.** If you don't know Linux, I would advise you play around with one before you try to secure it. You should be comfortable with it and know your way around, like how to install software, where configuration files are, etc...
- ...**is well-supported.** Even the most seasoned admin needs help every now and then. Having a place to go for help will save your sanity.

([Table of Contents](#table-of-contents))