List of the Top 4 Operating Systems for Asterisk in 2025

NetBSD is an entirely free, swift, secure, and remarkably versatile open-source operating system that resembles Unix. It supports a wide range of platforms, including powerful servers, efficient desktop systems, and portable devices. Since its inception in 1993, NetBSD's code has infiltrated many unexpected environments, largely owing to its established reputation for quality, cleanliness, and dependability. It is fundamentally based on 4.4BSD Lite2, which was developed at the University of California, Berkeley. Rather than being a conventional "distribution," NetBSD has evolved over the decades into a unique and all-encompassing operating system within the BSD family, bolstered by a worldwide community of developers. Users enjoy a seamless, well-documented UNIX-like experience characterized by simplicity while also incorporating a plethora of modern features and ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware. This blend of characteristics has established NetBSD as an attractive option for both tech enthusiasts and industry professionals. As it continues to grow, its community remains dedicated to enhancing its capabilities and preserving its core values.

The OpenBSD operating system is entirely crafted by a dedicated group of volunteers. The development environment and various events for developers receive funding through donations that are overseen by The OpenBSD Foundation. These contributions are essential for maintaining the availability and sustainability of OpenBSD as a free operating system. Consequently, the OpenBSD project has implemented cryptographic capabilities across numerous aspects of the system. We emphasize that any cryptographic software used must be free of charge and possess suitable licenses. We deliberately avoid using cryptography that is burdened by problematic patents. Furthermore, we focus on obtaining this software from nations with favorable export laws, as we are dedicated to complying with international regulations. Our decision-making is primarily driven by technical merit, steering clear of political considerations wherever feasible. This unwavering commitment to free software and adherence to legal standards highlights the integrity and principles of the OpenBSD project. The ongoing efforts of the community continue to shape OpenBSD into a secure and reliable operating system for users worldwide.

FreeBSD is distinguished by its advanced networking capabilities, outstanding performance, robust security features, and compatibility elements that many other operating systems, including several leading commercial options, often lack. It has become a top-tier choice for both Internet and Intranet servers, providing dependable network services even under significant stress while effectively managing memory to guarantee excellent response times for a multitude of concurrent user processes. In addition, FreeBSD's sophisticated operating system capabilities extend to both appliance and embedded systems, supporting a variety of hardware platforms ranging from high-end Intel-based devices to ARM, PowerPC, and MIPS architectures. Worldwide, vendors rely on FreeBSD for their embedded products, which include an array of devices such as mail and web appliances, routers, time servers, and wireless access points, all made possible by its integrated build and cross-build environments. The flexibility of the Berkeley open-source license empowers these vendors to decide how much they wish to contribute back to the community, which encourages collaboration and sparks innovation. Furthermore, this unique blend of features positions FreeBSD as an essential tool for developers who are dedicated to building high-performance embedded solutions that meet the demands of modern technology. Its reputation in the field continues to grow as more users recognize the advantages it brings to various applications.

For over two decades, we have been refining our operating system, consistently adding features that meet the evolving market needs while maintaining compatibility with legacy applications. Our Application Binary Guarantee allows users to smoothly run both modern and older applications on current infrastructures. With our sophisticated lifecycle management technologies, a single command can update your entire cloud environment, addressing everything from firmware to all virtualized areas. A significant player in the financial services industry has seen a remarkable 16-fold boost in efficiency from using Oracle Solaris for its virtual machines, surpassing a competing open-source solution. Moreover, the recent updates to the Oracle Solaris Observability tools equip users to diagnose both system and application problems in real time, supplying immediate and historical data that aids in quickly resolving issues. This suite of capabilities not only enables businesses to enhance their operational efficiency but also empowers them to adapt swiftly in a constantly changing technological environment. Ultimately, this ensures that companies are well-prepared to face future challenges and seize new opportunities.