clear up please

[Kron]

A2hosting.com offers in the VPS package plans to choose OS from them yourselves.
Is it a good sign if the host offers it?
I think a person must be experienced enough otherwise he'll face an issue.
Your thoughts, please?

[pinkfluffybunny]

Here's the deal get a host that supports everything you now need and MAY need in the future.

Static IP
FrontPage Server Extensions
More than adequate bandwidth (you don't want to have to change horses in the middle of the stream)
Email accounts (no limit on attachment size) with browser access
Asp, Asp.Net, Sql, mysql Database compatibility
Streaming video/audio compatibility
VPN
CGI, PHP, asp, Dot Net
Site Statistics - Webtrends or similar application
24 - 7 Support-

pay a little more and start out with a good host

[damien_ls]

Originally Posted by pinkfluffybunny

FrontPage Server Extensions

You do realise that MS stopped developing/patching these ages ago, and therefore they really shouldn't be installed anymore - talk about security headache!

Aside from the fact that FP itself is discontinued, why would you want this as something you're "highly likely" to need in future!?

Originally Posted by pinkfluffybunny

VPN

Likewise, this isn't something most people will need... seems a strange thing to be on a "must have" list?

Originally Posted by pinkfluffybunny

pay a little more and start out with a good host

I definitely agree with this - although obviously it's worth noting that just because you pay a lot doesn't mean that you'll automatically get good service or have made the best choice of hosting provider (aka some providers charge more and still offer bad service!).

Regarding the OP's question, it really depends what you're looking for... if a certain provider offers the OS you want - does it really matter what other OS's they're offering?

The other point is that this is really only an issue for unmanaged VPS's, which is one section of the VPS market. For managed VPS's then I'd argue that it's a disadvantage for the provider to be offering multiple OS's since it just makes it more complicated to support, and more likely you'll have to wait for the tech that likes working on <insert OS here> to help you out

Unmanaged VPS's; it's a sign that the provider is offering choice which is always a good sign - but obviously the rest of service quality / features are of more importance, providing the specific OS you want is available... don't you agree?

[rwh]

Find a managed vps provider that will manage the os for you, they are out there.

Joey

[~ServerPoint~]

I think that it is not really bad when web hosting provider allow you to chose. As rule there are suggestions comming with that proposal.

[Karooki]

I see no issues with that at all. A2hosting.com provides many features that are useful for their customers and the easy-to-use HyperVM control panel lets you choose from a variety OS templates for popular Linux distributions including Debian, CentOS, Fedora, Gentoo, Slackware, and Ubuntu.

[isaak]

I think a choice of OS is much more reliable and user-friendly than having to go with one you don't want or aren't familiar with.

Whether the dedicated server host offers unmanaged or managed hosting, offering multiple OS choices also tells more about the technical staff of this company. The more choices = the more experienced the technical staff is. I'd rather choose my own then go with one I don't want.