Evaluating Linux Distributions and Kernel Versions Through a Standardized Performance Test Battery

Systems administrators are pivotal in upgrading operating systems within an organization’s IT infrastructure. A significant aspect of their responsibilities involves researching available operating system options and selecting the most appropriate one for the organization’s requirements, followed by implementing these solutions. This process considers stability, security features, vendor support, and compatibility with existing applications. Furthermore, administrators establish test environments to assess the compatibility of the chosen operating system with the organization’s hardware and software configurations. They conduct comprehensive testing to ensure the seamless functioning of critical applications, services, and peripherals with the new OS. To help the choice process, a test battery developed by the authors is utilized to evaluate the performance of Web APIs. The test battery assists systems administrators and DevOps professionals in comparing different Linux or Kernel versions, facilitating informed decision-making regarding system upgrades.