ClearOS is a CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux based small business server operating system with server, networking, and gateway features. It is primarily intended for use in homes, small, medium, and distributed environments. ClearOS is a low-cost Linux alternative to Windows Small Business Server.
ClearOS offers a very robust set of tools organized in an easy to navigate web based user interface.
ClearOS debuted in May 2000 as ClarkConnect, an innovative and user-friendly Linux-based operating system with a simple web-based GUI and automatic updates via a Service Delivery Network. In addition to the thousands of Linux and open source developers and community members, the developers of ClarkConnect (Peter Baldwin and Ben Chambers) still continue to maintain and grow ClearOS today.
ClearOS is free to use, but paid subscriptions that improve services and support are also available. ClearOS editions are as follows:
ClearOS professional support services can be purchased from ClearCenter.
Currently, ClearOS offers around 135 different features.
In this article, we will briefly cover the following topics listed below:
ClarkConnect was the original name of the ClearOS and was first released in November 2000 by Point Clark Networks which is a Canadian company. This release had a dynamic DNS service and basic software update service features.
In 2009, ClearFoundation was a New Zealand company founded with the goal of developing and maintaining ClearOS using an open-source model that is Simple, Secure, and Affordable. The foundation was established to ensure that every small business and distributed IT environment around the world has access to enterprise-grade IT security, privacy, filtration, and management tools. ClearCenter was also founded in 2009 and is based in Orem, Utah. ClearCenter's primary goal is to commercialize ClearOS and other open-source applications and services developed by the company or by members of the open-source community. After ClearCenter bought the ClarkConnect and Point Clark Networks, ClearFoundation released the ClearOS 5.1 that is the successor of the ClarkConnect 5.0 in September 2009.
ClearOS is a simple, open and affordable operating system, with an intuitive web-based graphical user interface and a marketplace with over 100 applications to choose from, with more being added every day. By leveraging open source software, you decide which apps you need and only pay for the apps and support you want. - ClarkConnect
ClearOS, formerly ClarkConnect, is an all-in-one Linux server solution available in a variety of configurations. It is based on CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux and is intended for use as a network gateway and network server in small and medium-sized businesses, with a web-based administration interface. The software is developed by ClearFoundation, and support services are provided by ClearCenter.
ClearOS 6.1 is a full-featured operating system for gateway, network, and servers based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux source packages.
ClearOS provides a modern, flexible and scalable operating system. This is accomplished by downloading applications from the ClearOS Marketplace. Many of the applications are free and included with all distribution editions. Others can be purchased to enhance the server's functionality.
ClearOS is available in three different editions. Also, ClearCenter provides preinstalled ClearOS appliances for a complete hardware and software solution.
ClearOS Community Edition: This edition is an open-source Linux server operating system designed for Linux experts and developers who want to be on the cutting edge of OS development while also providing suggestions and forum support to a global user community. All updates, bug fixes, patches, and security fixes are provided free but not supported. The Community Edition has a six-month lifecycle and patches, bug fixes, and new updates are tested on live servers. This operating system is ideal for hobbyists and Linux experts, but it is not intended for use in a production environment.
More than 75 IT functions are supported, including domain control, network and bandwidth control, messaging, and more by this edition free forever and manageable on the cloud.
Figure 1. ClearOS Community Web GUI
ClearOS Home Edition: The Home Edition is more feature-rich and stable than the Community Edition. It has a low subscription fee but provides quality tested code as well as lifecycle support for five years. This version of ClearOS is an ideal choice for a Smart Home server.
Figure 2. ClearOS Home Web GUI
ClearOS Business Edition: This edition is distinguished by its reliability and functionality from other editions. It is intended for use in a production environment and has been quality tested and optimized to achieve peak performance.
Figure 3. ClearOS Business Web GUI
| Community Edition | Home Edition | Business Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Free Forever | Paid | Paid No User Fees |
| Community Driven, Open Source Edition | Home Filtration & Protection Services | Threat Protection Services |
| Participates in Upstream New Code Testing | Media Server Functions Built-In | Performance Optimization Tuning |
| Is NOT Designed for Production Use | Quality Tested Updated & Security Fixes | Quality Tested Updated & Security Fixes Quality Tested Code Only |
| Is NOT Professionally Supported (forums only) | Is NOT Professionally Supported Quality Tested Code Only | Fully Supported via ClearCARE 1 |
| Designed for Linux Expert / Hobbyist Use | Designed for Home Use | Designed for Production Use |
ClearVM is another version of the operating system that is intended for use in virtualized environments.
ClearOS Appliances
ClearCenter provides a line of hybrid appliances that are intended to meet a variety of requirements. A ClearBOX appliance can be used as a network file server, mail server, applications server, or Internet security appliance. It also has optional wireless capability.
There are currently two models in the ClearBOX series.
These appliances both come with a one-year subscription to ClearOS Business and are well-equipped with Intel processors and plenty of memory.
Figure 4. clearBOX100 appliance
We will explain top reasons to use ClearOS in your IT infrastructure below:
You can find the features of the ClearOS below.
Cloud Features of the ClearOS are as follows:
Gateway Features of the ClearOS are as follows:
Network Features of the ClearOS are as follows:
Server Features of the ClearOS are as follows:
System Features of the ClearOS are as follows:
Reporting Features of the ClearOS are as follows:
Figure 5. ClearOS Features
ClearOS has a variety of pros that suits very well especially for home and small/medium-sized businesses. We have already mentioned some advantages that encourage you to use the ClearOS above. We will again emphasize the most important benefits of the ClearOS in the following list.
Although ClearOS has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks which may prevent you use it in your infrastructure.
The biggest disadvantage of ClearOS is that Community Edition is not robust enough for production environments as it is not tested and professionally supported. It can be used only by Linux experts and hobbyists. If you want to use ClearOS in your production environment and need professional support, you have to buy Bussiness Edition.
Another disadvantage is the lack of up-to-date documentation. You may not find all of your needs about the product neither on the website nor on the official documentation. Product documentation is not updated quite often.
During installation, you must register your server even if you are just using the Community Edition. This could be a problem if you care about your privacy.
As it is incredibly simple, you won't have any problem with the installation of ClearOS. You may have your ClearOS up and running in about 20 minutes (which included post-install wizard and platform updates). After finishing the base install, the post-install wizard, and the updates, you may add applications from the ClearOS Marketplace. For more information about how to install ClearOS, please refer to the ClearOS Installation tutorial.
ClearOS is an operating system platform that can be run on dedicated hardware or in a virtual environment at home, office, or datacenter. ClearOS can be configured in a variety of ways, including as a dedicated firewall/gateway, a standalone file server, or in a hybrid role known as an Internet Appliance. ClearOS allows you to choose the options best suited to your organization's specific needs, whether you need a server to host your IT infrastructure or a secure gateway to the Internet. ClearOS's modular, scalable approach allows it to be configured to meet your business requirements today while also expanding to meet your business needs tomorrow.
If you're looking for a Linux solution for your infrastructure needs, here are some implementations where ClearOS is a great choice.
Implementing ClearOS as an Internet Gateway: When you use ClearOS with a WAN connection, you can use it as a gateway to your ISP. With the tools included in the distribution, you can share Internet access and protect all network-connected computers while providing the users with a stable, fast web experience. ClearOS makes it simple to add wireless capability and fully supports it.
Running ClearOS as a small business server: Small businesses or startups usually need to find cheap solutions for their IT infrastructures because of having limited budgets. Therefore, they prefer using an open-source system to run their business server. ClearOS provides the following functionalities that are critical for a business server:
Additionally, all of these services can be managed from a web interface, simplifying system administration. Every service can be started, halted, and configured on the same GUI.
Implementing ClearOS as a Firewall: ClearOS provides a user-friendly interface which is one of the distinguishing features. Moreover, it is one of the best open-source firewalls currently available. ClearOS firewall provides the following features to secure the network infrastructures against cyber attacks.
Since ClearOS installation and configuration are simple, you can get your ClearOS firewall up and running quickly to protect your network.
