Which operating system is the most suitable for managing a server with an Active Directory?

The most suitable operating system for managing a server with an Active Directory is Windows Server 2013 Enterprise. Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks, and it is tightly integrated with the Windows Server architecture.

Windows Server 2013 Enterprise includes essential features for managing and maintaining a secure and efficient directory service. It offers tools for user and resource management, access control, and organizational structuring, which are critical for enterprise environments. Additionally, Active Directory provides features such as Group Policy for administrative control over user accounts and security settings, making Windows Server the natural and optimal choice for deploying and managing Active Directory services.

Other operating systems like Linux Ubuntu, Linux Fedora, and Mac OS X do not natively support Active Directory in the same way that Windows Server does. While advanced configurations can allow some integration, they lack the robust features and built-in support that a Windows Server environment provides for a full Active Directory implementation. Therefore, for organizations that rely on Active Directory, Windows Server 2013 Enterprise stands out as the best option.