For my VPSs, I use Debian as the OS installed and with it, can make use of the apt package system. In terms of having ready to use packages installed, it is pretty slick. This way, I find that I really don't have to do much to have software ready to run. RPM is also good having ready to use packages available. I have used Fedora/Centos in the past, but have developed a preference for Debian over time.