If you get a server of your own, it will operate independently, so it'll have its own Os and you could later install server side apps directly or script-driven internet sites through a hosting Control Panel. Even though keeping the Operating System updated isn't always considered fundamental, it can be a very important task for several reasons. A newer OS version may have better support for certain hardware, so you may get better performance for the internet sites and web apps which you install. Your server will also be more safe since updates normally include security patches which take care of small issues that may permit unauthorized people to access your content. Last, but not least, more recent script versions, which are also released for both boosted security and for additional features, might require a later version of the Os in order to work correctly and with their full capabilities.