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