Linux or Berkely Software Distribution Hosting?

Unix is one of the oldest computer operating systems. Though still in use, this system has ironically been overcast by a wide range of variants it helped to inspire. Two of these platforms are BSD and the most popular variation, the Linux operating system. In this article we will overview each and explain how they perform in the web hosting environment.

BSD

BSD (Berkely Software Distribution) is a system based on the source code of the original Unix operating system. This system has been very influential as it is behind the concept of TCP/IP communications and the internet itself. There are currently four different BSD systems available: NetBSD, OpenBSD and Free BSD. The Mac OS X that runs on Apple’s Macintosh computer makes up the fourth as it is built with a layer of BSD. Forks of these systems include OpenBSD Clone, FreeBSD Clone and PC-BSD. These different variations are very similar yet distinguished by features and their level of dependence on one another.

Linux

Linux is also based off the Unix system, often going by the name of its distribution packages such as Mandrake Linux and Red Hat Linux among others; all which thrive from the Linux kernel. The system began in 1991 when developer Linus Torvales had ideas of a more efficient, free version of Minix. While it is mainly based on Unix, a number of system utilities on Linux were actually derived from the BSD source code as the two systems both became open source around the same time.

Linux vs. BSD

Choosing a winner between Linux and BSD is difficult as there are many similarities. The best way to distinguish these systems is determining what you need in a web hosting solution. In the desktop environment, Linux offers a user more applications. As a server platform, BSD is known for being more reliable and secure. A major distinction is the fact that BSD and its variants are based on the original source code of Unix while Linux systems are based on the Linux kernel. Here are more ways the systems differ:

Licensing

BSD licensing allows companies and users to alter a program’s source code without releasing those changes to the public, meaning it allows the incorporation of the code into proprietary software products. This is how Apple is able to earn money from the Mac OS X via FreeBSD. The Linux system uses the GPL license. This software license allows anyone to modify the source code, but calls for them to share it with the community of open-source developers.

Control

Powered by the underlying operating system, a particular web hosting package will typically grant you with capabilities found on that platform. BSD hosting offers the core system which consists of tools and utilities such as SSH and commands like CHMOD. Other essential functions are usually viewed as add-ons. A Linux hosting plan often comes with many standard features of the system, granting more authority over your hosting account.

Conclusion

All in all both systems are pretty reliable, though Linux is the more popular solution when it comes to web hosting. However, some have regarded BSD as being more secure. You will find that both are competitively priced and make a great option for your personal or business hosting needs.

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