Unix vs. Windows Hosting

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, Unix and Linux are two entirely different systems.  Linux was actually modeled after Unix, which is the oldest and one of the most widely used operating systems in the web hosting environment.  This platform is largely responsible for powering the internet and World Wide Web, proving that it can seamlessly run a multitude of applications and put out an excellent performance.  While Unix is definitely a stable and reliable system, its reputation as a cost effective platform isn’t necessarily a fitting title.  Earlier versions were at the forefront of the open-source software revolution but unlike Linux, not all distributions of Unix are open-source and definitely not free.   When purchasing a piece of server hardware equipped the software, you will find that a Unix license and complete system may cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Unix Pros

The Unix operating system was made to perform demanding tasks, giving it the ability to run multiple sites on a single machine with ease.  It is extremely flexible for programming environments and provides a tremendous level of administrative control.  Unix handles CGI scripts perhaps better than any other system, making it ideal for hosting operations that require a lot of automation.

Unix Cons

The disadvantages of Unix do not have much of a bearing on end-users or shared hosting customers, but to the server administrator, they can be a determining factor.  Thriving off raw DOS-like commands, it can be incredibly difficult to learn as there is no GUI to simplify management tasks.  In fact, it can take administrators years to fully grasp all the basic commands of the Unix operating system.

Windows

A relative newcomer to the web hosting arena, Microsoft got its start in the market with the introduction of its NT server operating system.  Windows NT was beloved instantly for its ease of use and seamless integration with the FrontPage web authoring tool.  This niche variation really appealed to users who lacked the ability to code with scripting technologies such as HTML, CGI and PHP.  Despite its popularity, Windows NT quickly gained a bad reputation for being vulnerable to exploits and stability issues.  The platform improved greatly with the introduction of Windows Server 2003 and got even better with the release of Windows Server 2008 in 2007.

Windows Pros

Windows offers a user-friendly setting that is quite familiar to its desktop environment, making it easier to use for administrators.  Instead of complex commands, management tasks can be handled from a GUI boasting icons and easy to use tools.

Windows Cons

Now far more stable and secure, the Windows disadvantages have been reduced significantly.  The biggest drawback would be cost, which stems from licenses tied to the Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange and even the Windows platform itself.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, both Unix and Windows have demonstrated their ability to perform efficiently in the web hosting environment.  Both are traditionally more expensive than Linux so cost may not be as big a factor as you may think.  Perhaps the best way to decide is to base the decision on your experience with server software and most importantly, your particular needs.

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Jul 01, 2009 : Linux Web Hosting Windows Web Hosting No responses yet

Recognizing the Linux Advantage

If you are interested in Linux web hosting yet feel that your copy of Windows will get in the way, don’t worry because you’re in the clear.  In fact, there is no relation to the operating system running on your PC and the one operating in the web hosting environment.  The remote server is where your website files will be stored, thus you do not have to worry about losing any space on your local hard drive.  Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about the Linux operating system and what gives it so many advantages as a hosting solution.

Cheaper Price for Service

When doing your shopping on the hosting marketplace, you will discover that Linux web hosting packages are a bit cheaper than Windows variations.  This is because the software isn’t attached to any costly licensing fees like the Microsoft product.  Following the success of Windows XP, Microsoft enforced an activation policy that limited users to installing a single copy of the Windows operating system on their computer.  In most cases, all you have to do is purchase a single copy of Linux and can install it on as many computers as you desire.

Proven Dependability

While the Microsoft Windows system was being used in millions of homes and offices around the world, Linux was already busy as a platform serving pages on the web.  Throughout the years, Linux servers have been well known for their speed, stability and reliability.  And although Microsoft has made notable improvements to its system, the reported crashes on Windows are much greater in comparison to Linux servers.  With all the complimentary network elements in, this platform can ensure a very high level of service availability.

Built for the Web

The Linux operating system supports a number of technologies that facilitate the creation of dynamic, interactive web pages.   Whereas Windows is compatible with Microsoft technologies such as ASP and ASP.NET, the Linux platform integrates with Perl, PHP and the increasingly popular Ruby on Rails.  When linked to a powerful database system like MySQL or Postgre SQL, these server-side languages allow you to enjoy functionality that ranges from feature-rich web pages to robust web-based software applications.   There are a number of CGI, Perl and PHP scripts on the web that are freely available to download and incorporate into the Linux hosting environment, providing you with a way to instantly enhance your online presence.

Surprisingly User-friendly

For the average end-user, a Linux hosting solution is incredibly easy to use.  By nature, this system is extremely complex and driven by commands opposed to the user-friendly setup you get with Microsoft Windows.   However, you don’t have to worry about any of these common complexities as you have the ability to administer your site through an intuitive control panel interface.  Some of the best control panels on the market are designed for Linux, including cPanel and Plesk.

Conclusion

Linux is a dynamic platform that delivers benefits to those looking to run a blog, personal site or e-commerce store.  The power and cost efficiency gives this system advantages that other platforms will forever have a difficult time trying to match.

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Jun 17, 2009 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

Hardening Your Linux Server

When it comes to your server, security should be viewed as a thorough process, not simply results you achieve.  This process is naturally difficult and even more so when factoring in the wide variety of components involved in the typical setup.  The key to adequate server security is hardening the system in a manner the protects against an array of threats.  Properly securing Linux and other GNU-based servers often seems like an overwhelming task, but the process is much simpler when breaking the security process down into easily manageable portions.  In this article we will focus on some of the key aspects that must be covered to ensure acceptable security in the Linux server environment.

Harden SSH

The OpenSSH package is installed by default on most Linux distributions.  Unfortunately, the default configurations are designed to provide functionality over security.  Permissions that allow root logins, listening on port 22 and all IPs and SSH access to all system accounts result in potential security holes that make your server vulnerable.  In order to harden this area, you need to utilize your preferred editor and change the lines in the SSH configuration file to the reflect the following:

- Define the IP addresses SSH will listen on

- Only accept secure SSH connections

- Disable root logins

- Only allow SSH access to certain users

- Change the default port (22)

After making your modifications, restart the SSH server so the changes can take effect.

Harden the File System

Since it uses the Unix file system, Linux is vulnerable to numerous exploits, mainly DoS (Denial of Service) attacks and rootkits.  Minimizing the threat of a  DoS attack is fairly easy as those vulnerable directories can be mounted on their own partitions, preventing the file system from accumulating too many requests and virtually leaving the exploit powerless.  Effectively dealing with the threat of rootkits is a bit more tricky.

Rootkits are very dangerous as they can be used to provide an intruder with control of a system after initially gaining access.  In order to prevent the successful deployment of rootkits, you must utilize tools such as chkrootkit in conjunction with IDS (intrusion detection system) technologies like fcheck.  chkrootkit will allow you to search for the presence of malicious rootkits while fcheck helps you create cryptographer identifiers that will let know if integrity has been violated and which aspects have been directly affected.  These tools are easy to use and incorporate into your existing configuration.

Network Security

One of the most vital aspects to security on a Linux server is to ensure network security by discovering the processes listening for connections on which ports.  Tools that can help make these determinations are commands such as netstat and the nmap network mapper.  netstat will show which ports are being listened on while nmap will determine the ports and services available on the server from other machines within the network.  The output for both commands are easy to access and display comprehensive information regarding network activities.

Conclusion

There are many aspects to securing a Linux server.  Aside from the areas mentioned in this article, you must also perform a thorough installation of Apache along with software packages such as PHP, MySQL and Tomcat.   It can be a tedious undertaking, but you will find that these additional measures are well worth it when the security of your server is involved.

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May 15, 2009 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

Linux and Unix-like Options for Dedicated Hosting

When it comes time for a dedicated server, one of the hardest decisions you will have to make is which platform to use.  Considering its reputation, Linux is one you definitely want to consider.  In this article we will talk about some of the Linux distributions you will encounter in the realm of dedicated servers.

The Many Faces of Linux

Linux comes in many different flavors with some of the major distributions being Debian, Fedora and CentOS.  Some of these systems can be used in the desktop setting as an alternative to the Microsoft Windows platform, while others are geared more towards the server environment.  Here is an overview on some of the most popular options.

Redhat

One time a free open-source distribution, Redhat has since migrated to the commercial field and is mainly used in enterprise settings as a rival to Windows Server editions.  Though still technically an open-source system, Redhat Linux comes attached with a license that will cost you a couple hundred dollars to use.  In most cases, the standard price doesn’t include technical support though additional services may often be purchased in higher priced packages.  While not as cost effective, enterprise users that require more functionality than totally free open-source systems can offer are probably best suited with the Redhat distribution of Linux.

Fedora

If the price tag for Redhat Linux is a bit much for you, Fedora could make a nice alternative.  This variation is based Redhat but generally does not include commercial support.  Though not exactly the same software, Redhat developers also work on the Fedora project, meaning both systems will continuously have traits that mimic one another.  While Fedora can thrive in the server environment, its design is actually geared more towards the desktop setup.  However, this system makes an excellent choice for the simple fact that it is an open-source platform that can be freely installed on your server.

CentOS

Similar to Fedora, the CentOS operating system is also based on the enterprise version of Redhat Linux.  This platform differs from Fedora because it was specifically designed to run in the server environment opposed to the desktop setting.  CentOS does offer a bit of desktop functionality, but most of its features are advantageous to server administrators.  This operating system is becoming increasingly popular on the dedicated server market because it is easy to upgrade and maintain, heavily supported and made to perform in demanding server environments.

FreeBSD

Although FreeBSD isn’t necessarily a Linux distribution, it is based on the original Unix platform and therefore, very comparable.  Unlike Linux, which generally has a number of components designed by different programmers integrated into a single package, all BSD utilities are created by the same developers as a natural part of the operating system.  FreeBSD has a solid reputation for its stability, reliability and impressive uptime.  Support for seamless security enhancements make this system a great option for your dedicated server.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, it is up to you to choose which operating system is right for your server.   The good thing is that FreeBSD and the Linux distributions mentioned here share similar qualities and have proven the ability to excel as server platforms.  When deciding on any Unix-like system, you should know that the chances of using Microsoft technologies such as ASP and SQL Server are minimal and not recommended.

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May 12, 2009 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

Linux vs. Unix: Brief Comparison

Though closely associated and the terms often used interchangeably, Linux and Unix are two very distinct operating systems.  The factors that set them apart could make all the difference in determining which platform is the right solution for you.  This article will provide a little insight on the intriguing debate of Linux vs. Unix.

History

UNICS was originally created in 1969 by a group of AT&T Bell Labs employees.  The name was trademarked to UNIX in the early 1970s, and has since been commonly referred to a Unix, with small caps.  The platform began as a multi-tasking operating system with a command line interpreter and a couple of small utility programs, far from the PC as we know it today.

In 1985, the introduction of the Free Software Foundation led to the development of the GNU GPL (General Public License), a movement created so software could be freely distributed.  By the early 90s, Unix consisted of basic components such as the shell, compilers, libraries and text editors, but still lacked elements like the daemons, device drivers and kernel.   In 1991, Linus Torvlads, a young student, began working on Minix, a Unix-like system whose code was free available under the GNU GPL.  Out of this project came the first Linux kernel, which included various libraries and utilities from the GNU (GNU’s Not Unix) OS to create a usable operating system.  Linux was released as open-source software under the GNU GPL, allowing the underlying source code to be freely used and modified.

Usage

The Linux OS is mainly for small to medium sized operations.  However, it is being increasingly used in the corporate setting where Unix was previously considered the only option.  In the beginning, Linux was viewed as an academic project and most enterprises didn’t look at it as an option for networking.  All that has changed over the years as the system has gone mainstream with significant support from major software developers.  This system is often a preferred choice for office computing and web server operations.  Unix is still an obvious choice in more demanding situations where multiple processes and systems are involved as it handles these tasks with more efficiency than Linux.

Cost and Distribution

The major difference between Linux and Unix is cost and method of distribution.  Because Linux is open-source, it can generally be acquired freely, with the exception of server additions which normally require an initial purchase.  The open-source nature has resulted in significant modifications and numerous distributors.  Some of the most notable distributors of the many Linux variants include Fedora, Mandrake, Red Hat and SUSE.

Unix on the other hand, is not open-source software and therefore, considerably more expensive than Linux.  With the hardware included, a midrange Unix server can cost anywhere in between $25,000 and $259,000 with high-end severs ranging up to $500,000.

Current Status

Over the last few years, Linux has grown faster than any other server-based operating system on the market, and the array of Linux hosting solutions are solid evidence.  To be competitive, major Unix vendors such as HP, IBM and Sun are customizing features to make the OS more compatible with Linux.  AIX, Solaris and HP-UX are all Unix systems that have recently been integrated with more traits of the Linux kernel.

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Apr 01, 2009 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet