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Choosing a Linux Platform for Your Hosting Needs

If you are the least bit familiar with the web hosting business, then you have probably heard of a piece of software called Linux.  Originally created in 1991, Linux quickly became one of the most widely used operating systems on the market, emerging as a viable alternative to popular options such as Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.  Linux is adored by its fan base for many reasons, and among them is an open-source license that makes it cost efficient and highly customizable.  A global community of developers are constantly working to improve the software, which adds to its power and stability.  There are a number of Linux distributions available, and below we will examine some you might encounter when looking for a hosting package.

Ubuntu Hosting

The first distribution we will discuss is Ubuntu.  This flavor of Linux is very popular because it offers several features that are comparable to Windows web hosting, which makes the system much easier to use.  The biggest downside to Ubuntu is that it is better suited as a personal desktop operating system rather than a server platform.  Therefore, this particular distribution is not as widely used as its counterparts in the hosting environment.  That does not mean it cannot be used because Ubuntu makes a viable option for various types of server configurations.

Kubuntu Hosting

Just by the name, you can probably tell that the Kubuntu distribution is quite similar to Ubuntu.  In fact, these two platforms are nearly identical in terms of operation and functionality.  The most notable distinction is that they utilize two different types of file systems.  Apart from that, these operating systems offer the same level of stability, performance and reliability, making both ideal for website hosting and desktop use as well.

Debian Hosting

Debian hosting revolves around a server platform based on both the Ubuntu and Kubuntu operating systems.  It is currently the most widely used Linux distribution in the web hosting industry.  While it is considerably more complex and difficult, Debian offers the superior flexibility and reliability needed to keep a multitude of websites up and running.  Despite its complexities, this software is ideal as both a server and desktop operating system.

Fedora Hosting

Fedora is another common Linux distribution and one that is often bundled with dedicated server hosting plans.  It is based on RedHat Linux, which is a commercial distribution and the Linux platform designed to compete with Microsoft Windows.  Though prevalent on the hosting marketplace, Fedora is primarily used as a server platform for older machines due to its limitations and ability to thrive exceptionally well by using fewer system resources.

What Type of Linux are You?

Originally released in 1991, Linux is becoming an increasingly popular choice as a desktop operating system.  More home users are coming to discover that it makes a solid alternative to Windows and Mac OS X.  While Linux is just making its way into homes, it has been used as an academic and server solution for years.  Unlike commercial operating systems, the source code for the Linux kernel is open-source, actively contributed to by a community of developers who are always working to improve the overall product.  The result of this is many different variations of the operating system.  There are various Linux distributions and while similar, each is distinct and designed to suit specific needs.  This article will take a closer look at some of the more popular distributions you may encounter when shopping for Linux web hosting.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is the most popular and widely used consumer distribution of Linux.  This is mainly because the platform is designed to be more of a desktop operating system than a server solution.  In fact, it has many features that are comparable to Windows.  With that said, Ubuntu still makes a solid choice for in the hosting environment and truly thrives as a server operating system.

Kubuntu

As you may have guessed, Kubuntu is quite similar to Unbuntu in terms of operation and functionality.  The major difference between these two platforms is that they utilize different files systems.  Aside from that, both systems perform all the same functions and are far easier to use than other distributions of Linux.  This simplicity comes in handy for an administrator who frequently has to deal with the complexities and challenges of server management.

Debian

Debian is another widely used distribution of Linux and perhaps the most common in the web hosting environment.  It is also a distribution that is more difficult to use.  Though both Ubuntu and Kubuntu are based on this platform, Debian isn’t nearly as easy to use.  However, this particular platform is highly scalable and very flexible it has the ability to function exceptionally well as both a desktop and server operating system.

Fedora

Fedora is a lightweight distribution of Linux that often comes included free in many dedicated server hosting plans.  This system is based on and sponsored by RedHat Linux, which maintains the commercial distribution that is the most competitive with Microsoft Windows.  When it comes to desktops, Fedora is mainly used in older computers for the simple fact that is has limited system requirements and uses less resources.  However, this system unleashes its power in the server environment.

CentOS

Short for Community Enterprise Operating System, CentOS is another distribution based on Red Hat Linux.  Although the source code is freely available under the GPL, because of Red Hat, CentOS has benefitted greatly from commercial development in terms of stability, performance and security.  An increasingly popular option, CentOS often forms the backbone of cPanel and WHM reseller hosting solutions.

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.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Linux Hosting

The Linux operating system has a rich and interesting history.  What began in 1991 as a hobby of Linus Torvalds, a young college student at the University of Helsinki in Finland, evolved into one of most the influential computer software projects of all time.  Released under the GNU General Public License, the source code of the Linux kernel is freely available, largely responsible for a number of variants including Debian and Red Hat Linux.

Linux has long been the preferred choice in the network environment and is currently increasing as a desktop solution.  Though well known for being reliable, flexible and more secure than other systems, Linux does have its flaws as well.

The Advantages of Linux Hosting

As far as Linux and reliability go, there are documented instances where servers running the system have stayed online and functioning for approximately one year while experiencing no downtime or technical difficulties.  This is a very impressive feat when considering how other systems require restarts every now and then.  Linux also has reputation for providing solid security right out of the box.  The default security settings are far more superior than the Windows platform, which is a great attribute in itself.

Linux is also very compatible and supports a number of web-based technologies.  Hosting with this system allows you to work with other open-source technologies such as PHP, MySQL and Apache.  Linux has become incredibly popular to say the least, having vested interests from prominent organizations such as IBM and Sun Microsystems.  At the same time, Linux hosting has remained as one of the most affordable solutions on the market with plans suited for a wide range of users.

Disadvantages of Linux Hosting

As we mentioned, there are a few drawbacks to the Linux platform.  Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is its inability to support various Windows-based scripting technologies and applications.  For instance, the ASP programming language and its extensions cannot be used on a server running the Linux operating system.  While improvements have been made, a website scripted for the Windows environment may be useless when trying to port it to a Linux server.

Another knock on Linux is that its shell-based structure can make the system appear extremely complex, something that can be intimidating to beginners.  Although this isn’t so much of a problem on the shared server, the dedicated server customer may have a difficult time learning how to perform critical tasks.  The bright side here is that a number of sophisticated control panel applications have been created to add ease to server administration tasks.  Experienced users tend to enjoy all of its power and are able to benefit from its complexity.