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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.

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.

What is Linux Hosting?

Linux hosting simply refers to a web host running the Linux operating system on their server along with the database and other software.  The functionality and flexibility of Linux has made it a viable alternative to Windows and even other Unix-based systems, the platform it is designed after.  Linux is world renown for its capability as a reliable system built for the network server environment.  Linux web hosting is often referred to as a LAMP, a server model based on the Linux operating system, the Apache server software, a MySQL database and the PHP programming language.  Over the years, Linux has consistently been the preferred choice for serving web pages and powering web-based applications.  Currently, nearly 50 million websites are being hosted on this platform worldwide.

Inside the Lamp Server

Apart from the power and stability of the Linux operating system, the LAMP configuration plays a major role in the efficiency of such a web hosting package.  Here are more details on these essential components:

Linux: The Linux operating system was originally created in Finland by a young student named Linus Torvalds.  With a keen interest in Minix, a small variation of the Unix system, Torvalds was determined to create a system that exceeded the functionality of Minix.  The youngster began the project in 1991 and continued through 1994 with the release of a kernel in Linux 1.0.   The core of all Linux-based systems, this kernel was included as a part of the GNU General Public License, making the source code freely available to developers.  Today, hundreds of developers have released their own systems based on the original Linux kernel.  Popular variants used by web hosting providers include RedHat and Fedora among others.

Apache: Apache was developed to maintain an open-source HTTP platform for modern systems such as Windows and Unix variants.  The goal of the project is to provide an efficient, secure, extensible server that facilitates HTTP services in accordance to existing HTTP standards.  Research shows that more than 60% of the websites functioning on the internet are powered by Apache servers.   

MySQL: MySQL is the most widely used database management system today, said to have more than 10 million installations worldwide.  MySQL is preferred by many businesses along with numerous internet powerhouses including The Associated Press, NASA, Sabre Holdings, Suzuki and Yahoo.  Offering scalability, reliability and award-winning speed, MySQL makes an excellent choice for high-powered corporations and is one of the premiere features of a web hosting plan.

PHP: PHP is one of the oldest programming languages on the web.  Though it is mainly implemented into server-side applications and used to create dynamic web pages, it can also be executed from a command line interface and even in standalone graphical programs.  PHP is predominant in the LAMP server configuration though languages such as Perl and Python can be used as well.

The advantages of Linux hosting is an attractive combination of technical benefits and cheaper costs.  This platform offers reliability, readily available scripts and programs along with a greater level of control.  If stability and functionality is something your business requires, you stand to gain a lot with Linux hosting.