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.

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Sep 30, 2008 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

Linux Hosting: The Perfect Solution For Your Small Business

Technology has evolved to such a state that dynamic websites with professional appeal can be easily created for next to nothing.  Web hosting is incredibly affordable these days.  All it takes is a reliable company to provide a portion of their server, along with the key features required to give you a great presence on the web.

When it comes to finding a provider, you generally have two choices for a hosting platform.  The first option is Windows, a common name in technology we are all familiar with.  The other option is Linux hosting, not quite as popular but known as being one of the most stable operating systems on the market.  Both of these solutions come with their advantages and disadvantages.  In this article, we will focus more on the Linux platform and will detail how it is more suited for the success of a small online business.

Affordable and Easy to Manage

The simplicity and cost efficiency of Linux hosting makes it the preferred choice for many startup businesses.  This environment in general has a reputation for it’s stability and scalability.  The Linux system was designed on a security-first structure, whereas Windows is more known for being feature-rich and less secure.  In a day and age where malicious software is a grim reality, the overall security of the Linux environment is more than enough to sway small business owners.

You will find that affordable Linux hosting is abundant.  This is very attractive to a small company working on a strict budget.  Linux is often categorized as cheap web hosting but the benefits are plentiful.  Standard packages come with all the features needed to get your site off the ground including domains, email accounts, MySQL databases, web building tools and much more.  This hosting environment certainly exchanges great value for the services provided.

Open-source

The source code of Linux is freely available to developers and anyone who can make use of it.  This is made possible by it’s open-source nature under the GNU Project.  Linux components have been enhanced by it’s large community of developers who make contributions to the code.  When issues need to be addressed and patches distributed, actions are taken much faster than the Windows environment.  This is a factor that will ensure the smooth operation of your business.

Scripts

Programming languages are very essential to the process of web development.  There are a number of different scripts available including PHP, Perl, Python, Javascript and many more.  These scripts are used to create your web pages and have the ability to significantly enhance functionality.  Linux web servers support the most commonly used programming languages and tend to be more comprehensive than Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET.  These powerful building blocks will give you a great web presence with interactive functions and e-commerce features as well.

Linux hosting comes in many different variations.  You can choose to purchase service with a company offering shared hosting, dedicated or fully managed hosting, all of which are designed to support each level in the growth of your business.  If you’re looking to bring your business to the web, Linux hosting is something you just can’t go wrong with.

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Aug 07, 2008 : General No responses yet