Web Hosting Articles & Tutorials

Linux vs. Windows Hosting - What to consider

Contrary to popular belief, it does not matter what operating system you have on your computer when choosing where to host your site. If your computer runs Linux, you can choose a Windows hosting platform and vice versa. Of course, it would be ideal to have matching operating systems, but you can still enjoy many of the same benefits. Both servers support FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and other technologies which allow you to publish content from your hard drive to the web. Both offer encryption features such as SSL to encrypt your online communications along with compatible email accounts, databases and more.

Knowing the similarities, it is also important to make yourself familiar with the vast differences as well. For instance, if you intend to use Microsoft branded technologies such as ASP, FrontPage, MSSQL or Windows Streaming Media, your website would be much better suited for Windows-based hosting. Trying to operate server-specific scripts and programs on a different platform is often difficult and costly, though it can be done. Fortunately, the most prevalent web technologies such as PHP, POP3 and MySQL are supported by both systems.

In the way of stability, Linux is regarded as being more stable than Windows. This dates back to prior Windows systems such as 95 and 98 that were infamous for the “blue screen” of death. Though annoying, the most severe impact of this common error called for users to restart their machines. Later editions such as 2000 and XP were designed more with servers in mind, adding stability to the Windows brand.

You may enjoy better performance with Linux hosting as well as their servers are rather efficient. There is not a huge difference, but the application processes of Windows have been known to run somewhat slower. Experts believe this is because Windows loads a variety of features into single packages while the implementation of Linux is more simple yet flexible.

Another major benefit of Linux is its open source nature. This allows vendors to use several Linux components for no cost and offers a cheaper web hosting service. Both platforms have had their share of bugs, yet Linux tends to receive fixes quicker because of its large community of designers and users. Windows has to analyze these issues through the entire Microsoft bureaucracy which tends to take longer.

Regardless of what platform you choose, security is always a major concern. Many times this involves the security implemented by a host as well as the website administrator. While Windows has made notable strides with their security, Linux is better known for it’s security-first approach to development.

The Winner Is …

When money becomes an issue, most people tend go with Linux hosting as their first option. The system has established a solid reputation for its reliability and security. The choice of which platform is the best all depends on the needs of your site. In the end, you want a web host that is best suited for the goals you plan to achieve. With that said, the operating system being used should be one of the last things you consider for web hosting - Linux and Windows both provide exceptional service.

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Jul 02, 2008 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

Linux Hosting: A Fine Point Overview

In your mission to find a website provider, you will notice that many companies offer what is know as Linux-based hosting. This article will detail the finer points of this option and how it can be used to create and maintain dynamic web sites. We will also shed a bit of light on the Linux operating system in general and why it is the preferred choice by many users.

History

Linux is essentially a variation of the Unix operating system. It was created in 1991 at Finland’s University of Helsinki by a student named Linus Torvalds. Torvalds came to develop Linux while working on a non-commercial replacement version for Minux, a smaller Unix-like system. Linux was originally intended for academic use but evolved into something much more useful.

Since it was developed under the GNU Project’s General Public License, the source code of Linux is freely available. While the goal of the GNU Project was to develop and distribute free Unix compatible software, the Linux operating system itself is not free, only the source code for the kernel and most of it’s software. Linux developers and third-party vendors can charge a fee for it as long as the source code is freely available.

Web Hosting

Just as with any provider, before choosing a Linux host, you should first determine the needs of your website. Many ISPs (Internet Service Providers) will offer a Linux-based hosting plan for a very reasonable price. This option presents you with a wide range of software applications that can be used to enhance the presentation and functionality of your site. The most common configuration of this type of hosting is known as a LAMP platform, consisting of a Linux operating system, an Apache web server, a MySQL database and PHP, Perl or Python scripts.

The LAMP configuration offers a number of components that can be used to support and run a website or a server. When put into action, it defines server infrastructures and a paradigm for developing software. LAMP is so widely used because the Linux system itself is so affordable.

The Apache server is what provides access to websites on the internet and is available for both Linux and Unix systems. It is currently the most widely used server today. MySQL is the database management system that adds ease to building a website. It actually functions as a server and is a multithreaded, multi-user system that grants users with access to their databases. MySQL is the most popular database management system and is said to have more than 10 million installations. The programming languages used in LAMP are typically either PHP, Perl or Python. These scripts are used to create object-orientated web pages and can also be used on Windows-based platforms as well.

The Linux system itself is capable of many things such as networking, software development and functioning as an end-user platform. It works with almost any kind of hardware from the basic AMD and Intel products to more obscure names such as Digital Alpha, PowerPC and Silicon Graphics. Due to its low cost and high-level of functionality, Linux has become one of the most popular operating systems and web hosting platforms outside of Windows.

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Jun 26, 2008 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

UNIX/Linux hosting

An introduction

Web pages are developed using various kinds of platforms. They might be developed using the windows or even Linux and UNIX platforms. Thus, a web page that is developed using the UNIX or the Linux operating platforms are called as Unix/Linux based hosting. There is not much of a difference in the above two operating systems. It can be called that Linux/Unix is an upgraded version of the Linux/Unix operating systems.

Advantages of Linux/Unix hosting

There are many advantages related with Linux/Unix based hosting. One of such benefit is that Unix/Linux is extremely compatible with the PHP programming language that is gaining popularity these days. The cost involved is also a factor that is attracting a lot of developers these days. The fact that these operating systems are mostly available for free makes it really economical. Thus, customers can get some additional software’s that are required for Linux/Unix platforms. Some of these software’s are Apache, BIND, Sendmail and APF Firewall.

Some other advantages related with Linux/Unix based hosting include the security that is provided by the platform. The security that is offered by this platform is incomparable to that offered by Windows based hosting. Even the various developers have proved that this system offers a lot of control and stability over the operations. Linux based hosting is also very beneficial as it provides the developers with the ability to integrate various other things like Mod Rewrite, MySQL, Chmod permission, Apache Web Sever and even PHP. The important thing that can be noted about Linux/Unix based development is that the codes can be changed very easily because it is an open source operating system. Thus, the various people can easily change the codes according to the requirements and needs.

Reliability, Usability and Functionality

It has been proven by the various developers that the Linux/Unix based platform is the most reliable one and only depends upon regular maintenance. Thus, the stability and the quality related with these platforms won’t be affected with sudden system problems. They even prove to be consistent as it secures the functioning of the web site.

Over the years Linux/Unix has developed very efficiently. In the beginning this system was really tuff to be controlled by the beginners and was thus, used by only professionals. But in the present scenario it has been made really user friendly and can be administered quite comfortably. Today the beginners will find this system to be very comfortable with the availability of the easy to use features and control panels. The professionals will find this platform really easy and handy providing total control and stability.

Linux/Unix platform is absolutely different than that with other platforms. It has the capability of handling a lot of processes that can be run at the same time. This platform also provides the developers to obtain more from the server. This platform supports more application languages than any other platform, even windows. Some of the languages supported compromise of Tcl, Python, Shell, Java, C+ + and even PHP.

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Apr 24, 2008 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

Windows vs Linux

More often than not you will find more individuals knocking Windows opposed to Linux. This is mainly because of price and the system’s documented past of security problems. Windows does have a huge upside though. The operating system has advanced and is well received by typical users, the reason why it is the most popular system regardless of all the noted flaws. In truth, many of the cons related with Windows can be tightened up with the right tools. 

Before making the decision to choose Windows as your web hosting platform one must first comprehend the functions it has as an operating system. Making yourself familiar with the inner workings will make for a much smoother transition when it comes to building and securing your website. Windows web hosting is certainly ideal for someone using a variety of Microsoft based applications. Exclusive features such as ASP make it stand out from the competition with exclusive scripts that Windows help perfect. 

So what is really the right solution for web hosting? Linux or Windows. There may never be a clear cut winner as both systems will surely keep evolving to outdo one another. Accessing the needs of your site and doing diligent research will aid in your decision. In the end both systems have proven the ability to host millions of websites which will keep the internet thriving.

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Apr 10, 2008 : Windows Web Hosting No responses yet

Linux and Web Hosting

In your search for a website you will encounter several types of hosting on a variety of different platforms. The choice is yours depending on personal goals and what you hope to achieve with your site. Choose from shared to multiple domains, free to paid hosting. Then there is the ongoing debate of Linux versus Windows hosting - which one is better? These next two chapters will cover both services and detail the features they offer as well as the flaws. 

Brief History of Linux 

The history of Linux actually has a close relationship to GNU. The GNU project began in 1983 as a capable software that was free to use. The intent was to develop products that would compete with Unix, the most prominent operating system of that era. 

Linux was first written as a kernel in the spare time of Finland college student, Linus Torvalds. The program was originally attended to be a component for Minix, a kernal written to train individuals in the art of designing operating systems. While Minix was once a requirement to install and operate Linux, the Linux system quickly surpassed it in the way of use and capability. Torvalds worked diligently with other Linux developers, configuring their program to work with GNU components to create a fully functioning program that became one of the world’s most widely used operating systems. 

The very first version of the Linux operating system was originally introduced in 1991. Since its inception several software developers around the globe have participated in building the Linux system.

Unix and Linux

While the competition between Linux and Windows is fierce, Unix is the original rival. The two are often confused because of the similarities in name and features, but there are also many factors that set them apart. The main differentiation is that they were derived from two different systems. Here are a few more ways in which these two popular systems vary:

Service Model - Most versions of the Unix operating system require users to purchase their support features, a fact that can be unsettling. Assistance is much more available with Linux as it consists of a large community of users who have helped to create a dependable support team. 

Equipment - Linux uses many forms of technical equipment, yet it is most commonly known for operating on IBM-Intel, PC-based hardware. The majority of the equipment Unix works with are on high performance hardware that ends up costing the users much more. 

Price and Reliability - One of Linux’s best features is the cost. This operating system is considered freeware and can be easily integrated with a variety of applications, on and offline. This is the exact opposite with Unix whose systems and strategies are usually motivated by profits. 

The Linux operating system has nothing to hide. It is very easy to find out information about the software. You can easily get the scoop on the system’s flaws before making a commitment. 

The beauty of both operating systems is compatibility. Whether you are running a Unix operating system, or hosting on one of their web servers, the transition to Linux is usually an easy one. 

Linux has ascended from a single man’s inspiration to a well organized global phenomenon. The experiment is over; Linux has become a huge success; the educated option for all types of businesses. The choice in this software has resulted in rewarding opportunities based on the initial cost and the ability to operate without the need of proprietary applications. Whether you are switching operating systems or web hosts, making the transition to Linux is liable to give you saving s in the areas of hardware, personnel and administrative support while providing some of the best service available. 

Linux and Web Hosting 

When it comes to web hosting, Linux has been regarded as one of the best options. This form of hosting is based on the Linux operating system in which servers, database and other pertinent applications reside. The vast amount of features and capability has made Linux a very worthy alternative to both Unix and Windows web hosting. The company known throughout the world for its powerful operating system has quickly gained equal notoriety for its quality web servers. 

Developers and others familiar with technical lingo consider Linux hosting to be a LAMP server. This is because it runs on the Linux operating system, integrates with Apache web applications, it uses a MySQL database and the scripts are mostly marked up in PHP. The aid of these components has made Linux a very reliable web host.

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Apr 10, 2008 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet