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.

The Design of Linux Hosting

The design of a Linux web hosting platform is known to be rather airtight. Very few system infections, such as viruses and Trojans have been reported by users. In cases where this has occurred, the following factors played a part:

• The open-source platform is easily accessible to web developers; even those with malicious intent
• The modular makeup of Linux
• Linux web servers are susceptible to unknown administrative figures and vendors

The history of Linux is not one known to be a single user system. The design came a long way in attempt to regulate users from certain files and directories that would have an effect on the operating system as a whole. Individual users are given a directory in which all of their data is stored. When an application is called upon, that user is typically granted permission with restrictions attached. This means that action can take place on the user’s personal directory. Access to remote system files or another user’s directory requires administrative authority and agreement. 

The Linux design also has other capabilities, such as commanding file images in JPEG to act as modular libraries. This causes the images to adapt restrictions that limit the power of web intruders. If flaws happen to exist in the JPEG file, a hacker will only be to gain the minimal access that is permitted to the user, reducing the damage they are able to cause. 

The intended modular makeup of Linux web hosting makes it almost impossible to transmit viruses through email. Regardless of how ineffective and insecure the email client may be, the hacker will only have the power to cripple the user’s personal files on the server opposed to entire operating system. 

Since Linux does not support risky web objects such as the Microsoft Active X control, complications with web pages are less likely to occur. Even if Active X was an issue, a hacker would still only be able to tamper with the user’s personal files.

Advantages of Linux Hosting

Linux web hosting offers many advantages over its competitors; these are based on a reliable service, tight security, enhanced capability and last but not least, price. Several clients using Linux servers have reported the performance to be phenomenal as downtime and technical difficulties were a rarity. This is an amazing trait considering how so many other servers are notoriously known for maintenance issues and the need for system re-boots. 

Linux has certainly made significant strides when comes to security. In the past, security features that came with the initial package were somewhat vulnerable but the company has evolved in ways that have tightened up both the operating system and their servers.

The capability of Linux has become one of its greatest assets. One man’s hobby spawned a stellar operating system that has now flourished into one of the most widely used hosting servers. Easy integration with almost any web application has earned Linux great respect and admiration amongst developers and users alike.

The biggest advantage Linux has over the competition is without a doubt it’s price. Linux and many of its components fall in the category of open source applications. Lower overhead from the top allows savings to trickle down to subscribers of Linux web hosting.

Disadvantages of Linux Hosting

The biggest knock on Linux web hosting has been its inability to embrace applications created by Windows. This includes components such as ASP scripting, modules and files extensions as they were specifically designed to function with Microsoft products. These issues of compatibility can cause a website scripted for a Windows platform to be totally dysfunctional when attempting to transfer the website to Linux hosting. 

Windows-based hosting is generally a bit easier to use for beginners. The platform comes with an exceptional support team and self help documentation that is quite simple to translate. Aside from that Windows hosting welcomes the additions of ASP scripts and the capable Microsoft SQL database. These components alone make Windows a very capable competitor to Linux hosting. 

Another disadvantage of Linux web hosting comes with the complexity of its interface. At first glance, managing the website can often be confusing for the amateur webmaster. Users of dedicated Linux hosting have to sift through extensive documents to train themselves on how to handle certain administrative issues. On the other hand, Linux is increasingly making provisions to their administrative consoles by implementing web applications that make these functions much easier to control.

The Technical Side of Linux Hosting

The scripts used and overall development of the site will usually determine the operating system on which the web servers are running. This ultimately has a direct effect on a user’s decision to choose a Linux web hosting account or a service offered by Windows. 

The technical benefits of Linux web hosting not only revolves around price but the reliability of the servers as well. The abundance of highly affordable scripts and add-ons enable these platforms to be transformed into superior servers. 

The Environment of Linux Hosting 

Earlier we briefly touched on what is perhaps the biggest attraction of Linux hosting - the reputation of being a LAMP server. Now that you are familiar with the abbreviation, let us now go over each component and explain how they advance the experience of Linux hosting. 

The Linux Operating System - You will find that the Linux operating system comes in many variations that are distributed by numerous vendors. This allows the system to stay current and offer its users great solutions to the common woes of web hosting. Though Linux was based on the pre-existing functions of Unix, several developers today are now configuring their operating systems to mimic the characteristics of Linux.

The Aid of Apache - The Apache server itself was designed to work as an open-source platform to assist operating systems such as Linux, Unix and Windows. Its purpose is to provide a secure server that is highly extensive and effective. Apache offers the benefits HTTP that allow a web host to flourish and offer its clients quality service.

The MySQL Database - The use of the MySQL database alone speaks volumes on the behalf of Linux web hosting. This system is the key component for millions of websites, powering top notch industry names such as Yahoo, NASA, the Associated Press and many more. MySQL has received worldwide recognition include the 2004 “Product of the Year”, awarded by Developer.com. This incredible system is famed for its speed scalability. The MySQL database is the ideal tool for large corporations, website programmers and vendors alike.

The Use of PHP - PHP can be considered a web veteran. This script has been around since the beginning of the web and is still the most commonly used script to create web pages. PHP betters Linux web hosting because nearly every application has been developed to support it. 

What to Look For in Linux Hosting?

Regardless of what service you choose to power your site, there will always be important elements you need to look for. Here is the checklist you should make handy when evaluating web hosting provided by Linux:

Administrative Control 

This first area should certainly rank as a high priority on your list. The administrative area or control panel is the function that allows you to effectively manage your website. Many Linux hosting services offer cPanel, an application that is growing quite popular. This makes managing your website very easy and limits a user’s need for the support team. When selecting a Linux web host, you certainly will want to inquire about the level of administrative control. 

Email Accounts and Aliases

Like all web hosting, your service with Linux should include extensive email functions. Being able to assign aliases to an account is important for someone looking to operate a business on the Linux server. The number of email domains will typically vary depending on the exact details of your package. 

FTP Capability

Your Linux web hosting service will also require the use of an FTP client. This will enable you to perform site modifications that require the uploading of files, making routine updates and more. The use of FTP is typically a feature of the control panel. A Linux web host should be able to supply a variety of FTP clients so that users can distribute and direct their visitors to directories that are password protected. If your website is intended to be one that requires frequent downloading and file transferring procedures, the use of FTP is an absolute must.

Backup Features

The integration of Apache makes Linux a very dependable server. At the same time users must remain realistic. Having the ability to backup your content simply cannot be stressed enough. Be sure that your Linux web hosting package comes equipped with some type of automatic backup system. 

Statistics 

Here is the feature a savvy webmaster looks for - web statistics. You can learn a lot from the surfing patterns of your visitors. Having the ability to view the number of visits will help you plan for the future while working on methods to improve the site. 

Bandwidth

Though it is a fact that Linux hosting is known for spacious servers, different hosting plans will come with different amounts of bandwidth. This may be somewhat difficult to determine in the beginning, but it is still crucial to the lifeline of your website. A quality Linux web host should have documentation regarding the rate of bandwidth that can be accessed before purchasing service. 

Support for MySQL and PHP 

All Linux web hosting packages include the use of the MySQL database and PHP scripts. Since these are a few of the basic essentials, MySQL and PHP should be a free inclusion of the Linux hosting plan. Users must be aware that a few Linux vendors will charge an extra fee for the luxury of this powerful database and common web script. Become familiar with industry standards before making the full commitment to a Linux web host. 

Web Mail

Web mail gives users more advantages than the typical email account; it enables one to receive and send messages through popular mail servers such as Squirelmail and Horde. Many individuals are content with using services such as Yahoo or Hotmail to manage their accounts; most corporations and business minded users prefer to use applications such as Outlook Express which requires the aid of Web Mail and its component, SMTP. You should certainly take interest in this feature to effectively communicate with your clients. 

Spam Protection

Nothing has been more of an annoyance than spam. Any individual with an email account is a prime target for this unsolicited mail. Spam attacks are inevitable - it’s a must that you protect your email accounts with software to filter out the junk. Many Linux web hosting packages will come readily available with useful applications such as Spam Assassin. 

SSL Support

This last area is important to confidentiality of your clients. If monetary transactions are made on your site it is imperative to have the support of a SSL server. You should certainly inquire about the additional fees that may be involved to implement SSL into your Linux hosting. 

REMEMBER - To enable this type of security one must first purchase a Digital SSL certificate. SSL also requires the support of a web host operating on a Dedicated IP.