Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

September 29, 2009

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.

Tags: Windows Web Hosting,  open-source,  linux,  Kubuntu,  Fedora,  Debian,  windows,  web hosting business,  Ubuntu,  server platform,  Redhat,  OS X