Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

March 14, 2011

Four Distributions of Linux That Are Commonly Used for Web Hosting

The Linux operating system has been trailing Windows in terms of popularity amongst personal computer users for years, however it has long surpassed Windows in terms of popularity amongst web hosting providers and webmasters. Linux is compatible with a variety of commonly used programming platforms such as PHP, XML, Perl, and MySQL. Linux is also an open-source operating system, which means it is free and can be easily amended, expanded, and repaired by any developer with the interest and knowledge needed to do so. Thus, Linux web hosting plans are usually more affordable than Windows hosting plans, and are considerably more flexible. Linux is distributed in a variety of distributions, also referred to as 'flavors'. The following are four distributions of Linux that are commonly used for web hosting.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is by far the most popular distribution of Linux, and it is the base system that almost all other distributions of Linux are based on. Ubuntu contains all of the tools and resources needed for efficient web hosting and server management, such as an office suite, Instant Messenger, and integrated web browser. Ubuntu also has additional features that enhance application accessibility and facilitate programming language translations. Ubuntu can be downloaded for free from the Linux official website and installed with in a couple of minutes using a simple installation Wizard.

CentOS

CentOS, also commonly referred to as community enterprise, is one of the most robust and stable versions of Linux, which is why it is commonly used by corporations and large businesses. In fact, many professional developers say that the CentOS Linux operating system is the basis that led to the development of popular hosting control panels such as cPanel. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of CentOS is a large community of developers that are continually devoted to improving the operating system and enhancing the overall functionality.

Kubuntu

Kubuntu strongly resembles Ubuntu in terms of functionality, overall features, and user interfaces. Although Ubuntu is more widely used by application developers, software specialists, programmers, and language translators, Kubuntu is a basic version of Ubuntu that is perfect for a small business owner. Although there are not as many advanced features within the Kubuntu operating system, with a few modifications it is capable of performing all of the web hosting tasks performed within Ubuntu.

Debian

Debian is one of the latest versions of Linux, with striking similarities to other versions of Linux including Kubuntu and Kubuntu. In fact, Debian shares a lot of the same functional and architectural components, with reminiscent application menus and user interfaces. Debian is backwards compatible with nearly all UNIX-based Linux distributions, which will ensure that this distribution of Linux will be popular for years to come. The Debian operating system also allows weaker web servers (even last generation Pentium systems) to perform optimally with less server resources, which is why it is relatively easy to find inexpensive web hosting plans that utilize the Debian version of Linux.

Tags: linux,  web hosting,  windows,  operating system,  Control Panels,  features,  free web hosting,  mysql,  php,  open-source,  software,  system,  Enterprise Hosting,  unix,  server,  free,  business,  Perl,  PHP web hosting,  hosting server,  Linux hosting,  Windows hosting,  Windows Web Hosting,  website,  programming language,  windows server,  linux server,  server management,  affordable web hosting,  small business,  servers,  web development,  Debian,  hosting plans,  affordable hosting,  free hosting,  web hosting business,  linux operating system,  web server,  web hosting providers,  Ubuntu,  webmasters,  Linux Web Hosting,  Windows operating system,  installation,  website management,  Windows servers,  CentOS,  web hosting terms,  IT hosting,  IT,  server resources,  professional web hosting,  web programming,  IT professional,  web application,  Kubuntu,  web application management,  web servers,  software development,  web developer,  IT resources,  Linux distribution,  open source language,  XML,  open source software,  web hosting plans,  website popularity,  web server resources,  Linux server hosting,  Linux web server,  Windows web servers,  website resources,  programming,  small business owner,  popular web hosting,  cPanel,  professional website,  open source operating system,  hosting business,  Linux for business,  distribution of Linux,  Linux flavors,  open source