Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

February 16, 2009

The Pros and Cons of Linux Hosting

As the most popular operating system, almost every personal computer user is familiar with Microsoft Windows.  This system is being increasingly used in the web hosting arena as well.  Although Windows is installed on the machines of many home users, this system has major competition in the hosting environment.  Its major competitor - Linux.

What is Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system based on the Unix system.  Because the software is usually free or inexpensive, it is the first choice among several web hosts as well as customers who want to save money on hosting.  Aside from cost efficiency, Linux has a reputation for its stability and ability to perform exceptionally under intensive multitasking.  With few licensing fees involved, web hosting companies are able to offer powerful packages at a fraction of the cost.  Those who are familiar with the system will tell you that Linux is one of the most powerful, flexible platforms available.

The Pros

Linux is a main fixture on the web hosting market, even more so than Windows.  The major reason behind the popularity is its open-source nature, which coincides perfectly with the hosting environment.  Linux is compatible with a wide variety of open-source technologies that range from PHP and Perl development languages to CGI scripts and MySQL databases.  Developers are constantly updating and creating new technologies for the Linux platform.  This means you generally have the ability to access the latest upgrades to ensure that you have the latest web hosting technologies fresh with updates and security patches.  With Linux being so widely accepted, finding a web host able to fully support the platform is easier than ever before.

What many users enjoy about Linux is its scalability.  The system is designed in a manner that enables streamlined functionality.  What this means is that you can easily update your site without experiencing much of a hassle at all.  This really comes in handy as your website becomes more popular and starts to grow.  Maintaining a website can be a challenging undertaking but the management tasks are greatly simplified when hosting on the Linux platform.

The Cons

Linux offers numerous advantages but there are a few drawbacks you need to be aware of as well.  Although Linux is a premiere choice for web hosting, Windows is still supported by more developers and manufacturers.  Because of this, it tends to be harder to obtain technical support for the open-source applications and programming languages that are compatible with Linux. Whereas you can easily visit a Microsoft website to get tips on ASP and MS SQL, support for open-source technologies are generally scattered about the web.  The good thing is that a reliable web hosting company will offer support for open-source products or provide direct links to where you can get help.

Linux makes a great option for web hosting but you should always consider your needs first.  If you feel that Microsoft technologies could deliver more benefits, you may want to look into Windows.  In actuality, both systems have advantages and disadvantages so it is all about finding a solution that meets your needs.

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