Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

October 17, 2010

Web Hosting Functionality - Linux Versus Windows

Looking for web hosting companies will bring numerous results with a variety of web hosting plans. You might have searched for hosting presivously and in doing so found both Windows and Linux web hosting plans. Most people are familiar with the Linux user system, but if you are not, Linux is the number one alternative to Windows, and it is  used by many different organizations and companies around the world. Linux was made by Linus Torvalds in 1991, and it is a lot like the Unix operating system. In fact, Linux was meant to replace Minux operating system. Users receive source codes along with their copy of the operating system, which makes it an open source operating system. Linux also comes in different “flavors” or styles which are RedHat and Ubuntu.

LAMP

One hundred percent of the Linux plans have the LAMP software bundle. LAMP means Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP/Perl/Python. Apache is and open-source, multi-platform server that is commonly used. The Majority of the Linux hosting plans use the Apache servers. MySQL is a database that provides many people with access to online databases that are utilized in bringing together the data of a website or network of websites. 

PHP/Perl/Python

PHP/Perl/Python are programming dialects used in making advanced web applications. Essentially all of the Linux web hosting solutions use PHP, while Perl and Python are not as widely used among service providers. Most web hosting companies don't even use the Perl or Python languages at all.

Linux vs. Windows

Not many people know the difference between the Linux or Windows web hosting programs. On the surface there is no real difference, however, fundamentally there are differences and this could affect your decision. If you are going to be using a Microsoft application or program such as Visual C++, Frontpage, or ASPN.Net, then the Windows web hosting would be best for you.

Security and Ability

When considering security, Linux is much safer than the Windows web hosting. Users should expect more from their web hosting provider if they are using a Linux hosting service. Linux has the capability to run for a much longer duration without needing to reboot, while Windows needs to reboot after every upgrade received. With that said, in the end there is not a tremendous difference between Windows and Linux web hosting.

Price

Probably the biggest difference between the two would be the price. Linux is commonly cheaper than Windows web hosting. If you are looking for a cheap reliable web host options, Linux is for you.

Tags: linux,  Redhat,  Ubuntu,  Linux hosting,  Windows hosting,  unix,  LAMP,  apache,  mysql,  php,  Perl