Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

November 10, 2010

Windows and Linux Hosting Combined - Virtualization Hosting

The debate of Windows vs Linux has been brewing long enough, but due to breakthroughs in virtualization software over the past several years, the debate is now simmering down and the two operating systems are boiling into a tea of unity. Virtualization software gives you the ability to install an operating system, within an operating system. Thus, a webmaster with Windows hosting can now install Linux on their VPS or dedicated server, giving them the ultimate compatibility and flexibility.

Linux vs Windows Web Hosting

For years people have been debating about the cost-benefit aspects of the Windows and Linux operating system. Windows is known for being compatible with Microsoft web applications, while Linux is known for costing less and being more reliable since it is an open source software. Now that virtualization software is becoming increasingly popular and more people are realizing the benefits of having access to more than one operating system, the benefits of each operating system are becoming insignificant. If you're interested in learning more about how virtualization software works then you may want to consider the following information.

What is Virtualization Software?

Virtualization software creates a virtual environment, or in laymen terms, a computer within a computer. The virtual environment is completely separate from the original operating system, which is one of the reasons why people use virtualization software to run suspicious files that may contain viruses, as the viruses will not do damage to the native operating system. If you're having trouble deciding between Windows and Linux then virtual hosting would be the perfect solution for you. One of the most popular types of virtualization software available is VMware, however there are also free alternatives like Virtual Box available.

How Do I Use Virtualization Software Within My Web Hosting Account?

In order to use a visualization software within your hosting account you will need a few things. First, it cannot be installed on a shared hosting plan, due to the restrictions placed on the software configuration of shared servers. Thus, you will need a VPS plan or a dedicated hosting plan in order to install virtualization software successfully. You will also need a copy of the operating system you wish to install within the virtual environment. For example, if you currently have a Linux hosting plan and you  wish to use Windows within your hosting account, then you would need a copy of Windows.

The installation process for a virtualization software is pretty much self-explanatory, and once the software is installed you can use the guides within the user interface to install your new operating system.  For advanced users, virtualization software offers s a platform through which cross-operating system software can be developed with ease. For the average webmaster, virtualization software provides the compatibility of both Linux and Windows, for supreme compatibility and reliability.

Tags: Windows hosting,  Linux hosting,  virtualization software,  vps,  dedicated server,  linux operating system,  Microsoft web applications