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Vanessa

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Benefits of Linux Hosting

Vanessa

December 21, 2010


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The debate over the best server operating system has long been raging all over the Internet. Those who prefer Linux point to Window’s relative instability. Windows supporters can use some current computer trends and languages that are not compatible with Linux.

Linux Hosting Benefits

Stability: The biggest benefit of using a Linux hosting server is stability. Linux can handle more simultaneous requests than Windows can. This translates into a more reliable system with the highest up time percentages. Windows isn’t a bad operating system, but it just can’t beat Linux when it comes to hosting reliability. Windows supporters will point out that with a good system administrator who knows what he or she is doing, the difference is negligible.

Affordability: Cheap web hosting plans can be found with both types. However, much better deals can be found on Linux hosting especially for dedicated servers. Cheap Linux hosting names like HostGator are well-known among Internet marketers and usually provide everything they require.

Open Source: The open-source nature of Linux is what allows it to be so inexpensive. There is no corporate structure to support, and licensing fees are cheaper. This savings is passed on to the ultimate users -- the webmasters.

Databases: The most popular databases, MySQL, mSQL and postgreSQL, all run more smoothly under Linux.

Scripting Languages: Scripts programmed in PHP, Perl, or MySQL run better on Linux than Windows. Linux should be the preferred choice of webmasters utilizing these languages.

Versatility: A Linux website can be changed more easily than a Windows website. It is also easily converted into a Windows website if necessary. Allowing for far more customization means web designers can find unique and creative ways to display and make their sites useful.

Ease of Use: Web host owners will find their Linux servers are easy to administer and to maintain. A Linux-based hosting operation will cost less day to day than a Windows-based service. Despite its open-source status, there is consistent 24-hour service for any problems web hosts find.

Security: A Linux hosting server is said to be more secure than a Windows server. It protects data from a wide variety of threats and security is tightened with each new release.

Windows Hosting

Windows hosts support the popular ASP programming language which makes it a must for those preferring ASP.

Another advantage Windows hosting has over Linux is in the arena of interactive features like chat or searchable databases. Here it performs better than Linux. It, understandably, also beats Linux when it comes to any Windows technologies. For example, if you are programming in Windows Visual Basic or using MSSQL, the Windows hosting platform may be required for you. Access databases will not run on a Linux server at all.

Remember the infamous “blue screen of death” that randomly popped up in our personal Windows operating systems in the late ‘90’s? They indicated a system crash that required reboot at the expense of any work that hadn’t been saved. These have thankfully been eliminated in modern versions of the personal computing operating systems, but they still exist in the server versions. This alone is why many webmasters having a choice choose Linux.

Overall this debate has been won by Linux. Cheap Linux hosting with greater reliability, features, compatibility and space are the reasons. However the technologies you use could easily be forcing the choice to either Windows or Linux, so be sure if you already have the website built, that it will work on the host server you choose before laying out the cash.