Linux Hosting Overview
To publish any data on the Internet, you will need the services of a reliable web hosting provider to offer all the facilities required for your web site, blog or online store to be viewed on the internet. And Linux hosting is a specialized part of Web hosting that is available as an option to you.
Web hosting has been in existence for over two decades now and has experienced a significant evolution from simple HTML pages to full-blown complex websites where consumers directly interact with the website components and even purchase the goods and services being offered at the site at a click of a button.
Furthermore, web hosting varies depending on the type of operating system. The two best-known web hosting platforms are the Microsoft Windows Server and the Linux platform.
However, Linux has gained more popularity in the recent past owing mainly because of its reliability and top-notch security features. Equally, It is important to note that whereas the Windows operating system is slightly more vulnerable to malware and viruses, Linux, on the other hand, is more secure and will not require you to purchase extra anti-malware packages. As such Linux hosting platform is not only cost-effective but also ensures that it delivers performance, security, and reliability for your website.
What is Linux Hosting?
In simple terms, any type of web hosting that uses the Linux operating system in their server is what is known as Linux hosting. Even though Windows is widely used as an Operating System, its complexity in Hosting makes the majority of users to prefer Linux when it comes to hosting their websites. This explains why Linux powers an approximate of 80% web servers globally.
A Brief History of Linux
Linux, the first absolutely free Unix-like operating system was invented in 1991 by Linus Torvalds who was a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. The idea for a UNIX-like operating system was conceived in early 1991 when the inventor felt unsatisfied with the MS-DOS operating system that was available in his compatible personal computer.
Upon shopping around for a copy of UNIX, he discovered that the least expensive copy was about USD 5,000 which was ridiculously expensive and there and then the desire to create Linux was born. Therefore, Linus and other developers worked tirelessly over the next couples of years and managed to release the Linux kernel version 1.0 in March 1994.
A kernel, which is the core or the heart of the operating system can be seen as the transitional element between the hardware and software applications. Thus, it is a vital component of the operating system but works with other apparatuses for the smooth learning of the OS.
Pros of Linux hosting
So far we have established that Linux Server Hosting has a vast majority of users compared to <https://www.dailyrazor.com/windows-hosting//” traget=”_blank”>Windows Server. An estimated 69.3% of all websites whose operating system are known, prefer to use UNIX. It is no wonder that Google prides itself to have more than 15,000 Linux servers which serve up its content.
The following are some reasons why Linux is the best choice when it comes to web hosting.
1. Affordability
If you are looking for the most pocket-friendly web hosting platform, then look no further. With Linux, you will have accessibility to a wide range of services which includes MYSQL database, email application, and several domain facilities. You can make use of any other e-commerce tools at an affordable price.
2. Opensource
It is an open source software. The Linux operating system can be downloaded straight to your computer and customize it in any way you want so long as you share the source code with others.
Currently, thousands of researchers have made enhancements to Linux, and the good news is that you only pay for the distribution cost, the rest is absolutely free. For instance, while you will be required to pay a license fee to run Red Hat Enterprise Linux, this software releases their source code for free for anyone who wishes to download.
All these factors combined make Linux hosting the most economical, as no other web hosting platform can offer such level of service to its users.
3. Popularity
Linux is the most preferred in the industry. As mentioned earlier, Linux hosting has gained a lot of demand in the market thanks to its affordability and flexibility.
Also, this hosting platform is compatible with two important web development technologies namely, PHP and MySQL which in return support popular web applications such as WordPress, phbBB, OpenCart, Magento, WooCommerce, vBulletin, Zen Cart, Joomla, Drupal, Moodle, and many others.
Furthermore, more sophisticated management tools have been developed which has simplified its maintenance and administration. These continuous improvements have served a duo purpose of making the users happy as well as streamline the work of the technicians. As a result, the standardized knowledge and skills amongst the operators have ensured that they deliver consistent quality services to the customers.
Disadvantages of Linux Web Hosting
We have already discussed the benefits of Linux web hosting, and as no platform is flawless, we are going to find out a few cons associated with Linux hosting.
1. Migration
If you are migrating from a different server, you might face some problems during migration. It might take some time to switch everything over, and that is why it is recommended to back up your data often to avoid losing important in case a need to move arises.
2. Ease-of-Use
This point is tied to the previous one on migration. Linux is loaded with a variety of applications, and a new user may find this scary and frustrating. You made need extra time to develop your website on this platform especially if you are moving from a different hosting.
However, if you’re using a Linux hosting server with control panel, you’ll come to appreciate the ease-of-use benefits the control panel provided.
3. Incompatibility with Windows:
Linux hosting is not compatible with windows applications. This is a significant disadvantage especially to those websites that are specifically designed for windows based application. For example, if your site is built on ASP.NET and using Microsoft SQL Server database, you may not be able to host it on a Linux hosting server. This is a significant disadvantage that can deter users from utilizing this system.
Features of Linux Server Hosting
So far it is evident that Linux servers are a favorite in the web hosting industry because of their outstanding characteristics such as security, reliability, and affordability. Some of the other essential features of Linux Server Hosting are as follow:
1. High Level of Protection
Security is a major concern for everyone. This issue has been dealt with thoroughly as Linux Servers have a very efficient firewall and strict policies that prevent unauthorized access and terminate the processing of corrupted files.
2. Stability
These servers rarely crash, and once they are correctly configured, they can run for years without the need to reboot or update. Besides, they are very durable and can operate for a long time without any interruptions.
3. Ease of Administration
It is easy to supervise and manage these servers as you can do it remotely by the use of a smartphone or Internet. This saves on cost because no additional commercial software is needed for this purpose.
4. High Availability
This refers to the amount of time which a web server up and running functioning well and delivering content for all web requests. The higher the uptime, the more preferred a web server is. And Linux servers have been able to achieve this because of their high rate of reliability in the market.
5. Ease of Customization
Linux servers give their users the freedom to modify the code of the servers as long as they observe the condition mentioned earlier.
Advantages of Linux Shared Hosting
Shared hosting means that several websites share resources on the server such as the disk space, bandwidth, databases, and memory. This type of hosting is cost-effective since there is a sharing of resources.
Some of the advantages of Linux Shared Hosting includes:
1. Cost Effective
This is a big boost to personal or small business websites.
2. Offloading of Server Administration Tasks
Linux shared hosting customers have time to care for their websites as the hosting company takes up the role of maintenance and administration of the server.
3. Availability of Email Services
The website owner is offered email services for their website domain so that they can create email accounts on their hosted domain.
Disadvantages of Linux Shared Hosting
1. Vulnerability to Attacks
Linux shared web hosting is vulnerable to attacks because several users are sharing the same platform. As such an attack on one user’s website can affect the entire server. However, this issue is handled and moderated by the web hosting provider.
2. Lack of Root Access
Website owners do not have root access on a Linux shared hosting server. This is disadvantageous if the website owner needs to have custom software or plugin installed. Such requests must go through the web hosting provider for approval.
Web Hosting Control Panel Options for Linux Hosting Server
cPanel is the most common control panel that offers the most functionality, and it is user-friendly. It stands out from the rest mainly because of its accessibility. The current version has a diversity of web statistics programs and also allows for multiple file uploads.
Other helpful control panels available for Linux Hosting Server are Ensim and Plesk.
Choosing The Best Linux Hosting Provider
Here are some things to consider when searching for the best Linux hosting provider:
1. Hosting Server Uptime and Reliability
Your hosting service provider should guarantee an uptime of at least 99.5%. Anything lower than this will jeopardize the availability of your website.
2. Web Hosting Control Panel
A reliable hosting provider should allow you to manage your website and email accounts autonomously. This is accomplished by providing you with a powerful and functional web hosting control panel such as cPanel.
3. Stability
Linux servers are perfect in ensuring stability as we have already discovered.
4. Payment Policy and Money Back Guarantee
Payment policy differs depending on the hosting provider. Opt for a provider who can offer value for your money and guarantee money back in case you are dissatisfied
5. 24/7 Customer Support
A reputable web hosting company should be able to offer its customers technical support when the need arises. This can be through phone, email or online live chat.
Conclusion
Linux has gained a lot of fame among web hosting users. Linux hosting is pocket-friendly and provides reliability and security that cannot be found in other web hosting platform. Linux hosting will ensure smooth sailing of your website and the results are desirable.
We hope this brief introduction to the Linux platform and Linux hosting gives you a better idea of what Linux is and how to go about getting your web site hosted on a Linux server hosting environment.
If you’re looking for assistance with hosting your website, blog or online store, please don’t hesitate to email our Linux web hosting support team at support@dailyrazor.com or by clicking on the chat button at the bottom right hand corner of your screen to chat live with a representative.
Good luck!!!
