Posts Tagged ‘linux server hosting’

The Facts You Need To Take Into Account With Unix Or Linux Server Hosting

If you are thinking about hosting your web site in the Unix/Linux server hosting environment there are a few things that you should to be aware of. Unix is an operating system that was designed from the ground up to be a multi-user operating system. It can manage the needs of advanced users and servers with ease.

Initial versions of Unix were very costly, which was something that hampered it’s uptake. However, there are free Unix compatible operating systems, such as Linux that do the identical job, but without the large price tag. Linux began existence as a university project by Linus Torvalds and has developed to be a main force in web server operating systems.

When debating which server OS to go for you will generally find that servers running Linux will be cheaper that those based on the proprietary and costly Microsoft Windows. Linux usually has a smaller system footprint and less overhead than Microsoft Windows. The cost savings from all of this are typically passed on to the consumer in reduced prices.

If you decide to choose Unix / Linux server hosting then you will also benefit from the huge selection of free software, most of which is open source and can be adapted to meet your exact needs. There is also a large quantity of developers for these free and readily available software packages and tools.

So what disadvantages are there to choosing Unix or Linux? One of the disadvantages are that it is quite a complex operating system and requires more technical experience to properly administer it than Microsoft Windows. There are however loads of knowledgeable and experienced Unix experts and resources that you can fall back on.

A further disadvantage is that unless you are running your own server you are likely to find that your web host will tightly control the environment and may limit how you can access your account through Telnet or SSH.

So, your decision to opt for Unix / Linux instead of Microsoft Windows will boil down to price, availability of free and readily available software, and how confident you feel about getting your hands dirty in what may be to you a potentially unfamiliar OS environment. However, your budget and desire for a cheap host may ultimately be the deciding factor.

One thing is sure though and that is that if you are searching for a cheap host then going down the Linux path will mean that you should be able to select the cheapest prices available. You will also be in great company when choosing linux web hosting as it is the operating system of choice for many of the largest web sites on the internet. So you can be sure that if it has the power and stability to meet their needs then it must be OK for yours!