Linux Web Host: The Excellent Choice
A Penguin stuffed with herring is how Linus Torvalds of the University of Helsinki, Finland wants people to associate with Linux, the open source operating system that he created in the early 90s. The Penguin embodies his vision for the software: that it be filled with ideas and products from others in the industry that it will grow and be “fat” with features and applications. And just like the herring that fills the Penguin, the talent that makes Linux “fat” should grow naturally from techies worldwide. With such an abundance of resources in a single platform, keeping Linux free (or at a very minimal cost) keeps the world a happy place.
For the last 10 years, Linux OS and Linux-based software gained popularity and praise because of its reliability, flexibility and value. From a simple word processor to as dynamic as e-commerce, Linux has risen to the challenge of an IT-based world. So, when considering a web hosting service, there are definite advantages in using a Linux-based web host, than a Microsoft Windows-based provider. Read on to find out what they are.
Linux Advantage
Uptime
Several Linux users have shared that the operating system is more reliable, some go years without any downtime. Most Linux web-hosting providers guarantee 99.9% uptime vs. Windows web hosts who guarantee 99.5% and not all hosts guarantee this. It is also an accepted fact that with Windows, you will have to reboot at least once a day, and that CTRL-ALT-DEL is a very convenient button combination.
Expandability
As in any start-up, most websites are created with one page, in the beginning. Then as the business or content grows, more pages are added as well as more functionalities are programmed. With Windows-based websites, a downtime is always necessary when expanding or upgrading website contents. However, with Linux-based websites, expansion can be done on the fly, without the need for major downtime.
Value
Linux definitely has better value than Windows, web hosting or otherwise. It, being an open source platform, encourages the development of free web design and management software. Though there are Linux developers that charge for their work, it is nowhere near the neighborhood of what Windows and Windows-based developers charge for their software. It is also inspiring to know that using Linux supports budding programmers to enhance and develop their skill. However, for Windows software, it is common knowledge on what Gates the profit ends up on.
Flexibility
Along with expansion, the ability to move from one web host to another is also an advantage in Linux-based web hosting. It has been observed that it is easier to switch hosts on Linux-based platform than on Windows-based. This flexibility can be advantageous to a dynamic business.
Level Playing Field
This article will not be as effective if only one side of the coin presented. However, with all the advantages mentioned above, it is really hard to say if Linux has any shortcoming. Other than the learning curve that one needs to undergo prior to fully understanding and appreciating the system, there isn’t any glaring flaw. There are points of comparison, for example, that in the following, neither Linux nor Windows has an edge over the other.
Functionality
The two platforms are incomparable in this aspect as functionality can be achieved in either of the platforms, using their respective technologies. In creating website databases for example, Linux uses the combination of PHP and MySQL while Windows uses ASP and MS SQL. Each technology can serve both tasks.
File Types
As long as plug-ins are installed, both systems (Linux and Windows) work with all file types.
Security
Neither Linux nor Windows is safer from the dangers of the Internet.
The Final Choice
As you can see, Linux can be declared as exuding over-all excellence in reliability, flexibility and value. After all, a Penguin stuffed with features is a welcomer site than seeing your business fly out the Window. The final choice is yours.
|
