Linux web hosting

Linux web hosting is probably the most popular type of web hosting. Linux web hosting refers to a Linux based hosting services. Linux web hosting are preferred by a number of people especially those individuals and small to medium-sized companies under budget constraints because it is generally cheaper than a Windows based hosting service. This is so because Linux adheres to the open source software policy. Which means you can download and use Linux software for free. Windows based servers on the other hand need to be purchased by the hosting company. And any extra features you need from your Windows host require you to pay additional.

The features of Linux web hosting includes: cheaper than Windows, expected to offer PHP and MySQL functions and may offer telnet accounts at little or no additional cost. The reason for Linux web hosting’s affordability is the fact that Linux operating system and all Linux based languages and databases are free to install. Due to this, companies using Linux web hosting can afford to sell their services at a lower price. In Linux web hosting, Perl should be supported with a sendmail support for formmail scripts. SSI works well with .htaccess. Linux is not only the most popular choice for web designers it also has more secure features than Windows. Linux web hosting allows users more configuration options and advanced customizations.

Other advantages for using Linux based web server are Linux/UNIX operating systems are very stable. A website housed in Linux web hosting will have very high uptime. Linux web hosting are also easy to use. You are allowed to use almost all types of file extensions (Scripts) in Linux web hosting. The following extensions can be used: .cgi, .html, .htm, .pl, .php, .shtml, .asp, .xml and others.

Linux web hosting is easy to move between hosts. Linux web server can be hosted by a Windows web server easily. But the reverse is not true. Linux web hosting can easily come up with the scalability requirement without the need to make any site wide changes in design. This feature is apparent when your web site pages start to grow in numbers. A web site compatible with Linux/Unix based web server does not encounter problems with regards to increase in file size. The biggest drawback of Linux web hosting though is the fact that it is not fully compatible with Microsoft technologies.

The other popular web hosting is Windows based server. As opposed to Linux web hosting, Windows is generally more expensive. Windows web hosting should support ASP and is able to support Cold Fusion, Access, SQL Server for an additional cost. Windows are more expensive because windows based servers are fairly expensive to purchase.

You have an option to choose between Linux web hosting and Windows web hosting. For those new to web site design and have little knowledge on hosting options and features, a Linux web hosting service would suit you best. And what’s more, it comes at a lower price. But if you are using Microsoft Access databases for the web or any specialized application or VB for development of your web site then Windows based hosting service is necessary for you.