For a rookie webmaster, choosing a web hosting plan may be a challenging task. What web hosting environment to choose is an especially critical decision to arrive at. FreeBSD, Microsoft, and Linux are a few web hosting environment options available in the market.
The foremost step for web developers and designers is to pick between two variants:
It should be noted that between the two, dedicated web hosting is a better choice. Apps and websites hosted on a dedicated hosting environment are more stable and secure, but require far more technical prowess to develop and maintain – which rules it out for most beginners. Moreover, due to the higher cost associated with dedicated servers, web developers and designers are often tempted to opt for shared hosting.
Shared web hosting is mainly used for managing websites and CMS applications such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, etc. It is highly preferred owing to easy management and affordability. Having stated that, security and stability are formidable concerns in shared web hosting. Hence choosing the right platform is key.
Microsoft Windows is undoubtedly the market leader in the realm of desktops and PCs, but when it comes to shared web hosting, Linux rules the market. Inspired by UNIX, Linux is the most preferred operating system for servers, supercomputers and other big-iron systems. Linux is affordable and scalable.
Unless someone’s business is centered around the Microsoft ecosystem and/or their technical skills are strongest in ASP/.NET, there’s no particular reason to miss out on the Linux web hosting environment.
Here are top five reasons to choose Linux over others:
Server Management Tools is a Big Plus
20 Open Source/Commercial Control Panels to Manage Linux Servers
Thanks to the number and quality of tools at one’s disposal, automating tasks and monitoring network traffic on Linux web hosting OS is a cakewalk. While Windows also offers several professional tools, Linux scores above its rival. This stems from its open-source ecosystem which contributes to its consistent innovation.
Created by open-source evangelist Linus Torvalds, Linux enjoys the support of the largest community of dedicated developers. These developers continually add new sets of tools, incrementally making the Linux web hosting environment secure and robust.
Supported by the Largest Community of Developers
4 Helpful Communities For New Linux Users
Supported by the largest and most active software community means timely updates and security patches. When it comes to fixing vulnerabilities in a jiffy, Linux is ahead of its competitors. The Linux platform boasts of a strong network of of groups and forums dedicated to crowdsourcing ideas and solutions which allows developers and webmasters to receive prompt support.
For instance, if you are stuck trying to install a new program, all you need to do is post your query online. In no time, solutions will pour in, thus enabling you to resolve the issue without having to pay a hefty support fee. This works well for people who are operating on narrow budgets. In addition to this, people who have a limited understanding of web hosting and servers can opt for commercial support from the distros.
Absence of licensing fee
Open Source History: Why Did Linux Succeed?
Linux servers are relatively inexpensive to run because of the huge number of free tools available. A lot of the services and tools that are required to setup, configure and manage are available for free in the Linux world, whereas their Windows counterparts mostly require a licensing fee.
Easily, Efficiently Scalable
Paper: An Analysis Of Linux Scalability To Many Cores
Microsoft has also announced the most recent version of its SQL server for Linux. This step from a competitor, symbolizes the efficiency and scalability of a Linux hosting environment. Linux OS as we know is compatible with most scripting languages – PHP, Ruby on Rails, Python, and Java and database software like MySQL. It also happens to be a flexible web-hosting solution and does not compromise on the speed and security features of a website or application hosted on the server.
Google, Facebook, Instagram, all are Linux fans
30 Big Companies and Devices Running on GNU/Linux
Linux is a hot favorite of the internet biggies. Be it Google, Facebook, Instagram, these internet giants not only have embraced this OS, but have also contributed to its growth and innovation.
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The dependence of some of the largest internet companies and Government organizations on this open source OS validates the performance and reliability of Linux web hosting.
