Advantages of Using Linux Webhosting
Nowadays, in order to host the client or customer websites, the webhosting companies use two major operating systems for their web servers - Linux and Microsoft Windows. These are the two most popular operating systems available; and each operating system has got its own merits. Though both operating systems have specific benefits, majority of the website owners prefers Linux to Windows for their site, as Linux offers a few more extra benefits than Windows. Let's know in detail about the advantages of using Linux webhosting over Windows webhosting.
Inexpensive
The first and foremost benefit that makes most of the webhosting companies to prefer Linux webhosting is – being an open source platform – Linux is free and does not require any licensing costs, until and unless you want to use the paid version of Linux. This in turn makes the webhosting affordable for the customers or the clients. Additionally, you can also freely download other applications such as - Apache webserver, DNS server, etc. These are some of the tools involved in webhosting; and they work on the platform of Linux server. Also, these tools are free of cost, and easy to download and use with a Linux server.
Open source
As mentioned before, Linux is an open source platform and free to use. However, it doesn't mean that Linux servers compromise on some issues pertaining to the service. Additionally, Linux servers have got their own importance in terms of reliability, stability, compatibility and many other similar issues.
Simple backups
It is very crucial for every website to have the backups. Linux offers an easy backup facility with some inbuilt tools like rsync. Using this inbuilt tool, backups can be created very easily. Additionally, there are tools like sftp or scp, which can be used for creating remote backups.
Reliable
Linux Operating System (OS) is known for the reliability. Thus, it is the most preferred OS for webhosting. If any problem arises in the system, the same can be fixed easily as it is an open source OS. Also, this feature helps the engineers to work on it to modify and change the source code, according to their own needs. Of course, problems are common to any operating system. But, what matters is the reliability in quickly resolving the problems. Linux is the most reliable OS.
Flexible
Flexibility is another characteristic of open source Linux. Linux offers plenty of open source applications; so, modifications and updating the source code can be done easily, for it is flexible to any valid changes made by the programmers or webhosting service providers. You can also use the embedded systems along with the desktop and server applications.
Capable and compatible with other programs
One of the biggest advantage of the Linux is - it is compatible with almost all types of programs and databases such as MySQL, PHP etc. The only exception is - Linux is not compatible with the programs that are developed by Microsoft. Many free scripts and software are available for the webmasters for installing on the Linux server. However, in case of Windows webhosting, the webmasters have to use only those software and scripts that are designed by the Microsoft or by its affiliates.
Better performance
Performance is one of the most important aspects of webhosting. Linux performs better as compared to the Windows OS. The Linux OS is stable and doesn't slowdown over a period of time. It doesn't experience any memory leaks. Also, the uptime on Linux servers is far better or higher than the other servers.
Extreme security
The user experience with Linux OS reveals that it offers extreme security. However, in reality security breaches are common to all operating systems, when connected to the internet; and it is the duty of the service provider to fix those problems as soon as they occur. The Security model used on Linux servers makes it an easily manageable and secure system.
Stability and scalability
Linux can handle more server loads as compared to the Windows. Linux servers are stable, and experience high uptime and availability. Websites are not always static and change over time i.e., websites grow over a period of time from a few pages to more pages. In such situations, Linux is the best option as changes can be easily accommodated without modifying the website's design.
Simple to use
When it comes to usage, both Windows and Linux are simple even though the Windows has a user-friendly interface. The procedure for setting up a Linux server and uploading files is almost same as that of Windows.
Easy to handle
Linux hosting can be easily administrated; and the services offered by it are easy to work upon. Linux has a simple procedure for administration. Thus, it avoids the use of some other software tools for administration purpose alone.