Why Linux is the Best Server Hosting Option for Small Businesses

Nowadays, serious business websites could not operate efficiently without the use of a server. May it be an affordable shared server type for small to medium sized businesses, or the costlier dedicated servers that are more apt for bigger sites, the fact still remains that servers now seem to be necessities for websites to function competently.

When talking about the hosting plans available, users generally have two options. They can either opt for a Windows or a Linux-based server to satisfy their online needs. Both types have their own advantages as well as disadvantages. However, Linux has certainly become the more popular choice for owners of small to medium sized online businesses. Here are some of the reasons why.

Cost and Convenience

Perhaps the most important factor considered by users is that Linux-based servers or hosting plans are definitely much more affordable than its Windows counterpart. This becomes quite relevant especially for small businesses that do not have that big a budget. The beauty with Linux hosting plans is that they are able to provide pretty much the same type of service at a much cheaper price.

Another significant aspect of Linux-based servers is that they have an open source code. Because of this, a lot of programmers all over the world are able to create loads of wonderful programs and applications that will run on the Linux system. Compatibility never becomes an issue. This makes it more convenient for users to install new applications on the website to further improve its functionality. In fact, this has even brought about some conclusions that Linux servers are actually able to provide its users with more features for their websites.

Dependability and Efficiency

Over the years, Linux has continued to build its reputation as one of the most reliable and dependable operating systems in the market. Aside from being a little bit faster and somewhat more user-friendly, the main advantage of a Linux operating system is that it less prone to crashing when compared to a Windows server. Users will not need to worry about their websites going down at a crucial point which will definitely cause more than just a little headache.

The UNIX Advantage

There are currently a lot of scripting languages used on the internet today. Some of the most popular include PHP, Java, Python and Perl. What these languages have in common is that they were all developed on UNIX servers. This means that there is no need for a Microsoft system in order to run these languages. However, it is actually quite the opposite when it comes to languages that were developed on Windows servers i.e. ASP.net. These types of languages will only run in conjunction with other Microsoft-developed products such as MS-SQL. In short, Linux hosting plans provide more options for its users as it is compatible with more scripting languages.

When all of these factors are put into play, it is very easy to see why a lot of small to medium sized businesses opt for Linux hosting plans. Not only are they cheaper, but they also provide more options for their users should they find the need to further develop their websites.

Interland launches new, shared-hosting platform, improved web site, advanced marketing tools–all to help businesses succeed online.: An article from: Internet Business Newsletter

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Interland launches new, shared-hosting platform, improved web site, advanced marketing tools–all to help businesses succeed online.: An article from: Internet Business Newsletter

Linux Unix options for Small Businesses

Linux/Unix is an alternate type of system that provides hosting for small businesses and companies that run Linux/Unix applications on their personal computers and laptops. The Linux/Unix-based platform is stable platform in the industry.

The Linux operating system was developed by Linus Torvalds as an alternative to other operating systems. Most of its versions are free of costs. The most popular Linux software is Red Hat and Mandrake.

Linux/Unix was only for professionals until a few years ago but the situation has changed. Many ‘small businesses have switched to the Linux/Unix platform because of its open source architecture, meaning that users can structure the system to do what they want it to do.

Web host providers are specializing in Linux/Unix servers and the demand for this type of interface has grown by 40% over the last three years.  A Unix-based platform is one of the most reliable operating system that you can ever have. It has a better up time than Microsoft Operating Systems and hosting programs in Linux/Unix are more flexible. You actually can get ore from a Linux/Unix based server than other servers on the market.

Linux/Unix supports a wide variety of application languages, more than any other operating system. The most common applications of such kind include C, C++, Shell, Perl, Tcl, Python, Java and PHP.  Databases available for Unix are mSQL and mySQL. The one you choose would depend on what you plan to do on the web and the host that you choose to park your web site.

The Linux/Unix based system comes with its won web development module in some versions of Red Hat Linux that make web site creation easy as 1-2-3. FTP modules are built into the operating system to provide you with an alternative way to load the web site to the Linux/Unix host.

Linux/Unix will become a major force in the future as more small to medium businesses turn towards its hosting platform.