Simply put, it is web hosting that is offered on a Linux-based server. Linux is based on Unix and is open source, as opposed to Windows hosting, which is proprietary. It is popular because it is inexpensive to install, get running and maintain. Linux is just as well supported as Windows.

What Linux Hosting Does

A Linux host is flexible, which makes it attractive to both casual users and developers. The flexibility lies in how a Linux server can be configured in different ways for a certain customer base. Windows hosting is less flexible in this respect because it is limited to "all-in-one" packages. While an all-in-one approach has the benefit of offering everying in the Windows platform, Linux's ability to offer exactly what the customer needs results in better server performance.

Linux web hosting can support many popular features, such as PHP, POP3 mail and mySQL databases. While there may be support on some Linux hosts for .NET environment, ASP or Frontpage, it tends to be limited and quite expensive. Windows hosting is a better choice for those technologies.

Another advantage to a Linux host is if a customer decides to move their site to a Windows server, it's easy to convert. Moving from Windows hosting to Linux hosting can be a difficult and frustrating process.

Picking a Secure Linux Host

The security of the Linux environment is due to its high-end user base, namely web developers and IT experts. While both Linux and Windows hosting have their respective security vulnerabilities, Linux has a good record of quickly patching and updating issues.

Linux Hosting Limitations

While Linux web hosting is superb for most sites, it does have its limitations. Customers that have a need for comunication between visitors and their web site should go with Windows hosting, as it has better support for chat and messaging systems. Linux hosting also has a higher learning curve than Windows. Customers just starting out with hosting may find Windows hosting to be more user friendly.

Choosing a web host is crucial for the best site performance. When it comes to Linux or Windows hosting, both can serve most customer's needs, however Linux web hosting offers the most security, flexibility, speed and stability for the money.


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