Linux Solutions

While the web hosting industry continues to expand we are seeing the position of Linux growing stronger by the year. Even though we all know that web hosting is vital to any business, how many of us actually know that Linux is by far and away the main operating systems used in the hosting industry?

It is this base with the web hosting industry which has allowed Linux to look at the desktop market over the last few years and try to compete with Microsoft Windows. However, while Linux is the more popular operating system in the hosting sector, Windows is still very much available. So why choose Linux over Windows?

There are many benefits which Linux seems to have over Windows based web hosting systems which include :-

Reliability

It has long been recognised that Linux gives a stronger foundation for any hosting company, with Microsoft Windows not being able to compete on this factor. That is not to say that there are no benefits to Windows, just that overall the reliability is not yet there.

Cost

As you might expect from an open source operating system, Linus is very much cheaper (often free) compared to the high commercial cost of a similar Windows based system.

Development

While there is no doubt that Microsoft is one of the more proactive of computer companies in the world, and release software and operating system updates on a regular basis, it is difficult to compete with Linux. In affect Linux has thousands of developers working on the system at any one time, and all free of charge, ensuring that new elements and changes are rolled out on a regular basis.

Summary

The Microsoft Windows web server package is probably more relevant to those who will run predominately Windows applications. However, the need for variation, reliability and lower costs has seen Linux push itself firmly to the front of the queue.