Linux Hosting Advantages
Web Hosting Article Details

The origins of the Linux operating system lie in the ‘open source’ world where users contribute to the development and growth of software. Over the years, not only has Linux hosting grown in popularity, it has pretty much emerged as the de-facto web hosting standard.
Linux web hosting is equally suitable whether you have a large community website or a small business site. Your business needs and the scripting language that your website will be built with, play a role in selecting the platform that your website will be hosted on. However, Linux is suitable for most web hosting requirements and has many advantages. This article lists and explains some of the advantages of using a Linux hosting platform.

Linux Hosting Advantage 1: Opensource means free
Open source means that users contribute towards the development and refinement of the software source code. It also means that the source code of the operating system is not licensed to a company and that means there is no fee associated with using the software. You can download and start using the operating system free of cost, not just for getting started but also for developing any application that runs on the platform.

Linux Hosting Advantage 2: Opensource means growth

Another advantage of open source software is that users contribute to its development. If you face any problems or wish for a feature, chances are that other users would have faced it too and more than likely, someone would have developed a solution or update that addresses the need. This ensures that the platform grows and stays up to date with the rapidly changing needs and web hosting requirements.

Linux Hosting Advantage 3: Opensource means flexibility

Since it is an open source platform, the Linux hosting operating system can support all sorts of systems. Most proprietary and commercial solutions work best with their own systems and a limited set of solutions that they are compatible with. With an open source solution where developers around the world are working towards building compatibility with emerging solutions, Linux hosting platform provides the flexibility that most commercial platforms cannot match.

Linux Hosting Advantage 4: Compatibility

Linux is compatible with most common development platforms like PHP, MySQL and Perl. Unless the coding required for your website is very extensive, development of applications for a Linux hosting platform can prove to be quite inexpensive as compared to other hosting options.

Linux Hosting Advantage 5: Variety

The Linux hosting platform allows you to run as many different forms of databases as you prefer. It is seamlessly compatible with the most popular databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL. It also supports other databases and this means it allows you the variety needed to develop your web functionality without constraint.

Linux Hosting Advantage 6: Security

This is a feature that Linux is most famous for. It provides unparalleled security. It is by far the most robust web hosting platform and that allows users to do just about anything on the server without worrying about stability.

Linux Hosting Advantage 7: Speed and stability

The Linux hosting platform is also known for its efficiency. Most developers will agree that Linux loads and runs much faster than other web hosting platforms. Along with this efficiency, the Linux hosting platform also has the reputation for stability.

Linux Hosting Advantage 8: Simplicity

Many compare Linux to the user-friendly interface of Windows and assume that Linux is a complicated platform. On the contrary, it is quite simple and uncomplicated as a platform and this lends it well for customization.

With the overall standards of web hosting platforms having evolved, most believe that your hosting platform is a matter of personal choice. This is not true. Your website’s needs and projected growth plan needs to determine your hosting platform. You cannot go wrong by choosing Linux for most applications. Click here to find out more about the Linux hosting options and plans offered by Ballistic Domains.