Linux is an operating system and is probably the most versatile of all the operating systems (OS) present in the market. Some of its features have helped it gain popularity across hosting channels. Ubuntu (a branch of Linux) holds approximately 34% of the market share in terms of Linux based server operating systems.
Linux OS serves multiple roles due to its ability to perform many applications. It becomes a reality when it is deployed in web hosting control panels.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the most basic and essential questions related to Linux hosting.
What is Linux VPS Hosting?
We have previously discussed VPS hosting. If you have not read about that, read it here. In layman’s terms a Linux VPS hosting is a VPS hosting where Linux based servers are used. Statistically, it is one of the most sought after products in the hosting market. A VPS is a hosting server which provides an isolated server space within a server, and dedicated resources for your individual server, to cater to the needs of only your website.
VPS hosting is basically a miniature dedicated server, with dedicated resources for only your hosting solution. There are a few clients on the same physical system, but their websites and accounts will not interfere with the performance of your website. Even more, your website and account is kept safe, even if their account is breached.
A VPS hosting allows you to scale your website and accordingly scale your resources. It allows you to upgrade or downgrade your resources which include the RAM, CPU or disk space. It also allows you to change the hard disk from mechanical to SSD or vice versa, if the cost is becoming an issue. It helps in accommodating all the increased website traffic with ease and delivers them a great user experience.
What does Linux based VPS hosting provide?
Simply put, a Linux based VPS hosting outlines the operating system on the virtual private server, on which your website is hosted. Some applications and softwares are designed and developed for a specific operating system.
Most VPS providers lean towards Linux based servers because of the flexibility and affordability it offers. Linux based servers easily support WordPress, Magneto and many other web-development applications .
Linux Hosting with cPanel
Linux takes care of the responsibility of communication between applications and the resources allocated to the server. Web hosting requires more than that, and this is where the control panel comes into play. Web developers will tell you that cPanel has gained a lot of popularity as one of the best control panel applications due to its functionality and partly because it runs on Linux. Linux is used to handle resource allocation and cPanel provides an easy to use interface for the customers to manage their web hosting accounts.
cPanel can be used to perform various tasks with ease, such as configuring emails, database management, file management, backing up the data, and more.
Linux Hosting with SPanel
Similar to cPanel, SPanel also helps the users in web hosting account management. Using SPanel, the users can navigate and manage their web hosting account including, website management, webmail, and more. It also supports more servers, including LiteSpeed, Nginx and Apache.
Popular Linux Versions for Hosting
Linux being modular in concept, it provides the ability to be fine-tuned according to the users for specific purposes. This ability to fine-tune has led to the rise of Linux based servers and applications.
But Linux has different versions, which bring in their own special characteristics. Each version has its own user community and fan base. Several of these versions have gained attention and popularity for usage in web servers over the past few years. These versions are Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS and OpenSUSE.
Ubuntu
The most commonly used and well-known physical server versions of Linux, Ubuntu also performs well in virtual servers. Highly popular among Linux enthusiasts makes it easy to get support and more helping hands when it runs into some error.
Pros
- Easy to update
- Many packages available
- Impeccable community support
- Large user base
Cons
- Windows product not compatible
- Not very easy to use
Debian
Debian is taken by some users only as an alternative to CentOS. It combines both, the stability of CentOS, which is the reason it is famous for, and easy installation and configuration. It is therefore much more preferred than CentOs for a VPS environment.
Pros
- Can be maintained remotely
- Easy to configure
- Easy to integrate
- Predefined packages
Cons
- No regular updates
- Poor support
CentOS
CentOS is the version of Linux, which is popular for its exceptional stability. It is highly compatible with installation packages. CentOS is one of the most popular choices for a Linux based web server.
Pros
- Highly compatible with installation packages
- Extremely stable
- Low maintenance requirements
Cons
- New applications are slowly adapted because of slow and irregular updates
OpenSUSE
OpenSUSE is designed in such a manner as to be useful for any server administrators. Technically, it will perform better than other Linux versions, but it lacks the community support, like other versions and it explains the reason for it not being so popular.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Easy package deployment
Cons
- Very less community support
Linux VPS vs Windows VPS – Which one should you choose?
Making the choice between a Linux VPS or a Windows VPS is actually quite easy. First make a list of all the project requirements. Check the features of different operating systems (OS) according to your requirements. Make a list of all the possible options and make sure to put pricing as a deciding factor. Because Windows products are proprietary, its usage is limited to Windows-based servers.
Still not sure, get in touch with us and we will guide you through the process of purchasing a VPS according to your needs.
Leave feedback about this