If a web hosting server is offering to host your website on a Linux/Unix base, it means that they are using a Linux/Unix operating system platform, which makes it compatible with either system that you could be using on your own computer. It is not only an updated version, it is also a version that has been made simpler, and user friendly that even if you are new to website building, you will be able to use and understand the programs. The more experienced user will have control of their site because of the "shell" structure.
Is it Reliable?
The common consensus seems to be that it is, but of course that will still depend on the human factor, i.e., the human doing the administration on the system. The system itself does not have bugs and is pretty consistent in keeping your site dependable.
What Functions Does It Support?
The Linux system does not only support a lot of functions, it can handle multiple processes at the same time. That means that you can get more things done from your website, and you can expect more from your server.
What Are the Scripting Languages for it?
This is another advantage that this operating system has, because it can support a lot of application languages when compared to other operating systems, such as C, C+, Shell, Perl, Tcl, Python, Java and PHP.
What Databases Does it Support?
As of print, there are two databases for Unix, mSQL and mySQL. So before signing up, make sure that you and your web hosting provider are on the same page because they might not be using that same database platform. Since there are only 2 choices, there are equal odds that they may not be the same.
How Much Will It Cost?
Linux is the brainchild of Linus Torvalds as an alternative operating system to the ones available in the market. He does get a lot of help from specialists from all around the globe, and the best thing about it is that they share one passion, and that is to be able to give the public choices that would not cost them their entire life's savings. In fact a lot of Linux systems are free (the most popular ones are RedHat and Mandrake) and are easily downloadable from their site. This makes servers that have Linux based operating systems are a lot less expensive, but can still offer a lot of functionality and are pretty reliable as well.
Is it a Good Alternative?
Again, the general opinion is that it is. Most times when you opt for something cheaper, or when you get something for free, it would necessarily mean that you will also have to sacrifice something in return. But the Linux system can offer everything that its competitors can, and sometimes even perform better. Add that to the fact that it is easy to use, stable and reliable and that with the Shell and Telnet access, the possibilities for upgrading is almost endless, it may not just be an alternative, but in the end, the better choice.
|
