Best Linux Web Hosting – The Power of Dynamic iPage Hosting Experience

November 5, 2010 by Garen
Filed under: Choosing The Best Web Host

( The Best Web Hosting Service )- Linux web hosting is the prevalent and most popular hosting platform currently being utilized in the hosting market. There was a certain time, however, when Linux was exclusively used by particular groups, mainly on the academic level. This was the time before Linux was incorporated into the business environment mainstream and utilized in much the same way as UNIX. During that time Linux was perceived as too complex and intricate that only experienced administrators were able to thrive on the platform.

Linux OS continues to develop and has now become the most widely accepted web hosting platform in the industry, largely because of its availability and functionality. Its high adaptability and sturdiness makes it the most preferred alternative to such proprietary operating systems as Microsoft and UNIX. A huge number of software developers and programmers have utilized Linux’s source code and customized it to meet the users’ individual needs. Giants of the computing world like Hewlett-Packard and IBM have accepted and continuously support Linux’s dozens of current projects aimed at docking Linux to a range of hardware configurations and a wide variety of purposes that include software development, end-user platform and networking.

These days, most hosting providers and web developers have the necessary tools to make Linux OS as simple and as user-friendly as the Windows operating system. In fact, if you have adequate technical knowledge of the system, you can take full advantage of the benefits of Linux by controlling your site through its command line interface.

Moreover, its development as home and office desktop operating system is also gaining ground, even though it was basically adopted as a server platform. Linux is also being used in devices and appliances by direct integration into microchips through the process of “embedding”.

Although Linux is frequently perceived as an open source operating system and the source code remains available to everyone, it doesn’t mean that Linux is totally free. Some software developers and companies charge fees for the system; still, Linux is often considered as an exceptional, low-priced option to other costly platforms.

Making the Choice – Is Linux the Right OS for Your Website?

Before you decide on which platform to opt for, the crucial, million-dollar question is: What kind of website are you planning to build and what is its purpose? Then there’s also the very vital question: What applications are you planning to use on your website? Here are some points to consider:

• If you are a newbie Webmaster that has yet to learn the ropes and your objective does not include generating profit or revenue, your website most likely consists of static HTML pages created from boxed software; in which case, Linux OS may be the best overall solution for you. Linux hosting is less expensive and you don’t even need to probe into the more advanced functions. Your server OS is not much of a big deal as long as you have an excellent web host.

• If you have a typical “brochure-ware” website, Linux server is a smarter choice. A brochure-ware site is the kind of site that offers information, which in the past was usually presented in the form of newsletters, data sheets or brochures.

• If you decide to have multifaceted features on your site, such as routine Ecommerce functions, online purchasing, members-only area, live chat/help and other similar interactive features, then the server OS may become an issue. These features require programs that can process your site visitors’ input and yield back coherent and useful information; thus, you have to consider the tools and scripting languages you plan to use. If you prefer Perl, MySQL or PHP, Linux is the best move to step forward.

The Advantages – Why Linux is the Most Preferred Server OS

• System Stability, Reliability and Security. As a UNIX-based solution, Linux OS has earned the reputation for providing the most stable and reliable hosting environment for your website. The main reason for this is because it doesn’t place high demands on server resources. Compared to other operating systems, Linux is known is best known for its capability to employ the full processing power of the hardware on which it is installed; thus, sustain supreme performance levels for amazingly long periods without having to constantly reboot for technical issues or even for maintenance. It seldom slows down or freezes and has consistent and continuous high uptime (at the rate of 99.9%) for hundreds of days. Because Linux is open source software, patches and repairs can readily be accessed, which makes it easier for any developer with sufficient expertise and know-how to amend or fix any bugs or glitches that your site might encounter. As for security, Linux hosting has always been considered to be one of the most secure operating systems and deemed safer than other web hosting platforms.

• Cost Efficiency. Not all Linux distributions and versions are free (although there are indeed distributions that are free, such as Debian, CentOS and OpenSUSE), but this hosting platform is remarkably a lot less expensive than solutions designed on other operating systems. Support cost for Linux hosting is essentially low, simply because support system for Linux OS is generally manageable even by the in-house support staff of the hosting provider. This makes Linux the most affordable and reasonably priced hosting solution on the market.

• Dynamic Functionality, Flexibility and Scalability. Most websites start with only a few pages of HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) but are expected to expand over a period of time, in accordance with customer requirements. Linux-based web servers make scalability a lot simpler without entailing a huge amount of design alterations. The high functionality of open-source Linux hosting allows you to access extensive range of applications and scripts and offers greater support for programming languages than any other platform. The combination of powerful components gives Linux-based hosting great flexibility, and creates data-driven and dynamic interactive websites that significantly exceed the limited functionality of traditional static HTML web pages.

Linux web hosting may be highly praised and recommended as one of the most reliable and stable operating systems; you must not forget, however, that other factors matters a lot in maintaining the system uptime. The output you get largely depends on premium hardware and underlying infrastructure; likewise, proper configurations and the hosting provider itself. Erroneous configurations of the programs could render Linux as vulnerable as any other system.

Some Inadequacies and Limitations

Linux hosts often rely on what is known in the hosting industry as the LAMP structure: Linux OS, Apache server software, MySQL database and PHP scripting. This potent combination offers exceptional power with a superior lineup of outstanding features, a wealth of amazing free utilities, and vast collection of web development tools that make for a spectacular web hosting experience. You would think that Linux comes pretty close to being able to do everything, but the fact is no operating system could ever be that versatile. There are special requirements that Linux is unable to meet – it can neither reproduce some proprietary multimedia formats nor run some advanced financial applications. Some specific niche applications are not suitable for Linux platform as well. The good news is these areas are quickly getting covered as Linux continuously expands its popularity.

There are a huge number of Linux-based hosting plans on the market that offer all sorts of packages, from the cheapest – even free – basic service to the more advanced hosting with secure Ecommerce capabilities, multiple databases and various support for a broad scope of applications. So how do you choose the best Linux web hosting? The ideal provider should be able to cater to all your hosting requirements, which should also include more than enough bandwidth and disk space, easy-to-use web-based control panel, ample e-mail accounts, Web Mail, FTP access, and support applications for discussion forums, blogs, photo galleries, live chat and many more.

iPage – The Most Recommended Best Linux Web Hosting

With thousands of web hosting companies that offer Linux web hosting; only a small fraction can truly provide the best value with quick and steadfast support. In the competitive world of web hosting, identifying the Best Linux Web Hosting provider can be quite tricky. So why iPage? What makes their Linux hosting plan stand out from the rest?

The iPage team has been hosting personal, social, non-revenue and business websites for over 10 years, which makes the company quite an authority in web hosting and the distinct needs of every hosting customer. iPage offers feature-rich web hosting with a great deal of flexibility and without overcomplicating matters. With only $2.99 per month plus add-ons of $150 worth of free marketing credit and free software valued at more than $400, iPage is authentically the most affordable hosting plan on the market today.

Needless to say, the iPage control panel gives you access to incredibly flexible and intuitive tools to create and enhance your website. The iPage customer support system is focused on the three most vital aspects that you are so concerned about: your website, your online security and your e-mail.

With iPage you get a lot of options when creating your website that gives you the freedom you require to build your online presence that displays your business personality and brand. The iPage NOC (Network Operations Center) is designed to quickly detect any breach in security and the whole network is fully and tightly locked down for any security holes as soon as they become apparent. iPage understands that e-mail is the lifeblood of any business communication, so the company goes the extra mile to ensure that mails are sent and received at the quickest possible time and the spam filters in place are truly effective.

Worried about uptime and reliability? No need to fret about that. The company’s two data centers located in Boston, MA are fully equipped with technologically advanced and secure networks. iPage’s pool of redundant servers provide faster load times and fewer interruptions. iPage uses the most up-to-date and powerful Dell servers, which when combined with around the clock, 24/7 monitoring and daily backups absolutely guarantee a 99.9% uptime.

When you try to contact iPage technical support for any issues or concerns, you are 100% sure that one of their agents will be in touch in less than two minutes. Everyone in the support team is certified knowledgeable and has even passed all sorts of expertise test to ensure that they can give you the quality service you deserve.

Not all Linus web hosting companies are created equal and iPage is definitely a breed apart. Ipage does everything first class and the iPage Linux hosting plan is no different; the iPage Linux servers and all its features are totally top-of-the-line.

These are but a few of the great reasons why iPage is the Best Linux Web Hosting provider any customer could ever ask for. If you aren’t fully convinced that they are perfect for your Linux hosting needs, check my iPage Full Review – and you’ll realize that hosting with them is the smartest investment you will ever make for your online business.

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