The Linux OS: Perfect for the Hosting Environment

Linux is a prime example of how the open-source revolution has reached the pinnacle of software development. Based off the Unix operating system, its source code is freely available, meaning it can be used, modified and redistributed at no cost. The main kernel at the heart of every Linux system today was developed by Linus Torvalds, a student who attended the University of Helsinki in Finland. In the beginning, the system was primarily but sparingly used by die hard fans and experienced users due to its complexity. However, it was not long before it was adopted and used in server hardware produced by IBM, Hewlett Packard, Novel and Microsystems. Today, Linux is a dominant force in the web hosting industry and steadily gaining a sizable marketing share as a PC operating system.
The Flexibility of Linux
Throughout the years, Linux has established itself as a cost effective, highly configurable and flexible operating system that is currently used in everything from television set top boxes to cell phones as an embedded platform. Some of the common hardware components it programs include Linkysys routers, switches and firewalls, the popular TiVo digital video recorder and most notably in 2005, two of the worlds fastest supercomputers. In fact, a whopping 88.6% (443) out of 500 supercomputers rated use the Linux operating system as their platform as of June, 2009. This system has built up such an impressive track record that it has become the preferred choice for servers in the business environment. Its popularity can be attributed to processing power and availability many other systems have a difficult time competing with.
Linux and Web Hosting
Linux web hosting came about due to a need for enhanced stability, performance and reliability for servicing a domain. When it comes to hosting a website, there are very few operating systems that can compare to the power and reliability of this platform. The internet itself is based on interconnected networking computers, something that comes naturally for Linux. This is mainly because a large majority of the networking protocols and technologies used to enable the internet are based on Unix, the system from which Linux gets most of its traits. The incorporation of these protocols and technologies has resulted in the unrivaled adaptability, stability and security that has made Linux one of the most powerful operating systems available today. In addition, its seamless compatibility with Apache and MySQL are more examples of how it helped to power and lead the way in the open-source software phenomenon.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of Linux hosting is that software has been developed to support the platform at an explosive rate. This again, is coupled with the fact that is capable of running just about any protocol or web service, which makes it an ideal choice for hosting. The market for server operating systems is growing fast and while Microsoft Windows will likely continue to be a worthy competitor, Linux will always be a major player in the world of web hosting.