How does Linux VPS hosting benefits your online business?

If you’ve been doing some research on different web hosting plans, you will have encountered Linux Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting. If you’ve participated in forums and asked around for a recommendation, the most you’ll probably get is to go with Linux VPS. But, what is Linux VPS hosting? Why do so many people recommend it? Your biggest problem now is that you have a recommendation to use something you know very little about. Here’s a brief introduction on the fully managed Linux VPS hosting plan and some of its benefits to your business.

What is Linux VPS Hosting?

Before we go into the details of VPS hosting, you’ll need to know a little bit about Linux. Linux is an open source operating system. If you’re a bit familiar with operating systems, you’ll know that Windows is also an operating system. Unlike Windows, Linux was developed as “open-source”, meaning it is free to use and distribute. You won’t have to pay any license fees and you can install it on any amount of computers you want.

Servers, like your desktop computer, also needs and operating system to function. Here there are two options: Windows Server and Linux Server.

A Virtual Private Server mimics the functions of an actual physical server. A physical server can host several Virtual Private Servers. It is important to note that a VPS has its own operating system, which is why it is called a “virtual” server. In essence, a VPS functions almost exactly the same as a physical server.

When we combine the above we have a virtual server that runs on a Linux operating system. This is what web hosts are offering when they say “Linux VPS Hosting”.

What is Fully Managed Linux VPS Hosting?

Hosting plans are usually unmanaged or fully managed. A fully managed VPS hosting plan is when the web host becomes responsible for all the technical issues with the server, or in this case, the virtual server. If you need anything customized, changed, or fixed with the virtual server, all you have to do is to inform the web host and they’ll handle it. In unmanaged plans, you’ll need to do a lot of it on your own.

How can Linux VPS Hosting Help Your Business?

Your business efforts on the web will rely heavily on the performance of the web host servers. If you’re a brick and mortar based business with web presence, you’ll experience lost revenue. If you’re a web-based business, it can be a tragedy. Not only will you lose sales, there’s a chance that your records may also be affected.

One of the best things about Linux VPS is that it has the reputation of being the most stable OS in existence.  Rarely will a server running a Linux OS crash or require a restart. This means that you won’t have to worry too much about losing revenues due to a server crash.

Another reason why Linux VPS is popular is that it is known for having the best security. Malware and malicious viruses have always had trouble penetrating the defenses of Linux. This means your business is secured from online threats.

Scalability is another factor that will definitely help your business. Nobody would expect their business to become stagnant. Everybody strives to grow a business and this means having more customers. In web jargon, more traffic. Having more traffic means that the server needs to work harder and use more resources. With Linux VPS, your site is allotted a bigger amount of resources and even more if need be. Your business can grow until the time you’ll need a dedicated server for your site. By the time this happens, you’re practically assured that your business is stable and that the costs of a dedicated server is justified and can be maintained.

Last, but certainly not the least, is cost. Linux is free so you won’t need to pay license fees every month, like you would for a Windows OS. This can translate into big savings in the long run.

Are there any Cons to Linux VPS Hosting?

It would seem overly biased if only the pros were presented in this article so, yes there is a downside to using a Linux VPS hosting plan. Unlike Windows that has a incredibly easy to use GUI (Graphical User Interface), Linux uses Secure Shell (SSH), which in essence is similar to using the Command Prompt of Windows. This means that there’s a pretty steep learning curve you’re going to face if you want to use Linux VPS.

Nevertheless, Linux VPS hosting is a better choice than a Windows VPS, considering the above-mentioned benefits. Windows VPS at this stage cannot offer what was mentioned above. In terms of stability, Windows has improved, but it has still not reached that the level of stability that Linux VPS provides.