What is Linux VPS hosting?

Have you decided that VPS hosting is the right solution for you? Before choosing your VPS plan, you should consider which operating system that best suits your project. For your VPS hosting, the most likely options are the operating systems Windows or Linux. Windows has long been one of the preferred operating systems among PC users, while Linux has dominated the server market.

In this article, we take a closer look at Linux VPS hosting to make it simpler for you to choose a solution that meets your needs and expectations.

A closer look at Linux

The operating system Linux has been available since the mid-1990s. Linux is free and open source unless you choose a Linux distribution with paid service and support.

The fact that Linux is open source means that the source code in the system’s software is visible to everyone, and that it can be freely adapted, changed and used in many different contexts.

Linux is generally considered a simple operating system for web servers, but certain projects will still require you to have the necessary knowledge of how the system can be tailored to your needs. Because work with Linux often takes place without a graphical user interface, it is necessary to be familiar with the commands used to administer the system. If you have the necessary knowledge, however, you could benefit from extensive freedom to manage your server as you see fit.

What is a Linux distribution?

A Linux distribution, sometimes abbreviated to ‘distro’, is the software package that, combined with the Linux kernel, constitutes a complete operating system. While the Linux kernel drives the hardware resources, the distribution adds the software necessary to create a fully functional operating system.

The options and functions of the various Linux distributions vary greatly. For this reason, it is worth familiarising yourself with what the individual distributions offer before choosing. Fortunately, most of them are free, so you typically don’t risk throwing a lot of money at a distribution that ultimately wasn’t the best choice for you.

Among the most popular Linux distributions are:

• Alma Linux 
• CentOS 
• Debian 
• Ubuntu 

Linux for website solutions

Linux is a suitable operating system for website solutions, especially if you want to use programming languages such as PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, or databases such as MySQL. In addition, there is a selection of free CMS that have been developed specifically to be compatible with Linux. These are mostly open source, giving you a lot of freedom to customise and manage them as you wish.

What is a Linux VPS?

A Linux VPS is a virtual private server that is tailored to give you the best possible performance with the Linux operating system. This type of VPS hosting is suitable for websites with high traffic and for users who want the greatest possible freedom to adapt the server to specific needs.

Depending on your needs, technical knowledge, and goals, there are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing a Linux VPS. n the section below, we take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of Linux VPS.

Advantages and disadvantages of a Linux VPS

Here at one.com, you can choose between Linux VPS and Windows VPS. Our hope is, of course, that you choose the solution that best meets your needs.

Advantages of a Linux VPS

• Free and open source
• Cost-effective as most distributions are free
• Great freedom to manage the system.
• Possibility to use many different scripting languages.
• Less dependence on software companies.
• Security-related errors are fixed quickly.
• Reliable stability and high performance.
• Good privacy protection as Linux collects very little user data.

Disadvantages of a Linux VPS

• Administration via the command line requires more technical knowledge.
• The options available in different Linux distributions may vary.
• Lack of compatibility with Microsoft products.
• Free support from Linux is not available.

Linux VPS vs. Windows VPS

The main difference between Linux VPS and Windows VPS is the operating systems they run on. While a Windows VPS is compatible with all the known Microsoft products, a Linux VPS gives more freedom to freely manage the server. Also, unlike Windows and Microsoft products, Linux is free to use.

As we have covered previously, Linux VPS gives you more freedom to manage databases and other server applications. This is why Linux is popular among developers, while Windows is the preferred choice for users who prefer a graphical user interface and want to use Microsoft-based applications such as Microsoft Exchange, ASP.NET, and MS SQL Server.

Choose a VPS for your preferred operating system

Once you have decided which operating system you prefer to use, you can choose from several different VPS plans at one.com. Most of our plans let you choose freely between Linux VPS and Windows VPS. If you choose Linux VPS, you also get the option to choose from among the distributions Alma Linux, CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu. You can read more about all the VPS plans here.

Flexibility and high performance

Regardless of whether you choose a Linux VPS or a Windows VPS, at one.com you get great flexibility and high performance. A good example is our user-friendly and intuitive control panel, which allows you to have full control over your VPS from rebooting to optimising.

Security

Security should always be in your consideration when choosing a Linux VPS or any other VPS. Protecting your data is our top priority. Our VPS is hosted in ISO27001 certified data centres with robust security measures including video surveillance, multi-level authorisation, digital locking systems and access control.

Accessible service

Although there is typically no free support available with Linux, VPS support is always just a call or message away at one.com. If you choose one of our VPS packages, our customer service team is ready to help you and answer questions 24/7 all year round.

Conclusion

As we have reviewed in the article, there are both pros and cons to a Linux VPS. The same naturally applies to a Windows VPS. Whether a Linux VPS is the right choice for you and your projects depends on which applications you wish to use, your technical knowledge, your budget, and your goals. For this reason, it is essential that you have a clear idea of your specific requirements before choosing your VPS plan.