Linux web hosting refers to web hosting services that are based on a server that is running the Linux operating system. It is probably the most widely used type of web hosting, especially for individuals and small to medium sized businesses, simply because Linux web hosting is cheaper than other options like Windows based hosting. The reason for this is that Linux is an open source software product and as such does not incur the high licensing fees that other operating systems do; you can freely download and use it at no cost. On the other hand, a web hosting service that offers Windows based hosting has to pay for the software and maintenance fees.

Some of the advantages of Linux web hosting are: cheaper than Windows, support for PHP scripts and MySQL databases and some hosts may offer telnet accounts at no or little additional cost. In many circles Linux is believed to be more secure than Windows, and for that reason it is also the more popular choice for web designers and programmers. Linux web hosting also offers users many configuration and customization options.

Another great thing about Linux web hosting platforms is the other fact that it’s completely free with an extremely small cost of distribution. Along with that come completely free applications to help the server you are on run more efficiently and with more stability. Some of these you are no doubt familiar with and probably use very often: FTP, HTTP Server, DNS Server, File Server and more.

On the other side of the coin is Windows based hosting, which is generally more expensive, but it does support ASP and, usually for an extra fee, can support Cold Fusion, Access databases and SQL Server databases.

Perhaps one of the most advantageous reasons that Linux web hosting is that it’s simple and easy in regards to scalability. A Linux based web host can host virtually any sized web site, small or large, and do so with the same stability and reliability as if it were hosting a site on the exact opposite spectrum.