My Favorite Techie

Archive for the ‘Linux’ Category

Everyone knows Microsoft Windows and Macintosh, but only a select few know about Linux. Linux is an alternative PC operating system that is available via Open Source and is based on the Unix operating system developed decades ago. Linux does share something with Macintosh that Microsoft has not yet accomplished. Linux, like the Macintosh use a similar “kernel” or core operating module that is independent of the visual system that we use to accomplish work. Since that core is separate, security and stability are very secure from outside attacks.

The Internet has been Unix and Linux based for years. In fact, the Internet got its roots from these two relatives. All Internet technologies that we know of today for the most part all are rooted in Linux. Unfortunately, Linux has not really made its way to the desktop for the general user. (Geeks are running it though and loving it.)

Linux can give Windows and Mac a run for their money as Linux has programs that are compatible with both platforms. Some of the most common programs found on Linux machines are Open Office, GIMP, and Firefox. Open Office is a FREE office productivity suite whose files are compatible with Microsoft Office and Corel’s WordPerfect Office Suite. Firefox is the most popular alternative web broswer available free of charge on the web.

If you’re interested in test driving Linux for yourself, below are a list of popular Linux distributions.

• Ubuntu (The Most Popular and Free)
• Debian
• RedHat
• Xandros

Installing Linux is simple for the most part. Follow the screens and you’ll be OK. Ubuntu desktop can also be run directly from the CD without installing it on a computer, but it will run slower.

The only real difference between desktop Linux and server Linux is the configuration of the OS and the software packages running on it. They are both of the same core.

I’ve been asked this question a few times already, so I thought it would be worthwhile discussing. When it comes to web hosting, there are two types , Linux and Windows.  Which one should be chosen?

Most sites will run on both systems as HTML files (the files which actually make up the page) will run on either one. Where the differences come in is in the extensions or extra language that is being coded into the site.

Generally, sites that are programed to be dynamic using Microsoft solutions such as ASP or .NET will require Windows based hosting as Windows hosting has the backend software installed in order to process commands written in those languages.

Sites written in PHP, are best suited for Linux hosting, although most Windows hosting will also have the PHP processing software installed.  But, for the most part, PHP was originally for the Linux hosted web sites.

The last major difference has to do with cost. Windows hosting sometimes can cost more per month than Linux based hosting. It could be compared to the stability and reliability of Mac versus PC. This is generally due to the increased costs of maintaining a Windows based web server compared to a Linux based server.

So, which hosting solution should you choose? For the most part you can choose Linux as it is the most popular and will run basically any simple site simply because of the cost and the greater number of companies out there.

If there are any further questions, feel free to contact me and I will gladly answer your questions.