subject: 5 Major Drawbacks of Linux Hosting [print this page] 5 Major Drawbacks of Linux Hosting 5 Major Drawbacks of Linux Hosting
Many organizations use Linux hosting for creating and publishing their websites because Linux is open source and can be easily modified and improved. Also, Linux hosting is cheap as compared to Windows hosting and is popular for its stability and security owing to the regular modifications and improvements made by developers to deal with programming and security issues.
Linux is also being used by large organizations such as HP and IBM and cell phone manufacturers such as Nokia and Motorola to create phone applications. However, Linux hosting is not free of drawbacks. Some of the major drawbacks of Linux hosting are given below.
1. Complicated for new users
When compared to Windows, Linux is a little more complicated for new users. Although, it provides its users with more control, but, they have to spend some time in getting used to Linux in order to use it for the right purpose. Thus, if you have little or no experience in managing a website, it is better to choose Windows hosting.
2. Some features work better on Windows
Although Linux web hosting is very useful, however, some hosting features and tools are designed to function better with Windows hosting rather than Linux hosting. For example, in case you plan to offer online chat services, you should choose a Windows hosting plan. Windows hosting also allows better access to databases and customers can easily view and browse through your products and services. Therefore, if your website has been specifically designed for Windows based applications, you need to get a Windows hosting plan rather than a cheap option in the form of Linux hosting.
3. Lack Of Support For Windows-based Technologies
Linux hosting also does not support many Windows-based applications. For example, ASP programming language along with its extensions, do not function on Linux operating system even though many improvements and modifications have been made. Similarly, Linux does not support Microsoft Exchange Server which is a commonly used exchange server solution. Clients already accustomed to Microsoft Exchange Server might need to get a Windows hosting plan. However, some clients may use virtualization software such as VMware which allows them to load Windows within Linux hosting thereby making it easy to use Microsoft based software on Linux hosting.
4. Less Hardware Options
Another consideration for Linux hosting is that Linux hosting does not support a lot of hardware. Most vendors write drivers which work for Windows operating system rather than Linux because of the common use of Windows operating system. Due to this reason, Linux hosting offers limited hardware options.
5. Difficult Installation
As compared to Linux, it is very simple and easy to install Windows from scratch because different distributors have different installation programs for Linux and these programs may also vary from version to version.
Although considered to be very reliable and secure, these above mentioned Linux hosting drawbacks should be kept in mind before jumping on the bandwagon of Linux hosting. As mentioned earlier, if you are a beginner and are not familiar with Linux, avoid using Linux hosting as it will increase your time and effort. However, Linux hosting is the best ideal for expert users.
