A web hosting server, although it serves a specialized function, is similar to a home PC or laptop in many respects. A PC and a web server have many of the same physical components, like a processor, memory, hard drives and cooling fans. Both PCs and servers connect to the internet with a network adapter card. Both require software and, of course, an operating system. Like a PC, a server can be split or partitioned to create independent systems on the same physical machine. This process, when applied to web servers, is known as virtualization. It is the basis for what is known as VPS, or Virtual Private Server hosting.
Servers and normal PCs also differ in several significant ways. Servers, especially those used by commercial hosting companies, are faster and more powerful than average PCs and Macs. Multiple web servers are housed in racks in server farms, with one monitor used to access multiple servers. Although both home PCs and web servers require an operating system, the most popular choices for operating systems in PCs and Macs are not necessarily the same for servers, where Linux is the predominant choice. There are numerous reasons that VPS and Linux are the most popular hosting choices, some of which we will explore below.
Linux is an open source operating system. Derived from the UNIX system that was developed by AT&T in the late 60s, it was originally created as a free OS for Intel PCs. Represented by a cartoon penguin logo, it has since become a favorite among programmers and developers. The open source nature of Linux development results in a flexible, reliable and smooth running OS, making it a popular choice with web server administrators the world over. Since industrious software engineers can update, improve and debug the various versions of Linux, then re-release their new version into the world, it is one of the most stable and reliable operating systems available today.
A VPS hosting account allows a webmaster to choose a virtual server running a proven Linux build and install or reconfigure all the Linux software they need to make their website the best it can be. At the same time, another webmaster renting a virtual server which is 'right next door' on the physical server can run Windows Server, Apache, or whatever OS he desires, hence the appeal of VPS hosting. Since Linux developers know that their software will be used primarily in VPS hosting, they tailor the software to that specific application. Thus VPS and Linux fit hand-in-glove. Once you understand how economical and reliable VPS Linux can be, it's easy to see why it is the first choice of millions of webmasters.
Your website needs a home. Since you have to host it somewhere, why not choose the most popular combination of features on the market? After all, Linux VPS owes its tremendous popular support to a demonstrable track record of reliability, and cost effectiveness. You're looking for a balance between flexibility on one hand, and cost and ease of use on the other. VPS Linux provides this bet-of-both-worlds approach that will allow you to create a terrific website that does everything you want it to. Check out the available VPS Linux plans, you can customize the particulars to suit your requirements exactly.