From smartphones and cars to digital devices and wearables to desktops and Linux dedicated servers – the Linux operating system is everywhere.
Nowadays, Linux runs almost everything and is widely used all over the globe. In fact, the server landscape is being dominated by the open-source platform and is a highly popular choice for all types of businesses.
Did you know Linux actually powers the world’s top 500 supercomputers and the world’s stock exchanges? Pretty powerful stuff! Released in 1991 for computers, you’d probably be surprised at just how much you use the 30-year old operating system in your everyday life. Beyond computers and web servers, Linux has expanded to underpin cars, games consoles, smartwatches, personal video recorders, cameras – the list goes on! In short: if you use a computer or another form of electric device, Linux probably plays a role in it.
We understand that there’s so much to consider when when looking at hosting or desktop options, such as overall performance, security and reliability, to name a few. With multiple options available on the market, selecting an operating system for your business can be a difficult decision, so we’ve taken a closer look at the benefits of Linux and why you may want to consider opting for a Linux dedicated server.
What is Linux?
In the same way as the more well known Windows, MAC OS and iOS, Linux is an operating system. It manages the hardware resources that are on your device and allows you to run other software or applications.
Why use Linux?
Organisations and individuals often choose Linux for their servers because it’s secure, flexible and highly customisable. At Datacentreplus we build our Linux dedicated servers to meet our customer’s requirements and server needs, combining the latest technology and in-house expertise.
Chris Ashcroft , Head of Technical Services, at Datacentreplus, says:
“For one thing, using Linux on your system is one of the easiest ways to avoid viruses and malware. The security aspect was kept in mind when developing Linux and it is much less vulnerable to viruses compared to Windows, for example. As an open-source project, the possibilities are endless and it can work on practically any hardware.”
What are the advantages of using Linux?
Linux is one of the most popular operating systems that power servers, driven by a vibrant online community. So If you’re setting up a new server and wondering which operating system is best for you, these are some of the benefits you may want to consider if opting for a Linux dedicated server.
Open Source
A key benefit of Linux is that it is open-source, this means its source code is accessible to anyone and is public to view or edit. In fact, anyone with the ability to code can also contribute to or modify to Linux for intended purposes.
Security
While no operating system is completely risk-free, Linux is a highly secure operating system and Linux servers continue to power innovation around the globe. With Linux being an open-source technology, security experts can help identify main security flaws, making it easier to identify and repair vulnerabilities and threats in the operating system.
Free
Linux is completely free and users do not need to pay for anything. All the basic and educational software can be accessed for free and is readily available. This can help businesses to reduce IT budgets and make substantial costs savings.
Reliability
Linux is a reliable and stable system which does not need to be rebooted after a short period of time, meaning you can work with minimal distraction. In contrast, Windows usually requires you to reboot your system after installing or uninstalling an application or updating your software.
Customisation
A big advantage of using Linux is customisation and if you want to tweak your system then Linux may be perfect for you. Linux gives you complete control over a machine, helping you to build and customise, for example, a server, just the way you want.
Community Support
There is strong community support for Linux across the internet on various forums and online sites. Any questions and queries often get a quick response as a lot of volunteers have a big passion and enthusiasm for Linux.
Linux based dedicated servers are just one example of an operating system available on the market. If you’re still unsure or looking at choosing a new operating system our friendly dedicated server experts will be happy to help you choose the right solution. Get in touch today or call us on 0161 464 6101 for more information.
