The Difference Between Linux and Unix Dedicated Servers

1. The Difference Between Linux and Unix Dedicated Servers When you're looking for a dedicated server to run your website, you probably know that you have a few options in terms of the platform you choose for that server. The media heard of most often are Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac. And while many website owners know that there are considerable differences between a Windows or Mac system and Linux or Unix systems, they often group the two latter systems. This is through no fault of their own. Often, even web hosts will group Unix and Linux systems and use the terms interchangeably. There's a good reason for it, as both of these platforms have many more similarities than they do differences. They are both open-source software, meaning that it will not cost you anything extra to use it. Both Linux and Unix are also highly reliable and bring some of the best security you can find with any server. It's also important to understand that both Linux and Unix are platforms - just like Windows or Mac. However, these two specific platforms are many different operating systems, unlike Windows or Mac, which will have the same operating system as the platform name. So, what are the differences between the two? The only real difference is how each of the platforms came into existence and how they are treated and used today. Unix dedicated server was the original of the two, with Linux becoming a type of "spinoff" of Unix. Each is still their platforms in their rights, but when it comes to upgrades and the kind of software used, each will do so within that particular platform's confines and trying to improve on that platform alone. So how do you know whether you're using, or considering, a Linux system or a Unix system? The first indicator will probably be that the web host offering it will be very upfront about what kind of platform it is (and if you see one that uses them interchangeably, look elsewhere.) Secondly, if you notice anywhere on the website that the server uses FreeBSD or OpenBSD, you can know that the web host uses Unix-based operating systems, as these are the two most popular. If you see features such as "PHP-compatible," you'll be working within a Linux environment. Unless you're going to be installing it yourself and are concerned with the installation process, or need special features such as PHP, you most likely won't notice a massive difference between Linux and Unix. The two are so similar that you'd need to know the very technical aspects of them to tell the difference, and both will provide an outstanding web hosting experience. Best of all, both of them will also be much cheaper than working with a Windows or Mac server, as both Linux and Unix are open-source software that's free to use.