Simple, cost-effective Linux hosting

What is Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system that was released by Linus Torvalds in 1991 as an alternative to Unix and other existing operating systems such as Windows. An operating system is the software that manages a computer’s basic resources and communicates with the other software applications that sit on top of the operating system (OS). The main difference between Linux and other operating systems such as Windows hosting using a Windows server is that Linux is based on open-source code, meaning it’s free to the public and can be accessed and edited by open-source contributors. Linux also has multiple distributions that are built around the Linux kernel. Some of the most popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. There are also some commercial distributions which include Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

Many devices today run on Linux hosting, including Android phones and tablets, and other electronics. Linux is popular for cloud hosting and server environments, as it’s flexible, requires few resources, is compatible with many systems, and has community-driven maintenance and support through its open-source nature. Windows servers are also offered by Microsoft, but most web hosting services today use Linux servers.

What is Linux hosting?

Linux hosting or Linux web hosting refers to hosting providers that use the Linux operating system on their servers. Cloud hosting companies need to choose an operating system for their servers, which users then build on top of, and many companies use Linux web hosting for their VPS (virtual private server) hosting as it is compatible with other popular languages and tools including PHP and MySQL. DigitalOcean offers Linux hosting through our virtual machines, Droplets, which use Linux as their base operating system.

How do I choose a Linux hosting provider?

Many web hosting providers offer Linux as a choice for their web hosting service. Some web hosts may also offer Windows hosting as an option. Choosing a Linux hosting provider depends on your use case, how you’ll use your Linux hosting, and what features you are looking for in a hosting provider. Some web hosting services offer Linux server hosting at an affordable cost with few features, while other Linux server hosting providers may be more expensive but include features in addition to Linux web hosting, like MySQL databases, cloud storage, a content delivery network, load balancers, and other web hosting products.

In addition to the cost for your Linux hosting, other factors to consider when choosing a web hosting provider include the level of customer support they provide, access to documentation and tutorial-based educational information around Linux hosting, if they offer dedicated hosting plans or only shared web hosting plans, how many data centers they offer, and more.

What are the best Linux web hosting providers?

There are many Linux web hosting services available today. DigitalOcean is a web host that provides both shared web hosting and dedicated server hosting at a cost-effective price. DigitalOcean is one of the best Linux hosting providers for developers and businesses who want simple, cost-effective virtual machines and reliable hosting infrastructure. DigitalOcean also provides users with a wide range of educational materials and tutorials around Linux hosting, which makes DigitalOcean one of the best Linux hosting providers available today. There is no single best Linux hosting provider for every situation, but by choosing a Linux web hosting service that meets your needs around cost, flexibility, user interface or control panel, and customer support, you’ll find the best Linux hosting for your needs.

Does DigitalOcean provide dedicated hosting plans?

DigitalOcean offers several Linux hosting services including those with a dedicated server with a dedicated CPU and those that are shared hosting with shared CPU. Our Linux servers, called Droplets, come in a variety of configurations, and include both shared CPU and dedicated CPU hosting plans. For those looking for basic Linux hosting, DigitalOcean’s Basic Droplets provide excellent Linux web hosting services for applications, websites, and more. Applications that require Linux hosting with additional CPU power can use CPU-optimized Droplets, while those who need more memory for their Linux hosting can use Memory-optimized Droplets. General Purpose Droplets are also an excellent choice for production workloads that need Linux web hosting with a good balance of CPU and memory on dedicated servers.

Does DigitalOcean provide a free domain or free SSL certificates?

DigitalOcean does not provide a free domain for your Linux hosting, but you can connect your domain from common domain registrars to DigitalOcean easily. DigitalOcean does not provide a free SSL certificate but enables you to use SSL certificates that you have purchased from commercial entities or use Let’s Encrypt which provides free SSL certificates that can be installed on Linux web servers. While you won’t get a free domain or free SSL certificate using DigitalOcean, DigitalOcean does provide a reliable, cost-effective solution with dedicated hosting plans, unlike other web hosts that may only provide shared hosting plans.

What Linux distribution should I choose?

Linux distributions each have their own maintainers, with some distributions being commercially maintained and others being open-source. When getting started with Linux hosting, you’ll need to choose a distribution for your Linux server. Some of the most popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, which releases new versions every six months and new long-term versions every two years. Many developers choose an Ubuntu server as it’s compatible with a wide range of tools. Debian is related to Ubuntu and sits upstream of Ubuntu, so Debian’s architecture often informs Ubuntu. Debian doesn’t have as much commercial support but can be used as a baseline for other Linux distributions. Commercial Linux distributions include Red Hat Enterprise Linux or RHEL, and Rocky Linux which is downstream of Debian and is free to use. Other distributions include Fedora Linux, Arch Linux, and Alpine Linux. Choosing a distribution is often a personal preference based on your own needs—this article on Linux distributions can help you choose a Linux distribution.

How do I learn to use the Linux command line?

The Linux command line enables users to manage Linux through its web terminal, which provides users with greater access and control over their operating system. Using the Linux command line you can access and edit files and much more, so those who use Linux hosting will almost certainly need to learn how to manage their Linux server through the command line. Learn how the Linux command line works to manage Linux web servers in this tutorial.