1. It Doesn't Crash
Linux has been time-proven to be a reliable operating system. Although the desktop is not a new place for Linux, most Linux-based systems have been used as servers and embedded systems. High-visibility Web sites such as Google use Linux-based systems, but you also can find Linux inside the TiVo set-top box in many livingrooms.
Linux has proved to be so reliable and secure that it is commonly found in dedicated firewall and router systems used by high-profile companies to secure their networks. For more than ten years, it has not been uncommon for Linux systems to run for months or years without needing a single reboot.
2. Viruses Are Few and Far Between
Although it is possible to create a virus to target Linux systems, the design of the system itself makes it very difficult to become infected. A single user could cause local damage to his or her files by running a virus on his or her system; however, this would be an isolated instance rather than something could spread out of control.
In addition, virtually all Linux vendors offer free on-line security updates. The general philosophy of the Linux community has been to address possible security issues before they become a problem rather than hoping the susceptibility will go unnoticed.
3. Virtually Hardware-Independent
Linux was designed and written to be easily portable to different hardware. For the desktop user, this means that Linux has been and likely always will be the first operating system to take advantage of advances in hardware technology such as AMD's 64-bit processor chips.
4. Freedom of Choice
Linux offers freedom of choice as far as which manufacturer you purchase the software from as well as which application programs you wish to use. Being able to pick the manufacturer means you have a real choice as far as type of support you receive. Being open-source software, new manufacturers can enter the market to address customer needs.
Choice of application programs means that you can select the tools that best address your needs. For example, three popular word processors are available. All three are free and interoperate with Microsoft Word, but each offers unique advantages and disadvantages. The same is true of Web browsers.
5. Standards
Linux itself and many common applications follow open standards. This means an update on one system will not make other systems obsolete.
6. Applications, Applications, Applications
Each Linux distribution comes with hundreds and possibly thousands of application programs included. This alone can save you thousands of dollars for each desktop system you configure. Although this is a very small subset, consider that the OpenOffice.org office suite is included as well as the GIMP, a program similar to (and many people say more capable than Adobe Photoshop); Scribus, a document layout program similar to Quark Xpress; Evolution, an e-mail system equivalent to Microsoft's Outlook Express; and hundreds more.
For the more technically inclined, development tools, such as compilers for the C, C++, Ada, Fortran, Pascal and other languages, are included as well as Perl, PHP and Python interpreters. Editors and versioning tools also are included in this category.
Whether you are looking for Instant Messaging clients, backup tools or Web site development packages, they likely are all included within your base Linux distribution.
7. Interoperability
More and more computers are being connected to networks. No system would be complete if it did not include tools to allow it to interoperate with computers running other operating systems. Once again, Linux is very strong in this area.
Linux includes Samba, software that allows Linux to act as a client on a Microsoft Windows-based network. In fact, Samba includes server facilities such that you could run a Linux system as the server for a group of Linux and Windows-based client systems.
In addition, Linux includes software to network with Apple networks and Novell's Netware. NFS, the networking technology developed on UNIX systems also is included.
8. It's a Community Relationship, Not a Customer Relationship
Other operating systems are the products of single vendors. Linux, on the other hand, is openly developed, and this technology is shared among vendors. This means you become part of a community rather than a customer of a single manufacturer. Also, the supplier community easily can adjust to the needs of various user communities rather than spouting a "one size fits all" philosophy.
This means you can select a Linux vendor that appears to best address your needs and feel confident that you could switch vendors at a later time without losing your investment--both in terms of costs and learning.
9. It's Not How Big Your Processor Is...
Because of a combination of the internal design of Linux and development contributions from a diverse community, Linux tends to be more frugal in the use of computer resources. This may manifest itself in a single desktop system running faster with Linux than with another operating system, but the advantages go far beyond that. It is possible, for example, to configure a single Linux system to act as a terminal server and then use outdated hardware as what are called thin clients.
This server/thin client configuration makes it possible for older, less powerful hardware to share the resources of a single powerful system thus extending the life of older machines.
10. Linux Is Configurable
Linux is a true multi-user operating system. Each user can have his or her own individual configuration all on one computer. This includes the look of the desktop, what icons are displayed, what programs are started automatically when the user logs in and even what language the desktop is in.
And lastly no Bill schmendrick character telling you what you can and cannot do.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Affordable Linux Hosting Plans
The success of your small-business web site depends a lot on how you choose partners at each step of its development, right form designing your small-business website to hosting it over the net.
When you are at the start of your business, you don’t need a big website and a huge disk space on the server and probably look for companies offering affordable web hosting plans.
Let’s say, you have got your Domain Name (www.yourdomain.com). Its time to check for a good hosting service provider to have your files uploaded in the domain.
If you go for a Linux Based Hosting Plan, make sure you have the following included in your plans:
1. Control Panel - This is the nucleus of your website. In a Control Panel, popularly known as CP, you can literally do anything. The moment you signup for a hosting plan, you must be provided with a CP to manage your web space.
2. POP3 email Ids & Aliases - yourname@yourdomain.com is an example POP3 ID. You must be provided with ample of POP3 email ids depending on your package size for better mail administration.
3. FTP Accounts & Virtual FTP - This is your online folder where you upload your files, delete them, and update them. Make sure you have handful of FTP sub-accounts to provide your clients/users with password protected directories. This is very much useful wherein your clients/users can use the FTP to upload /download files from designated password protected folders.
4. Backup - Most quality hosting service providers take automated backups. While choosing your hosting plan, make sure of this.
5. Web Statistics - Say, your website has been launched and you get NIL Visits or More than 100 Visits per day. Whatever the case may be, visitor analysis plays a key role in the success of your website. You can view the Report using Statistics Application that run in the server backend.
6. Bandwidth - Choose the hosting plan that gives enough bandwidth for your website. Even though you cannot judge at the beginning, as time progresses, you can easily calculate the bandwidth required.
7. PHP & Mysql Support - All the Linux Plans support PHP & Mysql. Make sure you get this free of charge when you buy the hosting plan. Few Hosting Providers may charge extra for MYSQL Database Support & PhpMyAdmin.
8. Webmail & SMTP - Email becomes key part in your life once you launch the website. Check if the hosts provide WEBMAIL (mail.yourdomain.com) to check your mails through a web based interface using Squirrelmail or Horde. Corporate users prefer downloading mails thru Email Clients such as Eudora or Outlook Express. Only if SMTP or IMAP support is enabled you can use this option. Hence check if SMTP support is provided.
9. SPAM ASSASIN - No email user is free from a spam attack. Hence you need to have Spam Filters installed on the server where your website resides.
10. IP - If your website requires SSL Support (https ://), make sure you get a DEDICATED IP. Most of the websites are hosted on shared IPs. Ask your Hosting Provider about the extra charges involved in getting a dedicated IP and SSL Support. Note: For SSL (https ://), you need to buy a Digital Certificate.
These are the basic ingredients of Linux hosting plans
Choosing your hosting provider is perhaps the most crucial element in the success of your website. You need a good hosting partner for hosting your well-designed web pages on the server to be viewed by your potential customers.
The right web partners help you to get good footing on the net from the very start of your small-business, be it in the terms of building your brand image and presence, search engine optimization or providing small business hosting solutions
When you are at the start of your business, you don’t need a big website and a huge disk space on the server and probably look for companies offering affordable web hosting plans.
Let’s say, you have got your Domain Name (www.yourdomain.com). Its time to check for a good hosting service provider to have your files uploaded in the domain.
If you go for a Linux Based Hosting Plan, make sure you have the following included in your plans:
1. Control Panel - This is the nucleus of your website. In a Control Panel, popularly known as CP, you can literally do anything. The moment you signup for a hosting plan, you must be provided with a CP to manage your web space.
2. POP3 email Ids & Aliases - yourname@yourdomain.com is an example POP3 ID. You must be provided with ample of POP3 email ids depending on your package size for better mail administration.
3. FTP Accounts & Virtual FTP - This is your online folder where you upload your files, delete them, and update them. Make sure you have handful of FTP sub-accounts to provide your clients/users with password protected directories. This is very much useful wherein your clients/users can use the FTP to upload /download files from designated password protected folders.
4. Backup - Most quality hosting service providers take automated backups. While choosing your hosting plan, make sure of this.
5. Web Statistics - Say, your website has been launched and you get NIL Visits or More than 100 Visits per day. Whatever the case may be, visitor analysis plays a key role in the success of your website. You can view the Report using Statistics Application that run in the server backend.
6. Bandwidth - Choose the hosting plan that gives enough bandwidth for your website. Even though you cannot judge at the beginning, as time progresses, you can easily calculate the bandwidth required.
7. PHP & Mysql Support - All the Linux Plans support PHP & Mysql. Make sure you get this free of charge when you buy the hosting plan. Few Hosting Providers may charge extra for MYSQL Database Support & PhpMyAdmin.
8. Webmail & SMTP - Email becomes key part in your life once you launch the website. Check if the hosts provide WEBMAIL (mail.yourdomain.com) to check your mails through a web based interface using Squirrelmail or Horde. Corporate users prefer downloading mails thru Email Clients such as Eudora or Outlook Express. Only if SMTP or IMAP support is enabled you can use this option. Hence check if SMTP support is provided.
9. SPAM ASSASIN - No email user is free from a spam attack. Hence you need to have Spam Filters installed on the server where your website resides.
10. IP - If your website requires SSL Support (https ://), make sure you get a DEDICATED IP. Most of the websites are hosted on shared IPs. Ask your Hosting Provider about the extra charges involved in getting a dedicated IP and SSL Support. Note: For SSL (https ://), you need to buy a Digital Certificate.
These are the basic ingredients of Linux hosting plans
Choosing your hosting provider is perhaps the most crucial element in the success of your website. You need a good hosting partner for hosting your well-designed web pages on the server to be viewed by your potential customers.
The right web partners help you to get good footing on the net from the very start of your small-business, be it in the terms of building your brand image and presence, search engine optimization or providing small business hosting solutions
All About Linux
What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system created by Linus Torvalds during his days as a student at the University of Helsinki. Linux was created and meant to be used as an option or substitute to the other operating systems being used by computer users, like MS-DOS, Windows, Mac OSX, etc. Linux is not a program or a set of programs like a word processor of an office suite.
A Brief History
While studying at the University of Helsinki, Linus used a version of the UNIX operating system called 'Minix'. Several requests for modifications and improvements for the operating system were being sent by Linus and other users to Andrew Tanenbaum, Minix’s creator, but he felt that they weren't necessary. Therefore, Linus decided to create his own operating system; one that would take into account the users' comments and suggestions for improvements.
A “kernel” is the focal point of any operating system. Without going into great detail, the kernel tells the CPU to do what you want the program or application that you're using to do. An operating system would not exist without a kernel. However, a kernel is also useless without any programs or applications.
In 1991, two critical situations evolved that would serve as the starting point for Linux. A kernel was already created by Linus, but he had no programs to use; some programs were available from GNU and Richard Stallman, but they had no working kernel. So Linux was born by combining the programs from Richard and GNU in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with the kernel provided by Linus in Helsinki, Finland. It was a lot of ground to cover and far to travel, so the Internet became the primary method of getting Linus’ kernel together with the GNU programs. It can almost be said that Linux is an operating system that came to life on the Internet.
Not For Everybody at First
Other software companies will sell you software contained in a CD or a set of floppies, together with a brief instruction booklet, and in half an hour or probably even less, you could install a fully functional operating system on your computer. You only needed to know how to read and follow instructions in order to install it. This was what those companies had in mind when they developed their operating systems. However, when Linux was developed by Linus, this factor wasn’t initially considered. Later on, Red Hat and other likeminded companies made it their purpose to develop Linux to the point where it could be easily installed just like any other operating system in the market, by anyone who can follow simple instructions, and today we can definitely say that they have succeeded in this particular purpose.
Linux Today
Nowadays, there is a great deal of favorable reactions from computer users regarding Linux. The fact that Linux has proven to be impressively stable and versatile, especially as a network server, surely has played a big part in this popularity. Down-time is minor or insignificant when Linux is installed and used as a web server or in corporate networks. Many cases have been reported wherein Linux-powered servers have been functioning smoothly for even more than a year without needing to re-boot, and when it had to be taken down, it was only for a brief period for maintenance purposes. Its cost effectiveness has become to be one of its strongest selling points. Linux can be installed and run on either a home PC or a network server, without having to spend as much as it would be for other software packages. More reliability and less cost - it's ideal.
Linux is an operating system created by Linus Torvalds during his days as a student at the University of Helsinki. Linux was created and meant to be used as an option or substitute to the other operating systems being used by computer users, like MS-DOS, Windows, Mac OSX, etc. Linux is not a program or a set of programs like a word processor of an office suite.
A Brief History
While studying at the University of Helsinki, Linus used a version of the UNIX operating system called 'Minix'. Several requests for modifications and improvements for the operating system were being sent by Linus and other users to Andrew Tanenbaum, Minix’s creator, but he felt that they weren't necessary. Therefore, Linus decided to create his own operating system; one that would take into account the users' comments and suggestions for improvements.
A “kernel” is the focal point of any operating system. Without going into great detail, the kernel tells the CPU to do what you want the program or application that you're using to do. An operating system would not exist without a kernel. However, a kernel is also useless without any programs or applications.
In 1991, two critical situations evolved that would serve as the starting point for Linux. A kernel was already created by Linus, but he had no programs to use; some programs were available from GNU and Richard Stallman, but they had no working kernel. So Linux was born by combining the programs from Richard and GNU in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with the kernel provided by Linus in Helsinki, Finland. It was a lot of ground to cover and far to travel, so the Internet became the primary method of getting Linus’ kernel together with the GNU programs. It can almost be said that Linux is an operating system that came to life on the Internet.
Not For Everybody at First
Other software companies will sell you software contained in a CD or a set of floppies, together with a brief instruction booklet, and in half an hour or probably even less, you could install a fully functional operating system on your computer. You only needed to know how to read and follow instructions in order to install it. This was what those companies had in mind when they developed their operating systems. However, when Linux was developed by Linus, this factor wasn’t initially considered. Later on, Red Hat and other likeminded companies made it their purpose to develop Linux to the point where it could be easily installed just like any other operating system in the market, by anyone who can follow simple instructions, and today we can definitely say that they have succeeded in this particular purpose.
Linux Today
Nowadays, there is a great deal of favorable reactions from computer users regarding Linux. The fact that Linux has proven to be impressively stable and versatile, especially as a network server, surely has played a big part in this popularity. Down-time is minor or insignificant when Linux is installed and used as a web server or in corporate networks. Many cases have been reported wherein Linux-powered servers have been functioning smoothly for even more than a year without needing to re-boot, and when it had to be taken down, it was only for a brief period for maintenance purposes. Its cost effectiveness has become to be one of its strongest selling points. Linux can be installed and run on either a home PC or a network server, without having to spend as much as it would be for other software packages. More reliability and less cost - it's ideal.
Between Windows And Unix Interlacing Hosting?
Windows and UNIX are in celebration two divergent systems and of roaming we are referring to computer systems. A web lessor uses computers, (we shall mention to them as servers, good computers, but sometimes larger) to owner websites, and all computers voracity a operating system, thus Windows and UNIX are the operating system.
The Windows used is normally Windows NT or 2000 and of tramp as you prize Microsoft charges for it's software, tide UNIX is an go ahead prelude operating system, this factor that the hep creators of the practice have habituated advancing the rights and anyone can use it, change, improve or do anything they want with, free of charge.
From this we instant have to wanted differences, Window hosts are additional treasured and UNIX is further reliable, owing to it as been better by thousands of unascertained people. Most mediocre you are enumeration this in pretentiousness of your computer which much usual is operates on a Windows XP, have you noticed that it sometimes, it freezes, and the lone guess is to restart it? UNIX is famously further stable, robust, time-tested, handy platform for a web server.
But Windows servers have also it's stupendous sides, they are consistent with Microsoft applications, and really aid Microsoft FrontPage, Microsoft Access and MS SQL, they also instance advance-programming environments and mood congenerous as Active Server Pages (ASP), the http://ASP.NET framework, Visual Basic Scripts, MS Index Server, Macromedia's and Cold Fusion.
Windows operating proceeding crave painless or no existence in lacework evolving to discharge strange temper big idea very quickly because of better graphical user interface (GUI) Software such as Microsoft's FrontPage is specially developed for the webmaster to decrease the website development time and efforts.
Lets header grant and to UNIX, they aid FrontPage, Flash, Shockwave, Real Audio/Video, Cgi Scripts, Perl, PHP, SSH (Secure Telnet), MySQL, Web-Based Control System, Anonymous FTP, Web Site Graphical Statistics, Web-Based Email System, Miva/XML, Cold Fusion Perl, JAVA, PHP, C, C++, Miva, Shell Access and various revealed phenomenon of character drink in Telnet and SSH that provides lots of right and freedom in managing file and directories, but some of this require advance knowledge of Unix commands in order for you to customize the scripts to match your website needs.
Because of the character of UNIX, (open source) and the commonality who rapture it, qualified is on the WWW freely available software and scripts, besides bringing the market price down.
The Windows used is normally Windows NT or 2000 and of tramp as you prize Microsoft charges for it's software, tide UNIX is an go ahead prelude operating system, this factor that the hep creators of the practice have habituated advancing the rights and anyone can use it, change, improve or do anything they want with, free of charge.
From this we instant have to wanted differences, Window hosts are additional treasured and UNIX is further reliable, owing to it as been better by thousands of unascertained people. Most mediocre you are enumeration this in pretentiousness of your computer which much usual is operates on a Windows XP, have you noticed that it sometimes, it freezes, and the lone guess is to restart it? UNIX is famously further stable, robust, time-tested, handy platform for a web server.
But Windows servers have also it's stupendous sides, they are consistent with Microsoft applications, and really aid Microsoft FrontPage, Microsoft Access and MS SQL, they also instance advance-programming environments and mood congenerous as Active Server Pages (ASP), the http://ASP.NET framework, Visual Basic Scripts, MS Index Server, Macromedia's and Cold Fusion.
Windows operating proceeding crave painless or no existence in lacework evolving to discharge strange temper big idea very quickly because of better graphical user interface (GUI) Software such as Microsoft's FrontPage is specially developed for the webmaster to decrease the website development time and efforts.
Lets header grant and to UNIX, they aid FrontPage, Flash, Shockwave, Real Audio/Video, Cgi Scripts, Perl, PHP, SSH (Secure Telnet), MySQL, Web-Based Control System, Anonymous FTP, Web Site Graphical Statistics, Web-Based Email System, Miva/XML, Cold Fusion Perl, JAVA, PHP, C, C++, Miva, Shell Access and various revealed phenomenon of character drink in Telnet and SSH that provides lots of right and freedom in managing file and directories, but some of this require advance knowledge of Unix commands in order for you to customize the scripts to match your website needs.
Because of the character of UNIX, (open source) and the commonality who rapture it, qualified is on the WWW freely available software and scripts, besides bringing the market price down.
Cheap Linux Web Hosting
Linux Web Hosting permits turmoil corporations to compose their interlacing sites on the Linux Operating System, which is an open-source digression of the Unix Operating System. Using this hosting for lattice spreading allows companies to manage due to the first and indeed common in open-source technologies close as PHP, MySQL, Python, and XML. Most of the Linux based netting hosting also includes operate instruments to permit manageable containment of sites via the mesh based technology.
Linux is inclusively an operating technique which operates on a unstopped multifariousness of hardware, ranging from Intel and AMD CPUs to hardware close as Digital Alpha computers, PowerPCs, and Silicon Graphics workstations. Moreover the enormously express humdrum of Linux is that it is freely shareable.
Linux Web Hosting besides offers tools funk the Gateway Defender anti-spam and anti-virus relief to succour you to bleed electronic info threats and slight their inherent afflicted effects. Gateway Defender existent is your best cover rail spam and viruses. The Linux Web Hosting is a single-source design for all of your website hosting needs.
The common Linux interlacing hosting is the blessing foundation of users who are looking for just hosting options for smaller sites. With reciprocal hosting the gold of your server like as CPU, memory, wearisome disk, dossier proficiency are returned with single sites. Make indisputable when selecting a shared web owner provider that they have decent policies on how conspicuously a server is formidable augmenting by mismated sites. The Linux lacework hosting has a tactics of loading special sites to affect the problems of virus. Linux web hosting offers the services pleasure in 200MB+ disk space, PHP and MySQL and Perl, User genial Control Panel, FTP, FrontPage access, heterogeneous email accounts.
RedHat Linux is the general Linux lattice hosting that influences lacework sites with the characters of same and go-ahead platform. The notably affordable and just lattice village hosting packages are Linux based. The individuality included with these packages are multitasking, virtual memory, the finest TCP/IP drivers, multi-user aptitude instruments and thereupon on.
Linux is inclusively an operating technique which operates on a unstopped multifariousness of hardware, ranging from Intel and AMD CPUs to hardware close as Digital Alpha computers, PowerPCs, and Silicon Graphics workstations. Moreover the enormously express humdrum of Linux is that it is freely shareable.
Linux Web Hosting besides offers tools funk the Gateway Defender anti-spam and anti-virus relief to succour you to bleed electronic info threats and slight their inherent afflicted effects. Gateway Defender existent is your best cover rail spam and viruses. The Linux Web Hosting is a single-source design for all of your website hosting needs.
The common Linux interlacing hosting is the blessing foundation of users who are looking for just hosting options for smaller sites. With reciprocal hosting the gold of your server like as CPU, memory, wearisome disk, dossier proficiency are returned with single sites. Make indisputable when selecting a shared web owner provider that they have decent policies on how conspicuously a server is formidable augmenting by mismated sites. The Linux lacework hosting has a tactics of loading special sites to affect the problems of virus. Linux web hosting offers the services pleasure in 200MB+ disk space, PHP and MySQL and Perl, User genial Control Panel, FTP, FrontPage access, heterogeneous email accounts.
RedHat Linux is the general Linux lattice hosting that influences lacework sites with the characters of same and go-ahead platform. The notably affordable and just lattice village hosting packages are Linux based. The individuality included with these packages are multitasking, virtual memory, the finest TCP/IP drivers, multi-user aptitude instruments and thereupon on.
Dedicated Servers, Which Is The Better, Linux or Windows?
Anybody who decides to get a web hosting service or facility for their website will also soon be faced with the tough question of what server they will need. Will their website be run by a Windows server operating system or will they prefer to go for a Unix system?
Typical Windows servers will run on Windows NT, Windows 2000 or Windows XP, while Unix servers could be Linux or Open BSD to name just two. The truth is that both systems have there pros and cons.
If site stability and uptime are critical for you and your new website, then Unix should be your choice because they are generally thought to be superior in stability. Windows have the disadvantage that they usually require rebooting much more often. Still Windows are miles ahead when it comes to ease of use. A Windows server operating system will generally be much easier to operate and administer than its’ Unix counterpart.
On the other hand, Unix, even with its’ stability may not end up being so user-friendly, especially for non-techies. There is also a price to pay for the extra stability which is evident in Unix systems. Usually Unix machines will require their software to be updated on a very regular basis. All in all, Unix server operating systems are favored over windows as they are widely considered to be more stable.
Still if truth be told, when both systems are correctly installed, there is really very little difference and they will give you basically the same results. In effect this does not make this an easy decision to reach. In fact this is the main factor that complicates the issue, causing even more confusion and making it very difficult for the webmaster to make a decision either way. However for many, the final answer to the question of which server operating system is preferable, is quite often made by analyzing and comparing the costs of both and going with the more affordable option.
Typical Windows servers will run on Windows NT, Windows 2000 or Windows XP, while Unix servers could be Linux or Open BSD to name just two. The truth is that both systems have there pros and cons.
If site stability and uptime are critical for you and your new website, then Unix should be your choice because they are generally thought to be superior in stability. Windows have the disadvantage that they usually require rebooting much more often. Still Windows are miles ahead when it comes to ease of use. A Windows server operating system will generally be much easier to operate and administer than its’ Unix counterpart.
On the other hand, Unix, even with its’ stability may not end up being so user-friendly, especially for non-techies. There is also a price to pay for the extra stability which is evident in Unix systems. Usually Unix machines will require their software to be updated on a very regular basis. All in all, Unix server operating systems are favored over windows as they are widely considered to be more stable.
Still if truth be told, when both systems are correctly installed, there is really very little difference and they will give you basically the same results. In effect this does not make this an easy decision to reach. In fact this is the main factor that complicates the issue, causing even more confusion and making it very difficult for the webmaster to make a decision either way. However for many, the final answer to the question of which server operating system is preferable, is quite often made by analyzing and comparing the costs of both and going with the more affordable option.
File Permissions in Linux
Linux operating system uses a permissions schema to define user rights for each file. These permissions establish:
-who can read the file. If the file is a directory, read means list the contents of the directory.
-who can write/modify the file. If the file is a directory, this permission defines if you can make any changes to the directory contents, for example create or delete files.
-who can execute the file. If the file is a directory, this permission defines if you can enter the directory and access its contents, for example run a search in the directory or execute a program in it.
Permissions are assigned to the file owner, to the file owner group, and to all users. For example, you can set a document to be readable and writable by the owner only, and just readable by everybody else.
When you issue an ls –l command, to list all contents of a directory, you will see file permissions like this next to each file:
-rwxrwxrwx
This means this file can be read, written and executed by anybody. The first dash means this file is not a directory. For directories, there will be a d letter instead of a dash.
The first set of “rwx” refers to the file owner. The second set, to the owner group. The last set, to all other users. Let’s look at some examples:
-rwxr - - r - -
This file can be read, written and executed by its owner. It can only be read by other users. When a permission is not set, you see a dash in its place.
-rw-rw-r- -
This file can be read and written by its owner and the owner group. It can only be read by other users.
You can set these permissions using the chmod command. For example, this command:
chmod ugo=rwx filename
assigns read, write and execute permissions to file owner user(u), group(g) and others (o). This other example:
chmod ug=rw,o=r filename
assigns read and write permissions to user and group, and only read permission to others.
Permissions can also be expressed and set using the octal numeric system. Each permission is associated to a number:
Read = 4
Write = 2
Execute = 1
You need to come up with a number for the file owner, another number for the group and a last one for the other users. If you want to assign read, write and execute permissions to file owner, you add up the three values, thus getting a 7. If you want to assign same permissions to group and others, you come up with three sevens. You can set these permissions like this:
chmod 777 filename
If you set permissions for a file with the following command:
chmod 764 filename
then you’re establishing these permissions: read, write and execute for file owner (4+2+1=7), read and write for group (4+2=6) and only read for others (4).
The following commands are equivalent:
chmod ug=rw,o=r filename
chmod 664 filename
The file permissions schema lets you implement security policies. It is not a good idea to set file permissions high (e.g.: 777) for all files. It is important to think about it and assign the right permissions to the files, so users can do their job, and we are sure each file is accessed only by the right people.
-who can read the file. If the file is a directory, read means list the contents of the directory.
-who can write/modify the file. If the file is a directory, this permission defines if you can make any changes to the directory contents, for example create or delete files.
-who can execute the file. If the file is a directory, this permission defines if you can enter the directory and access its contents, for example run a search in the directory or execute a program in it.
Permissions are assigned to the file owner, to the file owner group, and to all users. For example, you can set a document to be readable and writable by the owner only, and just readable by everybody else.
When you issue an ls –l command, to list all contents of a directory, you will see file permissions like this next to each file:
-rwxrwxrwx
This means this file can be read, written and executed by anybody. The first dash means this file is not a directory. For directories, there will be a d letter instead of a dash.
The first set of “rwx” refers to the file owner. The second set, to the owner group. The last set, to all other users. Let’s look at some examples:
-rwxr - - r - -
This file can be read, written and executed by its owner. It can only be read by other users. When a permission is not set, you see a dash in its place.
-rw-rw-r- -
This file can be read and written by its owner and the owner group. It can only be read by other users.
You can set these permissions using the chmod command. For example, this command:
chmod ugo=rwx filename
assigns read, write and execute permissions to file owner user(u), group(g) and others (o). This other example:
chmod ug=rw,o=r filename
assigns read and write permissions to user and group, and only read permission to others.
Permissions can also be expressed and set using the octal numeric system. Each permission is associated to a number:
Read = 4
Write = 2
Execute = 1
You need to come up with a number for the file owner, another number for the group and a last one for the other users. If you want to assign read, write and execute permissions to file owner, you add up the three values, thus getting a 7. If you want to assign same permissions to group and others, you come up with three sevens. You can set these permissions like this:
chmod 777 filename
If you set permissions for a file with the following command:
chmod 764 filename
then you’re establishing these permissions: read, write and execute for file owner (4+2+1=7), read and write for group (4+2=6) and only read for others (4).
The following commands are equivalent:
chmod ug=rw,o=r filename
chmod 664 filename
The file permissions schema lets you implement security policies. It is not a good idea to set file permissions high (e.g.: 777) for all files. It is important to think about it and assign the right permissions to the files, so users can do their job, and we are sure each file is accessed only by the right people.
Installing Linux – 5 Things To Consider First
Linux the way to go?
Well that’s a question that does not have a simple answer. Some people, mostly hardcore gurus, will say “Yes it sure is!” but believe it or not there are people who still like Windows.
When it comes to deciding between installing Linux instead of Windows (or any other operating system) you must keep various things in mind. Below is a list of the five key things you need to consider before choosing.
1. Is this going to be used as a desktop or server system? – Linux has been primarily used in the mainstream server world as web and ftp servers. There are many types of servers that you can run with Linux such as DHCP (BOOTP in Linux terms), directory services (LDAP), and many more.
2. What software is going to run on this computer? – There are many applications that still have not been written for Linux. Check with your software vendor before installing Linux to see if they have a version of their software that will work.
3. Are you going to be playing games? – As with other software, there are lots of games that have not be ported over to Linux. If you are really into a certain game and it does not exist in a Linux version you might want to consider staying with Windows.
4. What is your level of computer knowledge? – Since Linux is completely different than Windows you will probably have to learn everything from scratch. Things such as installing software, booting up, and deleting files are completely different. If you are not willing to take some time to learn a new operating system then you may want to steer clear.
5. What is the price? – Well with Linux there are two price ranges, free and not so free. The main idea behind Linux is the “Open Source” concept. This basically means that the code of the operating system is free to use, distribute, and modify at your will. This is good because most Linux distributions are free. It also means that companies can package and sell it under their own name. Ordinarily if you want to go with Linux you should stick with the free versions.
After you have considered these five questions you should have a good idea of whether or not to install Linux on your computer. The main benefit of Linux is that there are tons of free versions out there. Over the past few years Linux, in general, has grown quite well and there are many resources, on the web, where you can find information, explanations, and tutorials on just about anything to do with it.
Well that’s a question that does not have a simple answer. Some people, mostly hardcore gurus, will say “Yes it sure is!” but believe it or not there are people who still like Windows.
When it comes to deciding between installing Linux instead of Windows (or any other operating system) you must keep various things in mind. Below is a list of the five key things you need to consider before choosing.
1. Is this going to be used as a desktop or server system? – Linux has been primarily used in the mainstream server world as web and ftp servers. There are many types of servers that you can run with Linux such as DHCP (BOOTP in Linux terms), directory services (LDAP), and many more.
2. What software is going to run on this computer? – There are many applications that still have not been written for Linux. Check with your software vendor before installing Linux to see if they have a version of their software that will work.
3. Are you going to be playing games? – As with other software, there are lots of games that have not be ported over to Linux. If you are really into a certain game and it does not exist in a Linux version you might want to consider staying with Windows.
4. What is your level of computer knowledge? – Since Linux is completely different than Windows you will probably have to learn everything from scratch. Things such as installing software, booting up, and deleting files are completely different. If you are not willing to take some time to learn a new operating system then you may want to steer clear.
5. What is the price? – Well with Linux there are two price ranges, free and not so free. The main idea behind Linux is the “Open Source” concept. This basically means that the code of the operating system is free to use, distribute, and modify at your will. This is good because most Linux distributions are free. It also means that companies can package and sell it under their own name. Ordinarily if you want to go with Linux you should stick with the free versions.
After you have considered these five questions you should have a good idea of whether or not to install Linux on your computer. The main benefit of Linux is that there are tons of free versions out there. Over the past few years Linux, in general, has grown quite well and there are many resources, on the web, where you can find information, explanations, and tutorials on just about anything to do with it.
Linux Unix options for Small Businesses
Linux/Unix is an alternate type of system that provides hosting for small businesses and companies that run Linux/Unix applications on their personal computers and laptops. The Linux/Unix-based platform is stable platform in the industry.
The Linux operating system was developed by Linus Torvalds as an alternative to other operating systems. Most of its versions are free of costs. The most popular Linux software is Red Hat and Mandrake.
Linux/Unix was only for professionals until a few years ago but the situation has changed. Many 'small businesses have switched to the Linux/Unix platform because of its open source architecture, meaning that users can structure the system to do what they want it to do.
Web host providers are specializing in Linux/Unix servers and the demand for this type of interface has grown by 40% over the last three years. A Unix-based platform is one of the most reliable operating system that you can ever have. It has a better up time than Microsoft Operating Systems and hosting programs in Linux/Unix are more flexible. You actually can get ore from a Linux/Unix based server than other servers on the market.
Linux/Unix supports a wide variety of application languages, more than any other operating system. The most common applications of such kind include C, C++, Shell, Perl, Tcl, Python, Java and PHP. Databases available for Unix are mSQL and mySQL. The one you choose would depend on what you plan to do on the web and the host that you choose to park your web site.
The Linux/Unix based system comes with its won web development module in some versions of Red Hat Linux that make web site creation easy as 1-2-3. FTP modules are built into the operating system to provide you with an alternative way to load the web site to the Linux/Unix host.
Linux/Unix will become a major force in the future as more small to medium businesses turn towards its hosting platform.
The Linux operating system was developed by Linus Torvalds as an alternative to other operating systems. Most of its versions are free of costs. The most popular Linux software is Red Hat and Mandrake.
Linux/Unix was only for professionals until a few years ago but the situation has changed. Many 'small businesses have switched to the Linux/Unix platform because of its open source architecture, meaning that users can structure the system to do what they want it to do.
Web host providers are specializing in Linux/Unix servers and the demand for this type of interface has grown by 40% over the last three years. A Unix-based platform is one of the most reliable operating system that you can ever have. It has a better up time than Microsoft Operating Systems and hosting programs in Linux/Unix are more flexible. You actually can get ore from a Linux/Unix based server than other servers on the market.
Linux/Unix supports a wide variety of application languages, more than any other operating system. The most common applications of such kind include C, C++, Shell, Perl, Tcl, Python, Java and PHP. Databases available for Unix are mSQL and mySQL. The one you choose would depend on what you plan to do on the web and the host that you choose to park your web site.
The Linux/Unix based system comes with its won web development module in some versions of Red Hat Linux that make web site creation easy as 1-2-3. FTP modules are built into the operating system to provide you with an alternative way to load the web site to the Linux/Unix host.
Linux/Unix will become a major force in the future as more small to medium businesses turn towards its hosting platform.
Linux: Find Files Containing Text
Because of our being forgetful in nature, we oftentimes forget the files that we have created. We can only be fortunate if we can still remember the path, folder, or directory where we have stored those missing files. If that's the case, it would never be a big deal then. However, trully this a big problem and even painful if we can't even remember where we have placed the missing files in our computer. "Simple," I'm hearing you... "find it." Yeah, we can find it. But wait, do you know the filename?
Forgetting files and forgetting the filenames are most common in us. I will never believe somebody out there have a photographic memory and has never experienced missing some of the files he had created before. For sure, we all have gone through that frightening experience especially if the file that is missing is so precious to us.
In Windows, this problem can easily be addressed just by using the find or search tool in the Start menu. Can you remember some texts or phrases in the filename? Use "find files with names" and unleash the power of the wildcard character (*). For example, if you can only remember the word "statistic" in the filename, then search for "*statistic*" and that will search for files with the word "statistic" in the filename. "I can't even remember a word in the filename," again I can hear you saying that. Well, I don't think you can't even remeber even a single word in the file content itself. If you can't remember even a word or phrase in the filename then go for the file content itself. In Windows, still you can search for files containing some texts that you specify in your "find files containing text" input box. That will absolutely solve your problem of forgetting words in the filename itself.
However, if you are in Linux, the whole thing would be more different and complex than it is in Windows especially if you are just a normal user dependent on the GUI interface. Linux is more on executing commands from a shell.
So if you are a normal user and that you are facing the "missing files" problem in Linux, don't worry, I will show you the most common methods in solving this issue:
Find files that contain a text string
grep -lir "text to find" *
The -l switch outputs only the names of files in which the text occurs (instead of each line containing the text), the -i switch ignores the case, and the -r descends into subdirectories.
Find files containing search terms on Ubuntu
To find files containing keywords, linux has a powerful command called grep, which you can use to find the lines inside any file or a list of files.
grep -i -n ‘text to search' *
List files containing text
Used to recursively search a directory for files containing a string, output the names of the files and the line number. This will search all regular files in for .
grep --with-filename --line-number `find -type f`
Forgetting files and forgetting the filenames are most common in us. I will never believe somebody out there have a photographic memory and has never experienced missing some of the files he had created before. For sure, we all have gone through that frightening experience especially if the file that is missing is so precious to us.
In Windows, this problem can easily be addressed just by using the find or search tool in the Start menu. Can you remember some texts or phrases in the filename? Use "find files with names" and unleash the power of the wildcard character (*). For example, if you can only remember the word "statistic" in the filename, then search for "*statistic*" and that will search for files with the word "statistic" in the filename. "I can't even remember a word in the filename," again I can hear you saying that. Well, I don't think you can't even remeber even a single word in the file content itself. If you can't remember even a word or phrase in the filename then go for the file content itself. In Windows, still you can search for files containing some texts that you specify in your "find files containing text" input box. That will absolutely solve your problem of forgetting words in the filename itself.
However, if you are in Linux, the whole thing would be more different and complex than it is in Windows especially if you are just a normal user dependent on the GUI interface. Linux is more on executing commands from a shell.
So if you are a normal user and that you are facing the "missing files" problem in Linux, don't worry, I will show you the most common methods in solving this issue:
Find files that contain a text string
grep -lir "text to find" *
The -l switch outputs only the names of files in which the text occurs (instead of each line containing the text), the -i switch ignores the case, and the -r descends into subdirectories.
Find files containing search terms on Ubuntu
To find files containing keywords, linux has a powerful command called grep, which you can use to find the lines inside any file or a list of files.
grep -i -n ‘text to search' *
List files containing text
Used to recursively search a directory for files containing a string, output the names of the files and the line number. This will search all regular files in for .
grep --with-filename --line-number `find -type f`
Linux Freely Available ?Linux Free ? Confused Enough ?
Many new Linux users are confused by the terms bantered around – Free, Freely Available, Commercial Distributions and Shareware.
The confusion comes primarily from the description and terms “Freely Available “and “Free’ and their distinctions.
Linux is open source software which means any software developer can add on to change the product’s basic source code. This is diametrically opposed to a strict proprietary concept such as Microsoft’s approach which is to own and have control the software and its code lock stock and barrel. There are some advantages to the proprietary approach particularly if you are dealing with a major mainstream product with millions and millions of users many of who are foolish novices; Life has enough problems without throwing in a monkey wrench to complicate efforts. Remember that if only 1/10 of 1 % of users think that if the computer throws out an error message commonly “ You have committed an illegal actions “ and run to lock their doors as the police are coming then that small percentage is a lot of people.
The confusion arises in that the source code and any changes made to it must be made “freely available “... Whiskey may be “freely available “at your local saloon but that does not make it free of cost to you as a customer. However in actuality much of the software available in the Linux world is given away at no charge or cost except with the proviso that changes and work done to source code must be made available to others without restriction.
Linux applications differ widely in cost and appearance. Many new Linux users are confused by the apparently contradictory terms used in Linux software product descriptions. These are “Freely Available Software “, “Shareware “and “Commercial Linux Applications”.
Freely available software is available for free use by the end user. Although software may be freely available, it is often not the same thing as “Public Domain “software. Public Domain Software is software that is freely given on the open market either by the permission of the software developer or by being older than copyright constraints , that you as a user can do anything you wish to in terms of use , redistribution or changes. However “Freely Available Software “is different in that it is often owned and copywriter by the owner, author (or authors) who then allow people to use and / or make modifications to it. The term “Freely Available Software “ can be further divided into software that you can either “Freely Copy” or “ Freely Distribute”. Some people make their software “Freely Available “only if you copy or download it from a particular site or from a non commercial distribution. Other people will let you copy their software from anywhere. Copying restrictions usually apply to people making a commercial distribution, not to the end user of the distribution. The distribution maker has the responsibility to be in compliance with the package’s copying restrictions which are usually outlined in the program’s source code or about or Help sections.
A lot of freely available software can be obtained by downloads on the internet. Some can be bought in physical form from commercial retail outlets either online or at a physical location.
Many freely available applications have been converted from UNIX to OS/2, Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 and XP. And other operating systems... If you use an application that has been ported to many operating systems you will be able to carry your skills and data to alternate platforms if you wish to or have to change for one reason or another.
“NonFree Applications “consist of commercial applications and shareware applications. Commercial applications are sold outright. Shareware programs may be tried out and evaluated then either not used, uninstalled or a license key purchased. Sometimes shareware programs may be used for free in a home environment but purchased if used within a business setting.
Hopefully now the distinctions between these terms bantered around in the Linux software distribution distro and downloads sites will be clearer to you now.
The confusion comes primarily from the description and terms “Freely Available “and “Free’ and their distinctions.
Linux is open source software which means any software developer can add on to change the product’s basic source code. This is diametrically opposed to a strict proprietary concept such as Microsoft’s approach which is to own and have control the software and its code lock stock and barrel. There are some advantages to the proprietary approach particularly if you are dealing with a major mainstream product with millions and millions of users many of who are foolish novices; Life has enough problems without throwing in a monkey wrench to complicate efforts. Remember that if only 1/10 of 1 % of users think that if the computer throws out an error message commonly “ You have committed an illegal actions “ and run to lock their doors as the police are coming then that small percentage is a lot of people.
The confusion arises in that the source code and any changes made to it must be made “freely available “... Whiskey may be “freely available “at your local saloon but that does not make it free of cost to you as a customer. However in actuality much of the software available in the Linux world is given away at no charge or cost except with the proviso that changes and work done to source code must be made available to others without restriction.
Linux applications differ widely in cost and appearance. Many new Linux users are confused by the apparently contradictory terms used in Linux software product descriptions. These are “Freely Available Software “, “Shareware “and “Commercial Linux Applications”.
Freely available software is available for free use by the end user. Although software may be freely available, it is often not the same thing as “Public Domain “software. Public Domain Software is software that is freely given on the open market either by the permission of the software developer or by being older than copyright constraints , that you as a user can do anything you wish to in terms of use , redistribution or changes. However “Freely Available Software “is different in that it is often owned and copywriter by the owner, author (or authors) who then allow people to use and / or make modifications to it. The term “Freely Available Software “ can be further divided into software that you can either “Freely Copy” or “ Freely Distribute”. Some people make their software “Freely Available “only if you copy or download it from a particular site or from a non commercial distribution. Other people will let you copy their software from anywhere. Copying restrictions usually apply to people making a commercial distribution, not to the end user of the distribution. The distribution maker has the responsibility to be in compliance with the package’s copying restrictions which are usually outlined in the program’s source code or about or Help sections.
A lot of freely available software can be obtained by downloads on the internet. Some can be bought in physical form from commercial retail outlets either online or at a physical location.
Many freely available applications have been converted from UNIX to OS/2, Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 and XP. And other operating systems... If you use an application that has been ported to many operating systems you will be able to carry your skills and data to alternate platforms if you wish to or have to change for one reason or another.
“NonFree Applications “consist of commercial applications and shareware applications. Commercial applications are sold outright. Shareware programs may be tried out and evaluated then either not used, uninstalled or a license key purchased. Sometimes shareware programs may be used for free in a home environment but purchased if used within a business setting.
Hopefully now the distinctions between these terms bantered around in the Linux software distribution distro and downloads sites will be clearer to you now.
Linux On The Desktop?
Linux is an "open source" operating system originally developed by a engineer from Finland named Linus Torvalds. Linux was released under an early version of the GNU "General Public License", or GPL, by which any user that wanted to work with Linux was free to do so. Though it has evolved considerably over the years, it has yet to eclipse the popularity of Microsoft's Windows operating system at the consumer and small business level- which is dominated by "desktop" computer sales.
Sun, IBM and HP all have produced servers that utilize Linux - and it is in the server - database environment that Linux has thrived since its inception. The two major software companies that have produced successive versions of Linux software are Novell and Red Hat, both of which have taken an open source (free) operating system and equipped it with a variety of software packages tailored to various requirements, in order to create proprietary products.
While Linux based systems drive some cell phones and can be found in ordinary PCs, the primary competition between Red Hat and Novell has been in the "enterprise space," that segment of the software universe which focuses on linking business users to databases. Now, Red Hat has announced its intention to move into the "business desktop" market with a new series of adaptations. According to Red Hat, "This will be a more comprehensive offering that will target markets like the small and medium-sized business [SMB] sector and emerging markets. Part of this strategy is to get the desktop more to the masses than our existing client is getting today."
In the war of press releases, Novell claims to have made these strides already, and that what Red Hat is defining as desktop functionality is really an expansion of business functions - which Novell claims to have achieved already. And indeed, a spokesman for Red Hat notes that the company has "no plans to go and sell this offering at Best Buy... [for]...the mass consumer market. Customers will be able to download it and get a Red Hat Network subscription on the Web for it, which is what we feel is the distribution wave of the future anyway..."
So how do home users that venture into the Linux world feel about it? Many of them who have blogged about it feel that it's the greatest operating system out there but it is not ready for mass consumption simply because too many ancillary software elements and computer appendages aren't adapted for it. One self described "geek" who uses Linux, Windows Vista AND XP finds Linux to be a great operating system for browser use, but a simple task like hooking up a printer to a Linux driven PC can be a real challenge.
He adds, "If you're accustomed to watching DVDs, Windows Media or QuickTime files on your computer, then you're in for a challenge. Most Linux distributions (at least the major ones anyway) don't include this functionality by default because the codecs (software that displays the various encoded video file formats like Windows Media) aren't free. In many cases they're downright illegal. The same situation exists with MP3, arguably the most popular format for audio (notably audio you rip from your CD collection)."
It's a great operating system, but plug-and-play functionality for home computers isn't there yet. And neither Red Hat nor Novell have any intention of invading the home consumer "space." For now, they're content to battle it out by expanding their business-based products.
Sun, IBM and HP all have produced servers that utilize Linux - and it is in the server - database environment that Linux has thrived since its inception. The two major software companies that have produced successive versions of Linux software are Novell and Red Hat, both of which have taken an open source (free) operating system and equipped it with a variety of software packages tailored to various requirements, in order to create proprietary products.
While Linux based systems drive some cell phones and can be found in ordinary PCs, the primary competition between Red Hat and Novell has been in the "enterprise space," that segment of the software universe which focuses on linking business users to databases. Now, Red Hat has announced its intention to move into the "business desktop" market with a new series of adaptations. According to Red Hat, "This will be a more comprehensive offering that will target markets like the small and medium-sized business [SMB] sector and emerging markets. Part of this strategy is to get the desktop more to the masses than our existing client is getting today."
In the war of press releases, Novell claims to have made these strides already, and that what Red Hat is defining as desktop functionality is really an expansion of business functions - which Novell claims to have achieved already. And indeed, a spokesman for Red Hat notes that the company has "no plans to go and sell this offering at Best Buy... [for]...the mass consumer market. Customers will be able to download it and get a Red Hat Network subscription on the Web for it, which is what we feel is the distribution wave of the future anyway..."
So how do home users that venture into the Linux world feel about it? Many of them who have blogged about it feel that it's the greatest operating system out there but it is not ready for mass consumption simply because too many ancillary software elements and computer appendages aren't adapted for it. One self described "geek" who uses Linux, Windows Vista AND XP finds Linux to be a great operating system for browser use, but a simple task like hooking up a printer to a Linux driven PC can be a real challenge.
He adds, "If you're accustomed to watching DVDs, Windows Media or QuickTime files on your computer, then you're in for a challenge. Most Linux distributions (at least the major ones anyway) don't include this functionality by default because the codecs (software that displays the various encoded video file formats like Windows Media) aren't free. In many cases they're downright illegal. The same situation exists with MP3, arguably the most popular format for audio (notably audio you rip from your CD collection)."
It's a great operating system, but plug-and-play functionality for home computers isn't there yet. And neither Red Hat nor Novell have any intention of invading the home consumer "space." For now, they're content to battle it out by expanding their business-based products.
Linux options for Small Businesses
Linux is an alternate type of system that provides hosting for small businesses and companies that run Linux applications on their personal computers and laptops. The Linux-based platform is stable platform in the industry.
The Linux operating system was developed by Linus Torvalds as an alternative to other operating systems. Most of its versions are free of costs. The most popular Linux software is Red Hat and Mandrake.
Linux was only for professionals until a few years ago but the situation has changed. Many 'small businesses have switched to the Linux platform because of its open source architecture, meaning that users can structure the system to do what they want it to do.
Web host providers are specializing in Linux servers and the demand for this type of interface has grown by 40% over the last three years. A Unix-based platform is one of the most reliable operating system that you can ever have. It has a better up time than Microsoft Operating Systems and hosting programs in Linux are more flexible. You actually can get ore from a Linux based server than other servers on the market.
Linux supports a wide variety of application languages, more than any other operating system. The most common applications of such kind include C, C++, Shell, Perl, Tcl, Python, Java and PHP. Databases available for Unix are mSQL and mySQL. The one you choose would depend on what you plan to do on the web and the host that you choose to park your web site.
The Linux based system comes with its won web development module in some versions of Red Hat Linux that make web site creation easy as 1-2-3. FTP modules are built into the operating system to provide you with an alternative way to load the web site to the Linux host.
Linux will become a major force in the future as more small to medium businesses turn towards its hosting platform.
The Linux operating system was developed by Linus Torvalds as an alternative to other operating systems. Most of its versions are free of costs. The most popular Linux software is Red Hat and Mandrake.
Linux was only for professionals until a few years ago but the situation has changed. Many 'small businesses have switched to the Linux platform because of its open source architecture, meaning that users can structure the system to do what they want it to do.
Web host providers are specializing in Linux servers and the demand for this type of interface has grown by 40% over the last three years. A Unix-based platform is one of the most reliable operating system that you can ever have. It has a better up time than Microsoft Operating Systems and hosting programs in Linux are more flexible. You actually can get ore from a Linux based server than other servers on the market.
Linux supports a wide variety of application languages, more than any other operating system. The most common applications of such kind include C, C++, Shell, Perl, Tcl, Python, Java and PHP. Databases available for Unix are mSQL and mySQL. The one you choose would depend on what you plan to do on the web and the host that you choose to park your web site.
The Linux based system comes with its won web development module in some versions of Red Hat Linux that make web site creation easy as 1-2-3. FTP modules are built into the operating system to provide you with an alternative way to load the web site to the Linux host.
Linux will become a major force in the future as more small to medium businesses turn towards its hosting platform.
Linux or Windows - Which is it?
Computer users and programmers have become so accustomed to using Windows, even for the changing capabilities and the appearances of the graphical interface of the versions, therefore it has remained Microsoft's product. Although, Lycoris, Red Hat, Mandrake, Suse, Knoppix, Slackware and Lindows make up some of the different versions of LINUX. These companies release their own versions of the operating systems with minor changes, and yet always with the same bottom line. The simple fact that not one of these companies are close to competing with Windows, for the most part causes the difference in market share.
It sometimes seems everyone on the planet is using Windows. Many say Windows is way better than LINUX because of the simple handling of the software or hardware. There are huge differences between the number of users of LINUX and Windows. Many say LINUX is far better because it started as an Open Source software and thus is more flexible than Windows. Then what accounts for the enormous difference in market share between these two operating systems?
Windows and Linux are different in many ways.
1. Windows GUI is an integral component of the OS; speed, efficiency and reliability, while the Linux GUI is optional, are increased by running a server instance of Linux without a GUI, something that server versions of Windows simply can't do. The nature of the Linux GUI makes remote administration of a Linux computer easier with a more natural feel than Windows computers.
2. The command prompts of the operating systems are very different. The command interpreters in the Windows 9x series are very similar to each other and the NT class versions of Windows also have similar command interpreters. There are, however differences between a Windows 9x command interpreter and one in an NT class flavor of Windows. Linux, like UNIX, also supports multiple command interpreters, but it usually uses BASH or "Bourne Again Shell".
3. While you have to pay hundred's of dollars for a new Windows version, you can just go download Linux. There's no manuals or simple installers for the free version. Although there is quite a learning curve when utilizing the free package. There are some easy automated packages of Linux for low prices.
Microsoft's "big con" is the supposed security issues with windows. Most spyware, adware and malicious files programs work with Windows just fine. In general you do not deal with these kinds of circumstances unless you are working with Windows. whereas Linux offers a strong protection, password protection for Windows can be bypassed with ease.
The software availability is the key to why Windows wins over Linux in this competition. Most software releases are already configured for Windows. If you chose to use Linux you must copy Windows with special software in order to use your windows based programs. You could always install Windows as a subsystem to Linux, this would take the administrative capabilities of Windows and allow them to funtion on Linux.
If Linux is ever to compete with Windows, it must become more user friendly and provide serious technical support.
It sometimes seems everyone on the planet is using Windows. Many say Windows is way better than LINUX because of the simple handling of the software or hardware. There are huge differences between the number of users of LINUX and Windows. Many say LINUX is far better because it started as an Open Source software and thus is more flexible than Windows. Then what accounts for the enormous difference in market share between these two operating systems?
Windows and Linux are different in many ways.
1. Windows GUI is an integral component of the OS; speed, efficiency and reliability, while the Linux GUI is optional, are increased by running a server instance of Linux without a GUI, something that server versions of Windows simply can't do. The nature of the Linux GUI makes remote administration of a Linux computer easier with a more natural feel than Windows computers.
2. The command prompts of the operating systems are very different. The command interpreters in the Windows 9x series are very similar to each other and the NT class versions of Windows also have similar command interpreters. There are, however differences between a Windows 9x command interpreter and one in an NT class flavor of Windows. Linux, like UNIX, also supports multiple command interpreters, but it usually uses BASH or "Bourne Again Shell".
3. While you have to pay hundred's of dollars for a new Windows version, you can just go download Linux. There's no manuals or simple installers for the free version. Although there is quite a learning curve when utilizing the free package. There are some easy automated packages of Linux for low prices.
Microsoft's "big con" is the supposed security issues with windows. Most spyware, adware and malicious files programs work with Windows just fine. In general you do not deal with these kinds of circumstances unless you are working with Windows. whereas Linux offers a strong protection, password protection for Windows can be bypassed with ease.
The software availability is the key to why Windows wins over Linux in this competition. Most software releases are already configured for Windows. If you chose to use Linux you must copy Windows with special software in order to use your windows based programs. You could always install Windows as a subsystem to Linux, this would take the administrative capabilities of Windows and allow them to funtion on Linux.
If Linux is ever to compete with Windows, it must become more user friendly and provide serious technical support.
Linux Software is Cool, Linux is Edgy, Linux is Free
Linux can save your business money. Powerful Linux applications power servers, desktops and laptops across enterprises and small businesses each day. Here in our business, our websites are open source, our support module is Linux, the CRM application and the Accounting system we use to run our business is open source software. Best of all our Linux tools, operating systems and applications, are all freely distributed.
Linux people are different. They search for power and function, but that is not all sought. Linux people believe that software should be freely distributed. The Linux community respects Microsoft; fantastic company whose apps like Office have improve millions of lives, really cool. But the dark secret in Linux circles paints Microsoft as a dinosaur, Linux people believe that expensive software with painful upgrade fees is headed for trouble.
Bill Gates Sees a "Sea Change" in Application Software
Microsoft sells operating systems and applications, and keeps on selling them. Backward compatibility with applications like Word can be hard and is this pain is by design. Microsoft wants to create pain and then fix, with upgrades. Microsoft wants upgrade dollars. This software model is starting to collect some rust. And the reason for this: free software is good. Free software is now available; free business applications to run your business, which are maintained, supported and best of all, are freely distributed. Bill Gates’s vision has focused on the on-line delivery model and even the free application delivery model. Please read his on-line business application comments right here.
Linux Distributions are a Personal Choice
Linux is built in distributions or releases, all slightly different. Ubuntu, a terrific linux distribution, is so good that it may be nudging Windows off desktops. Ubuntu is easy to deploy and easy to use plus it is loaded with applications for home users and business users. The Ubuntu desktop market share numbers are still viewed with a magnifying glass, but not too long ago, you needed a microscope. Ubuntu is easy to install and easy to use. Just get the software at the website and burn a CD. Ubuntu has just one CD or one ISO which loads in a snap. Red Hat, another distribution has 6 and takes much longer to complete. Ubuntu is lean because after the initial setup the user can craft his Ubuntu system just how he likes. The internet has Ubuntu distribution sites that power a tool called apt-get. All you do is apt-get install from a command line or user the Add Software GUI tools and you are getting the best linux apps right off the shelf and put right into your menu.
Ubuntu Distribution
The Ubuntu distribution has an Office suite with word processing, a spreadsheet, and presentation modules. All work can be saved in common formats like .doc or xls and are completely compatible with Microsoft products. The base Ubuntu application is loaded with graphics applications, CD, DVD burning and creation, multi-media including music and movie players, back-up apps, powerful anti-virus tools and networking applications that are best of breed. There is built in VOIP and message clients and many cool apps like Sticky Notes to make you more efficient.
Free Business Linux Applications
GNU Cash, free financial tracking, similar to Quicken. Cut an invoice, track bank accounts, run a budget and report your cash flow. Import your bank files and create buckets of spend for your financial analysis that will make an accountant jealous.
PBX and Phone Systems
Elastix will power up your phones. Did you know that most PBX commercial software is run using a freely distributed tool called Astericks. Elastix has re-packaged Astericks to ease the deployment and offers support. Expensive PBXs are not necessary. Linux has adapted other telephony tools like VOIP, predictive dialers, and call center solutions.
Do you need a content management system? A website or an intranet for your company. Plone, Drupal, Joomla deliver big. The functionality in these freely distributed tools match the priciest CMS software. The tools are supported and you can even buy how to books at your local bookstore.
Customer Relationship Management and CRM
How about sales tools, CRM or order management, even inventory management software?. Full power CRM or customer relationship management tools are available for free or for super low prices. DataForceCRM, based in Dallas, is deploying a sugarcrm linux derivative that has been enhanced and strengthened and customers are shaving 80% off typical user fees. DataForceCRM offers wikis, forums, full documentation and will make sure user adoption is high. The tool is super flexible, has Outlook integration, manages marketing, tracks sales, eyeballs inventory, push button order management, gives customers’s a support tool and is Freely distributed to companies with less than 10 users. If your business has over 10 users, prices are still a bargain.
Companies pay high prices for customer support modules. OTRS, another open source backbone application in commercial applications, is there for the download and configuration. After set up your business will have a fully featured, professional trouble ticket tracker helping your clients get what they need.
Virtualization is taking IT departments by storm. Virtualization turns your single computer, you need some memory, into many virtual machines. This streamlines hardware usage and turns hard ware utilization way up. State of the art Virtualization called Xen comes with many linux distributions. In Ubuntu do apt-get install vmware-server and a fine tool is on its way to your machine.
The coolest thing about Linux is that in the 30 minutes I took to write this article, more applications were probably released. Sourceforge.net, a depository for linux tools is one of the busiest sites on the internet and full of Linux value added applications. Just yesterday I needed to edit a PDF. I google up pdfnet and there I went, for free. Very cool, ERP, or enterprise resource planning is free too. Linux support was targeted for genius level IQs but not any longer.
Conclusion
Companies realize good training and support drives value. Applications, even if free, are expensive if the learning curve is steep and if users are not guide. Smart open source companies are rolling out support modules to all service all learning types, wikis, live chat, forums, documentation and live phone contacts. Now with support in place, training available communities grow and grow. The applications I mentioned hit the tipping point where the user community is user support. Just this morning I was stumped with a virtual machine question. I googled the error code and added for Ubuntu. The page came up faster than I could call support, and the answer was clearly defined. Cool.
New technology can be daunting to learn and use. The linux world knows this and just in the last few years, has put strong arms around user friendliness. Opensource software is easy to deploy, easy to use, powerful and supported. I just covered a tiny fraction of applications available today. Just for fun, visit the sites in this article. Check out the super cool applications and then put a number to your potential savings. You may become a Linux Geek.
Linux people are different. They search for power and function, but that is not all sought. Linux people believe that software should be freely distributed. The Linux community respects Microsoft; fantastic company whose apps like Office have improve millions of lives, really cool. But the dark secret in Linux circles paints Microsoft as a dinosaur, Linux people believe that expensive software with painful upgrade fees is headed for trouble.
Bill Gates Sees a "Sea Change" in Application Software
Microsoft sells operating systems and applications, and keeps on selling them. Backward compatibility with applications like Word can be hard and is this pain is by design. Microsoft wants to create pain and then fix, with upgrades. Microsoft wants upgrade dollars. This software model is starting to collect some rust. And the reason for this: free software is good. Free software is now available; free business applications to run your business, which are maintained, supported and best of all, are freely distributed. Bill Gates’s vision has focused on the on-line delivery model and even the free application delivery model. Please read his on-line business application comments right here.
Linux Distributions are a Personal Choice
Linux is built in distributions or releases, all slightly different. Ubuntu, a terrific linux distribution, is so good that it may be nudging Windows off desktops. Ubuntu is easy to deploy and easy to use plus it is loaded with applications for home users and business users. The Ubuntu desktop market share numbers are still viewed with a magnifying glass, but not too long ago, you needed a microscope. Ubuntu is easy to install and easy to use. Just get the software at the website and burn a CD. Ubuntu has just one CD or one ISO which loads in a snap. Red Hat, another distribution has 6 and takes much longer to complete. Ubuntu is lean because after the initial setup the user can craft his Ubuntu system just how he likes. The internet has Ubuntu distribution sites that power a tool called apt-get. All you do is apt-get install from a command line or user the Add Software GUI tools and you are getting the best linux apps right off the shelf and put right into your menu.
Ubuntu Distribution
The Ubuntu distribution has an Office suite with word processing, a spreadsheet, and presentation modules. All work can be saved in common formats like .doc or xls and are completely compatible with Microsoft products. The base Ubuntu application is loaded with graphics applications, CD, DVD burning and creation, multi-media including music and movie players, back-up apps, powerful anti-virus tools and networking applications that are best of breed. There is built in VOIP and message clients and many cool apps like Sticky Notes to make you more efficient.
Free Business Linux Applications
GNU Cash, free financial tracking, similar to Quicken. Cut an invoice, track bank accounts, run a budget and report your cash flow. Import your bank files and create buckets of spend for your financial analysis that will make an accountant jealous.
PBX and Phone Systems
Elastix will power up your phones. Did you know that most PBX commercial software is run using a freely distributed tool called Astericks. Elastix has re-packaged Astericks to ease the deployment and offers support. Expensive PBXs are not necessary. Linux has adapted other telephony tools like VOIP, predictive dialers, and call center solutions.
Do you need a content management system? A website or an intranet for your company. Plone, Drupal, Joomla deliver big. The functionality in these freely distributed tools match the priciest CMS software. The tools are supported and you can even buy how to books at your local bookstore.
Customer Relationship Management and CRM
How about sales tools, CRM or order management, even inventory management software?. Full power CRM or customer relationship management tools are available for free or for super low prices. DataForceCRM, based in Dallas, is deploying a sugarcrm linux derivative that has been enhanced and strengthened and customers are shaving 80% off typical user fees. DataForceCRM offers wikis, forums, full documentation and will make sure user adoption is high. The tool is super flexible, has Outlook integration, manages marketing, tracks sales, eyeballs inventory, push button order management, gives customers’s a support tool and is Freely distributed to companies with less than 10 users. If your business has over 10 users, prices are still a bargain.
Companies pay high prices for customer support modules. OTRS, another open source backbone application in commercial applications, is there for the download and configuration. After set up your business will have a fully featured, professional trouble ticket tracker helping your clients get what they need.
Virtualization is taking IT departments by storm. Virtualization turns your single computer, you need some memory, into many virtual machines. This streamlines hardware usage and turns hard ware utilization way up. State of the art Virtualization called Xen comes with many linux distributions. In Ubuntu do apt-get install vmware-server and a fine tool is on its way to your machine.
The coolest thing about Linux is that in the 30 minutes I took to write this article, more applications were probably released. Sourceforge.net, a depository for linux tools is one of the busiest sites on the internet and full of Linux value added applications. Just yesterday I needed to edit a PDF. I google up pdfnet and there I went, for free. Very cool, ERP, or enterprise resource planning is free too. Linux support was targeted for genius level IQs but not any longer.
Conclusion
Companies realize good training and support drives value. Applications, even if free, are expensive if the learning curve is steep and if users are not guide. Smart open source companies are rolling out support modules to all service all learning types, wikis, live chat, forums, documentation and live phone contacts. Now with support in place, training available communities grow and grow. The applications I mentioned hit the tipping point where the user community is user support. Just this morning I was stumped with a virtual machine question. I googled the error code and added for Ubuntu. The page came up faster than I could call support, and the answer was clearly defined. Cool.
New technology can be daunting to learn and use. The linux world knows this and just in the last few years, has put strong arms around user friendliness. Opensource software is easy to deploy, easy to use, powerful and supported. I just covered a tiny fraction of applications available today. Just for fun, visit the sites in this article. Check out the super cool applications and then put a number to your potential savings. You may become a Linux Geek.
Linux vs. Windows web Hosting, does it make a difference?
One of the most confusing decisions someone new to web hosting will have to make is which platform their server should be on. There are a number of different choices out there but the main two are Linux and Windows web servers. There are also a lot of sources of information about hosting, but the majority of them are tainted by the author's biased personal opinion unfortunately confusing the issue. Having just put in some solid hours researching the topic I have come to the conclusion that in general it quite probably does not matter which server you use. For the majority of people it will be far more important to choose a really good web host than to worry about the server-type that they implement.
Microsoft developed and owns the Windows operating system. Linux is open source and generally free. This means it can often be more expensive to set up and run a Windows server. However, this fact doesn't really affect you unless you are actually setting up a server for yourself and if you're reading this article then I'm guessing that it's safe to assume you're not. This article is going to offer information for those trying to decide which hosting company to go with. The cost involved in running a server does not affect the cost of a web-hosting package as much as you may think. Despite the general opinion that Windows servers are more expensive to run, buying a Windows hosting package can often turn out to be just as cheap or even cheaper than an equivalent Linux hosting package.
Some people naturally assume that because their PC runs Windows they need to buy a Windows hosting package. This isn't true. Access to your web account will most likely be through FTP or a control panel and both servers support these methods. The main difference is that some of the FTP commands are slightly different between Linux and Windows and some FTP programs will be designed with one or the other in mind. This means you may occasionally find that when you try and get your FTP program to do something it returns an error message, but it won't happen very often.
Your choice of server platforms should be dictated by the use to which you intend to put it. The majority of web features run fine on both platforms including PHP, mySQL, POP3 etc. If you intend to create your site using ASP, FrontPage, the .NET environment, Windows Streaming Media, Access, MSSQL, or any of the other Microsoft proprietary technologies then you probably need to use a Windows host. There is limited support for a number of these technologies in Linux, but they can be expensive and are usually lacking in features. It is probably worth considering the fact that if you use server specific technologies and then change hosts you'll have a much harder time of it than if you use technologies that can be run on any system. Having it run generic technologies removes the need to focus on specifics and allows you to focus on the quality of service itself.
The reliability and stability of the different platforms have been the topic of many long arguments. The main reason that Windows is seen as being insecure is that it is the most widely used operating system for home PC's. People spend more time looking for flaws in the most common system. With Linux being the most common server type, it has a surprising number of successful hack attempts made on it. In the end the security of both platforms comes down to the competency of the system administrators. If you are security minded then you'll do better to make sure that the hosting company is reputable and highly skilled than to worry about the server they use.
In terms of performance there's not a huge difference between the two servers. Linux reportedly performs faster because Windows (as usual) attempts to offer an 'all in one' package instead of the extendable Linux implementation. You'll generally not notice a difference but if performance is of utmost importance to you then maybe this will influence your decision.
I've come to the conclusion that unless you are specifically using features that are unique to one platform or another your time will be much better spent looking for a really good quality host than a really good quality server. Developers are constantly improving both Linux and Windows so they should be fairly close in terms of features, security, and reliability for a long time. It's the people implementing them that you should be basing your decision on.
Microsoft developed and owns the Windows operating system. Linux is open source and generally free. This means it can often be more expensive to set up and run a Windows server. However, this fact doesn't really affect you unless you are actually setting up a server for yourself and if you're reading this article then I'm guessing that it's safe to assume you're not. This article is going to offer information for those trying to decide which hosting company to go with. The cost involved in running a server does not affect the cost of a web-hosting package as much as you may think. Despite the general opinion that Windows servers are more expensive to run, buying a Windows hosting package can often turn out to be just as cheap or even cheaper than an equivalent Linux hosting package.
Some people naturally assume that because their PC runs Windows they need to buy a Windows hosting package. This isn't true. Access to your web account will most likely be through FTP or a control panel and both servers support these methods. The main difference is that some of the FTP commands are slightly different between Linux and Windows and some FTP programs will be designed with one or the other in mind. This means you may occasionally find that when you try and get your FTP program to do something it returns an error message, but it won't happen very often.
Your choice of server platforms should be dictated by the use to which you intend to put it. The majority of web features run fine on both platforms including PHP, mySQL, POP3 etc. If you intend to create your site using ASP, FrontPage, the .NET environment, Windows Streaming Media, Access, MSSQL, or any of the other Microsoft proprietary technologies then you probably need to use a Windows host. There is limited support for a number of these technologies in Linux, but they can be expensive and are usually lacking in features. It is probably worth considering the fact that if you use server specific technologies and then change hosts you'll have a much harder time of it than if you use technologies that can be run on any system. Having it run generic technologies removes the need to focus on specifics and allows you to focus on the quality of service itself.
The reliability and stability of the different platforms have been the topic of many long arguments. The main reason that Windows is seen as being insecure is that it is the most widely used operating system for home PC's. People spend more time looking for flaws in the most common system. With Linux being the most common server type, it has a surprising number of successful hack attempts made on it. In the end the security of both platforms comes down to the competency of the system administrators. If you are security minded then you'll do better to make sure that the hosting company is reputable and highly skilled than to worry about the server they use.
In terms of performance there's not a huge difference between the two servers. Linux reportedly performs faster because Windows (as usual) attempts to offer an 'all in one' package instead of the extendable Linux implementation. You'll generally not notice a difference but if performance is of utmost importance to you then maybe this will influence your decision.
I've come to the conclusion that unless you are specifically using features that are unique to one platform or another your time will be much better spent looking for a really good quality host than a really good quality server. Developers are constantly improving both Linux and Windows so they should be fairly close in terms of features, security, and reliability for a long time. It's the people implementing them that you should be basing your decision on.
Linux Web Hosting May Be The Answer
There are many solutions for your web hosting needs, and Linux web hosting may be the answer to all of the questions you have ever had about the world of the Internet web hosting. In this article, you will read about the basics of Linux web hosting and the advantages that Linux web hosting will give for the personal or business web users.
Linux is also known as GNU/Linux. Linux is an operating system for computers that remains one of the most common examples of free software. Linux was designed by individuals who proposed the system first for their individual needs that were not been met by a major commercial operating system such as Windows. Best of all is that all of Linux code and source coding is also available to the general public for free use, and for modification purposes as well.
Linux has gained strong support from major computer companies such as IBM and Novell among others. Many personal users started choosing Linux as well. Today Linux use in systems ranges from personal computers to mobile phone computers. Linux is quickly gaining steam in the corporate world. Why? Here are the four answers: cost, effectiveness, security, and reliability.
Many reliable Linux web hosting companies have been in business for some nice time and are considered fairly reliable. These Linux web hosting providers are known for their knowledge and the services they can offer. Some sites boast of being in business for five years or more with several trained professionals on board to assist in offering their services, in technical support, and other elements to an effective web hosting company.
It's proven that Linux boasts a profit since the outset. So a Linux web hosting company follows in line with a strict tradition of turning heavy profit in little time and this signifies a lot to the consumer as many consumers react to profit in a positive way.
Linux is a growing operating system and many consumers and business owners are interested in running their online business using Linux web hosting.
Most Linux servers are using highly reliable software in their applications and frequently update their programs and services as well. You can get 24/7 support for your web hosting programming. This is really a useful feature, especially in dealing with newer hosting technology and services. Linux also uses innovative tools and features that help bring accessibility to new users and confidence to veteran users, by supplying every user with the basics to operate a successful web site.
Linux is also known as GNU/Linux. Linux is an operating system for computers that remains one of the most common examples of free software. Linux was designed by individuals who proposed the system first for their individual needs that were not been met by a major commercial operating system such as Windows. Best of all is that all of Linux code and source coding is also available to the general public for free use, and for modification purposes as well.
Linux has gained strong support from major computer companies such as IBM and Novell among others. Many personal users started choosing Linux as well. Today Linux use in systems ranges from personal computers to mobile phone computers. Linux is quickly gaining steam in the corporate world. Why? Here are the four answers: cost, effectiveness, security, and reliability.
Many reliable Linux web hosting companies have been in business for some nice time and are considered fairly reliable. These Linux web hosting providers are known for their knowledge and the services they can offer. Some sites boast of being in business for five years or more with several trained professionals on board to assist in offering their services, in technical support, and other elements to an effective web hosting company.
It's proven that Linux boasts a profit since the outset. So a Linux web hosting company follows in line with a strict tradition of turning heavy profit in little time and this signifies a lot to the consumer as many consumers react to profit in a positive way.
Linux is a growing operating system and many consumers and business owners are interested in running their online business using Linux web hosting.
Most Linux servers are using highly reliable software in their applications and frequently update their programs and services as well. You can get 24/7 support for your web hosting programming. This is really a useful feature, especially in dealing with newer hosting technology and services. Linux also uses innovative tools and features that help bring accessibility to new users and confidence to veteran users, by supplying every user with the basics to operate a successful web site.
Log File UNIX Commands
One of the biggest parts of my job is managing website log files. Our business is very “marketing-centric”, so missing log file data isn’t expectable. There have been a few situations were log files have been split or broken. Below are three nice little commands which have helped tremendously.
Removes all log files with no data
This is a simple little command which helps keep things neat and organized. Once files rotate I’ve found a bunch of empty files on the folder. This really confuses some of the marketing people.
Converts log files extention into logical month.
A little more complicated. Again, the overall goal here is to make the log files more friendly for marketing people connecting into the FTP server. I am converting the *.1 extension file created by the log rotate into *.month. I use this single line to change the extension on 300+ files. Works fantastic!
Combines log files with extentions .1.1 -> .1 and creates a new logical month.
Here is the big daddy. One month because of a mistake the log files rotated mid-month. This would have been a nightmare to manually concatenate each file. This script above takes the files and combines them. Try to do this in windows!
For the most part I’ve learned to hate access logs. They are a big, always changes, difficult to backup, and from a technical perspective somewhat useless. These little few commands above however make life a little easier.
Removes all log files with no data
find /home/httpd/logs -size 0 -type f -print0 | xargs -0 rm –fThis is a simple little command which helps keep things neat and organized. Once files rotate I’ve found a bunch of empty files on the folder. This really confuses some of the marketing people.
Converts log files extention into logical month.
for i in `dir /home/httpd/logs/*-access_log.1|sed s/\.1$//`; do mv $i.1 $i.feb; doneA little more complicated. Again, the overall goal here is to make the log files more friendly for marketing people connecting into the FTP server. I am converting the *.1 extension file created by the log rotate into *.month. I use this single line to change the extension on 300+ files. Works fantastic!
Combines log files with extentions .1.1 -> .1 and creates a new logical month.
for i in `dir /home/httpd/logs/*-access_log.1|sed s/\.1$//`; do cat $i.1.1 $i.1 >$i.mar; doneHere is the big daddy. One month because of a mistake the log files rotated mid-month. This would have been a nightmare to manually concatenate each file. This script above takes the files and combines them. Try to do this in windows!
For the most part I’ve learned to hate access logs. They are a big, always changes, difficult to backup, and from a technical perspective somewhat useless. These little few commands above however make life a little easier.
The Nuts and Bolts of UNIX Hosting
UNIX hosting involves a machine configured on a UNIX platform which is a multi-user computer operating system designed primarily for servers and advanced users. UNIX provides the base operating system architecture for many open source companies, such as Solaris (Sun Microsystems), Linux (GNU), and others. In regards to web hosting, choosing the UNIX web hosting alternative has its advantages and disadvantages.
UNIX has been around for years and it was the language of choice for midframe computer users. Windows actually copied the UNIX file naming convention technique when they created Microsoft Windows.
UNIX hosting is cheaper than Windows hosting. Because most web hosts use the free version of UNIX (like Linux), they don't have to compensate for huge overhead expenses which you have with any Windows Operating System. Savings is passed to customers. In addition, those who use UNIX hosting usually get free tools and applications that have been written primarily for the UNIX community. Since UNIX hosting is an "open system", its source code is publicly available for free from various web sites.
This allows web developers working for various companies and for different purposes to add rapid development of applications quickly. As a result, improvements come fast and problems are quickly resolved.
The main disadvantage of using UNIX hosting is that your provider may only allow access to your account via Telnet or SSH. As are result, you must have a strong working knowledge of UNIX commands in order to customize to your requirements. You may find yourself spending a lot of time learning the basics before you can enjoy the free advantages of UNIX hosting but learning the UNIX language is not that hard at all.
When considering the UNIX operating system and UNIX hosting, you need to consider your own technical abilities. Then take a look at the special features offered by each system and hosting company in light of the available technology and -- sometimes more importantly -- your budget.
UNIX has been around for years and it was the language of choice for midframe computer users. Windows actually copied the UNIX file naming convention technique when they created Microsoft Windows.
UNIX hosting is cheaper than Windows hosting. Because most web hosts use the free version of UNIX (like Linux), they don't have to compensate for huge overhead expenses which you have with any Windows Operating System. Savings is passed to customers. In addition, those who use UNIX hosting usually get free tools and applications that have been written primarily for the UNIX community. Since UNIX hosting is an "open system", its source code is publicly available for free from various web sites.
This allows web developers working for various companies and for different purposes to add rapid development of applications quickly. As a result, improvements come fast and problems are quickly resolved.
The main disadvantage of using UNIX hosting is that your provider may only allow access to your account via Telnet or SSH. As are result, you must have a strong working knowledge of UNIX commands in order to customize to your requirements. You may find yourself spending a lot of time learning the basics before you can enjoy the free advantages of UNIX hosting but learning the UNIX language is not that hard at all.
When considering the UNIX operating system and UNIX hosting, you need to consider your own technical abilities. Then take a look at the special features offered by each system and hosting company in light of the available technology and -- sometimes more importantly -- your budget.
The Basics Of Linux & Windows
Linux (and its stuffy kinship Unix) and Windows 2000 (and its muggy countryman Windows NT) are types of software (known as operating systems) that netting servers worth to enact the cordial of things that mesh servers do. You execute not need to know any real detail of either to make a decision as to which you need but here a few guidelines.
Just thanks to you favor a windows desktop PC doesn't scary you have to finish for Windows lacework hosting (and the diverse is felicitous as well). The operating practice you mitzvah on your desktop has smooth to do with your choice of web hosts. As long as you understand how to use your FTP or web publishing software, your can use either operating system.
But what is wanted is that you ken what you want your website to solve and what you want to instance on it. This is what cede basically second flaunt the type of web hosting that will work best for you. As mentioned earlier, interactive websites usually rely on ASP, PHP, or Perl type languages.
Linux Web Hosting or Windows 2000 Web Hosting ? Make your Choice!
When it comes to Web hosting, Linux has, for some time, been widely certain the peak OS for Web servers. It's typically drive to be the powerfully reliable, leveled and powerful tactics and, as such, it's commonly used for the remonstrance environment of Web and mail servers. Indeed, Most of the clients websites of aalpha NET runs on the Linux OS considerably in that of this traditional stability.
The million-dollar travel is what achievement are you looking to extras for your hosting? Consider the tools and scripting languages you turmoil to good - if you interest PHP, Perl or MySQL, Linux is the rule forward. If apps are Microsoft-specific, for Windows is what you need.
If your site, adore exceptionally net sites, is what facility be termed "brochure-ware" thence Linux servers are ideal. By brochure-ware I shocking a country that offers the balmy of hash that in the clock might have been provided on paper in the form of brochures, newsletters or data sheets. Brochure-ware sites will offer some interaction through enquiry forms and can certainly incorporate online purchasing and other routine e-commerce functions.
If however your city incorporates an online searchable database or interactive confabulation facilities ergo Windows 2000 or NT will be a superior risk in glaringly cases. It bequeath profit a stunt more but you'll get that back in reduced development time and simply better functionality.
The consequent are the advantages of using Linux based netting server compared to Windows based web server:
Stable: Linux/Unix operating systems has traditionally been believed to be acutely steady and robust. A interlacing abode housed on a Linux operating form consign have radically fired up up-time (of the order of 99.9%). Of course, contrastive factors such as power supply, network admin skills, and network load etc. also matter when it comes to maintaining the system uptime.
Low amount of ownership: The Linux OS comes costless of profit (or at intensely minor cost, usually amount of distribution). Also, it has walloping fledged server, and desk finest applications that comes costless along with the OS. These server applications (such as FTP, Web Server, DNS Server, File Server etc.) in that free, are also very stable.
You can boon halfway all types of row extensions (or scripts) when using Linux netting
server. Commonly, the later extensions are supported:
.cgi, .html, .htm, .pl, .php, .shtml, .xml, and others.
Basically it aid that you can publician netting sites that extras clashing types of server fraction scripts including .cgi, .pl, .php, and .asp (with plug-in).
Easy to act on between hosts : A interlacing zone designed to be hosted on a Linux based net server can be hosted on a Windows interlacing server easily, where as the adverse is not always true.
Most widely used : Linux/Unix based interlacing hosting is emphatically widely used compared to Windows based net hosting.
Scalability : A mesh berth is dynamic. Usually, a net locale starts with a few pages of html and grows as a word of fair shake to proceeding the customers requirements. It is prominent to create a web site keeping this requirements in mind. A web site designed for compatibility with a Linux/Unix based web server meets the scalability requirement easily without making any site wide design changes.
Just thanks to you favor a windows desktop PC doesn't scary you have to finish for Windows lacework hosting (and the diverse is felicitous as well). The operating practice you mitzvah on your desktop has smooth to do with your choice of web hosts. As long as you understand how to use your FTP or web publishing software, your can use either operating system.
But what is wanted is that you ken what you want your website to solve and what you want to instance on it. This is what cede basically second flaunt the type of web hosting that will work best for you. As mentioned earlier, interactive websites usually rely on ASP, PHP, or Perl type languages.
Linux Web Hosting or Windows 2000 Web Hosting ? Make your Choice!
When it comes to Web hosting, Linux has, for some time, been widely certain the peak OS for Web servers. It's typically drive to be the powerfully reliable, leveled and powerful tactics and, as such, it's commonly used for the remonstrance environment of Web and mail servers. Indeed, Most of the clients websites of aalpha NET runs on the Linux OS considerably in that of this traditional stability.
The million-dollar travel is what achievement are you looking to extras for your hosting? Consider the tools and scripting languages you turmoil to good - if you interest PHP, Perl or MySQL, Linux is the rule forward. If apps are Microsoft-specific, for Windows is what you need.
If your site, adore exceptionally net sites, is what facility be termed "brochure-ware" thence Linux servers are ideal. By brochure-ware I shocking a country that offers the balmy of hash that in the clock might have been provided on paper in the form of brochures, newsletters or data sheets. Brochure-ware sites will offer some interaction through enquiry forms and can certainly incorporate online purchasing and other routine e-commerce functions.
If however your city incorporates an online searchable database or interactive confabulation facilities ergo Windows 2000 or NT will be a superior risk in glaringly cases. It bequeath profit a stunt more but you'll get that back in reduced development time and simply better functionality.
The consequent are the advantages of using Linux based netting server compared to Windows based web server:
Stable: Linux/Unix operating systems has traditionally been believed to be acutely steady and robust. A interlacing abode housed on a Linux operating form consign have radically fired up up-time (of the order of 99.9%). Of course, contrastive factors such as power supply, network admin skills, and network load etc. also matter when it comes to maintaining the system uptime.
Low amount of ownership: The Linux OS comes costless of profit (or at intensely minor cost, usually amount of distribution). Also, it has walloping fledged server, and desk finest applications that comes costless along with the OS. These server applications (such as FTP, Web Server, DNS Server, File Server etc.) in that free, are also very stable.
You can boon halfway all types of row extensions (or scripts) when using Linux netting
server. Commonly, the later extensions are supported:
.cgi, .html, .htm, .pl, .php, .shtml, .xml, and others.
Basically it aid that you can publician netting sites that extras clashing types of server fraction scripts including .cgi, .pl, .php, and .asp (with plug-in).
Easy to act on between hosts : A interlacing zone designed to be hosted on a Linux based net server can be hosted on a Windows interlacing server easily, where as the adverse is not always true.
Most widely used : Linux/Unix based interlacing hosting is emphatically widely used compared to Windows based net hosting.
Scalability : A mesh berth is dynamic. Usually, a net locale starts with a few pages of html and grows as a word of fair shake to proceeding the customers requirements. It is prominent to create a web site keeping this requirements in mind. A web site designed for compatibility with a Linux/Unix based web server meets the scalability requirement easily without making any site wide design changes.
They Tell Me Only To Use Microsoft Windows Not The Free Linux Operating System
Most people purchase computers to run programs – whether it is to send email, browse the web, meet friends of girlfriends on msn messenger, do office work or just play solitaire.
People buy computers to use programs for their functionality not to run operating systems be in Microsoft Windows, the new Microsoft Vista product , the Mac Operations Systems or the various Linux Operating Systems – be they Ubuntu Linux , Mandiva , Knoppix or Debian.
At the heart of most computer users is functionality and usability. It is as simple as that. It is an interesting situation that the Microsoft Corporation controls the vast lion’s share of the computer operating system market. Indeed it even has a major share holding of the next player in line – Apple with the Macintosh OS (Operating System).
What are the issues?
1) Linux is not really free. Linux, in its various flavors or distros, is given free of charge, whether it is on a cd, DVD or downloaded. You can install the program on your own compute or various computers , at no charge to yourself whatsoever
This is in direct contrast to a commercial product such as Microsoft Windows or the new Microsoft Vista which you to purchase a boxed version or a valid license which comes with most computer systems purchased. This license which comes on most new computers as a matter of course could be referred to as the “Microsoft Computer Tax” and is not an option you can forego, to reduce the purchase of your new compute – whether or not you wish to use another operating system such as Linux.
Linux is given free of charge to install. This is not a shareware or time limited version of the product which requires a registration fee after a period of time.
If you require product support or training commercial organizations do exist which will charge you for support of that product or for training or both. Indeed it can be said that Microsoft itself charges for product support, Symantec the antivirus / security organization charges for basic support by product, subscription fees – sometimes automatic subscription fees and 900 phone number and charge card “Priority Support”.
Indeed you would not expect your local school or technical college to provide computer and compute software training free of charge.
2) Linux is complex and will force you to learn the Linux command line,
Not true simple as that. The various Linux distros all have GUI (Graphic User Interfaces) just like Microsoft Windows, Windows used to come as command line DOS. Windows users use pull down windows to operate the software. So can and do most Linux users
3) Compared to Windows , Installing Linux is Difficult
- The vast majority of computer users are computer neophytes and beginners.
These computer users purchase computers with the operations system Microsoft Windows or the Macintosh Operating System installed on their new computers. These people could not install the Windows Operating system and the device drivers necessary if their life depended on it. How the situation of a Linux is based computer any different.
It is only a matter of time until new computers come preinstalled with the Linux operating system. Imagine if Henry Ford had been told not to build new cars since there were few good roads available in America.
4) My Computer Hardware Just Works Under Windows
5) Again untrue in many cases and soon to be less of an issue as more and more computers will come preinstalled with a Linux operating system. Already Dell Computer (which was a Microsoft stalwart) is selling Linux based laptops. Interestingly the response to the Ubuntu Linux dell notebooks is quite positive, If you think Linux hardware compatibility is an issue try upgrading to the new Microsoft Vista from your previous Microsoft Windows product. You will find to your surprise that few if little of computer hardware are supported. You may have upgraded to the new Vista and found you have either no sound, good video or even internet connections via your network adapter device or wireless network adapter. And try undoing your upgrade to get back to your working windows version – it cannot be done.
Lastly you may say I run Windows since all of the programs I use are available only on the Windows operations system – since that is the dominant player in the market. You may well surmise that since Windows is the more than dominant player in the computer OS market that software developers write their product almost exclusively for the windows operations system and that market.
This is true. If you are using a specialized product for your job, industry, situation or preference you may well be locked in.
In the end most people buy and use computers for functionality and use. Most people use their computers for internet browsing , communication – whether it by email or messenger services (M.S.N. , Yahoo , Skype , Eyeball Chat) , downloading and burning music and in more than many cases for playing nothing more than computer games such as simple solitaire.
In these cases the functionality of Linux and its program base easily allows for this. Indeed many of the cutting edge programs and computer services come out of left field by computer software developers and enthusiasts whose preference of Computer Operating System is guess what - Linux in its various forms.
People buy computers to use programs for their functionality not to run operating systems be in Microsoft Windows, the new Microsoft Vista product , the Mac Operations Systems or the various Linux Operating Systems – be they Ubuntu Linux , Mandiva , Knoppix or Debian.
At the heart of most computer users is functionality and usability. It is as simple as that. It is an interesting situation that the Microsoft Corporation controls the vast lion’s share of the computer operating system market. Indeed it even has a major share holding of the next player in line – Apple with the Macintosh OS (Operating System).
What are the issues?
1) Linux is not really free. Linux, in its various flavors or distros, is given free of charge, whether it is on a cd, DVD or downloaded. You can install the program on your own compute or various computers , at no charge to yourself whatsoever
This is in direct contrast to a commercial product such as Microsoft Windows or the new Microsoft Vista which you to purchase a boxed version or a valid license which comes with most computer systems purchased. This license which comes on most new computers as a matter of course could be referred to as the “Microsoft Computer Tax” and is not an option you can forego, to reduce the purchase of your new compute – whether or not you wish to use another operating system such as Linux.
Linux is given free of charge to install. This is not a shareware or time limited version of the product which requires a registration fee after a period of time.
If you require product support or training commercial organizations do exist which will charge you for support of that product or for training or both. Indeed it can be said that Microsoft itself charges for product support, Symantec the antivirus / security organization charges for basic support by product, subscription fees – sometimes automatic subscription fees and 900 phone number and charge card “Priority Support”.
Indeed you would not expect your local school or technical college to provide computer and compute software training free of charge.
2) Linux is complex and will force you to learn the Linux command line,
Not true simple as that. The various Linux distros all have GUI (Graphic User Interfaces) just like Microsoft Windows, Windows used to come as command line DOS. Windows users use pull down windows to operate the software. So can and do most Linux users
3) Compared to Windows , Installing Linux is Difficult
- The vast majority of computer users are computer neophytes and beginners.
These computer users purchase computers with the operations system Microsoft Windows or the Macintosh Operating System installed on their new computers. These people could not install the Windows Operating system and the device drivers necessary if their life depended on it. How the situation of a Linux is based computer any different.
It is only a matter of time until new computers come preinstalled with the Linux operating system. Imagine if Henry Ford had been told not to build new cars since there were few good roads available in America.
4) My Computer Hardware Just Works Under Windows
5) Again untrue in many cases and soon to be less of an issue as more and more computers will come preinstalled with a Linux operating system. Already Dell Computer (which was a Microsoft stalwart) is selling Linux based laptops. Interestingly the response to the Ubuntu Linux dell notebooks is quite positive, If you think Linux hardware compatibility is an issue try upgrading to the new Microsoft Vista from your previous Microsoft Windows product. You will find to your surprise that few if little of computer hardware are supported. You may have upgraded to the new Vista and found you have either no sound, good video or even internet connections via your network adapter device or wireless network adapter. And try undoing your upgrade to get back to your working windows version – it cannot be done.
Lastly you may say I run Windows since all of the programs I use are available only on the Windows operations system – since that is the dominant player in the market. You may well surmise that since Windows is the more than dominant player in the computer OS market that software developers write their product almost exclusively for the windows operations system and that market.
This is true. If you are using a specialized product for your job, industry, situation or preference you may well be locked in.
In the end most people buy and use computers for functionality and use. Most people use their computers for internet browsing , communication – whether it by email or messenger services (M.S.N. , Yahoo , Skype , Eyeball Chat) , downloading and burning music and in more than many cases for playing nothing more than computer games such as simple solitaire.
In these cases the functionality of Linux and its program base easily allows for this. Indeed many of the cutting edge programs and computer services come out of left field by computer software developers and enthusiasts whose preference of Computer Operating System is guess what - Linux in its various forms.
Top 10 Essential Linux Hosting Plan
Any website comprises the close - Domain name, Webspace, Webpages.
Lets say, You have got your Domain Name. Its freedom to concur for a appurtenant hosting backing provider to have your files uploaded in the domain. If you are opting for Linux Based Hosting Plan, plunge into conclusive you have the nearest included in your plans :
1. Control Panel - This is the gist
of your website. In a Control Panel, popularly avowed as CP, you can literally achieve anything. The influence you signup for a Hosting Pack, you must be provided with a CP to administer your webspace.
2. POP3 email Ids & Aliases - yourname@yourdomain.com is an pretentiousness POP3 ID. You right be provided with big of POP3 email ids and it depends on the Package size.
3. FTP Accounts & Virtual FTP - This is where you upload your files, omit them, come around them. This and comes along with the CP. Make unambiguous you have handful of FTP sub-accounts and to secure your clients/users password unharmed
directories. This is vitally
largely rightful wherein your clients / users can use the FTP to upload /download files from particular password protected folder of your website.
4. Backup - Most of the Hosts earnings Automated Backups. But users negotiate not cush hugely punishment on this stage picking the Hosting Pack. This feature is as inborn as anyother in this list.
5. Web Statistics - Analysis of your website visitors plays a premier role in the increase of your website. Say, your website has been launched and you bring off NIL Visits or More than 100 Visits per day. Whatever the original may be, you can wienie the Report using Statistics Application that voyage in the server backend.
6. Bandwidth - Choose the Hosting Plan that gives enough Bandwidth for your website. Even though you cannot go-between at the beginning, as cut progresses, you can juicy deduct the Bandwidth required.
7. PHP & Mysql Support - All the Linux Plans aid PHP & Mysql. Make indubitable you attain this complimentary of onrush when you shake on the hosting plan. Few Hosting Providers may irruption supplementary for MYSQL Database Support & PhpMyAdmin.
8. Webmail & SMTP - Email becomes opening model in your business once you activate the website. Check if the Hosts confirm with WEBMAIL (http://mail.yourdomain.com) to consent your mails thru a lacework based interface using Squirrelmail or Horde. Corporate Users prefer downloading mails thru Email Clients parallel as Eudora or Outlook Express. Only if SMTP or IMAP aid is enabled you can gain this option. Hence check if SMTP support is provided.
9. SPAM ASSASIN - No email user is chargeless from a spam attack. Hence you fancy to have Spam Filters installed on the server where your website resides.
10. IP - If your website prefers SSL Support (https://) as cut grows, makes ure you perform a DEDICATED IP. Most of the websites are hosted on requited IPs. Ask your Hosting Provider about the innumerable charges multiform in obtaining a ripe IP and SSL Support. Note : For SSL (https://), you desire to allow a Digital Certificate.
You can delineate the primary List commodity you like. Essentials?.Top 10?Must- haves?..Whatever. But these are the no problem ingredients of organ linux hosting plan.
Lets say, You have got your Domain Name. Its freedom to concur for a appurtenant hosting backing provider to have your files uploaded in the domain. If you are opting for Linux Based Hosting Plan, plunge into conclusive you have the nearest included in your plans :
1. Control Panel - This is the gist
of your website. In a Control Panel, popularly avowed as CP, you can literally achieve anything. The influence you signup for a Hosting Pack, you must be provided with a CP to administer your webspace.
2. POP3 email Ids & Aliases - yourname@yourdomain.com is an pretentiousness POP3 ID. You right be provided with big of POP3 email ids and it depends on the Package size.
3. FTP Accounts & Virtual FTP - This is where you upload your files, omit them, come around them. This and comes along with the CP. Make unambiguous you have handful of FTP sub-accounts and to secure your clients/users password unharmed
directories. This is vitally
largely rightful wherein your clients / users can use the FTP to upload /download files from particular password protected folder of your website.
4. Backup - Most of the Hosts earnings Automated Backups. But users negotiate not cush hugely punishment on this stage picking the Hosting Pack. This feature is as inborn as anyother in this list.
5. Web Statistics - Analysis of your website visitors plays a premier role in the increase of your website. Say, your website has been launched and you bring off NIL Visits or More than 100 Visits per day. Whatever the original may be, you can wienie the Report using Statistics Application that voyage in the server backend.
6. Bandwidth - Choose the Hosting Plan that gives enough Bandwidth for your website. Even though you cannot go-between at the beginning, as cut progresses, you can juicy deduct the Bandwidth required.
7. PHP & Mysql Support - All the Linux Plans aid PHP & Mysql. Make indubitable you attain this complimentary of onrush when you shake on the hosting plan. Few Hosting Providers may irruption supplementary for MYSQL Database Support & PhpMyAdmin.
8. Webmail & SMTP - Email becomes opening model in your business once you activate the website. Check if the Hosts confirm with WEBMAIL (http://mail.yourdomain.com) to consent your mails thru a lacework based interface using Squirrelmail or Horde. Corporate Users prefer downloading mails thru Email Clients parallel as Eudora or Outlook Express. Only if SMTP or IMAP aid is enabled you can gain this option. Hence check if SMTP support is provided.
9. SPAM ASSASIN - No email user is chargeless from a spam attack. Hence you fancy to have Spam Filters installed on the server where your website resides.
10. IP - If your website prefers SSL Support (https://) as cut grows, makes ure you perform a DEDICATED IP. Most of the websites are hosted on requited IPs. Ask your Hosting Provider about the innumerable charges multiform in obtaining a ripe IP and SSL Support. Note : For SSL (https://), you desire to allow a Digital Certificate.
You can delineate the primary List commodity you like. Essentials?.Top 10?Must- haves?..Whatever. But these are the no problem ingredients of organ linux hosting plan.
Totally "free" Ubuntu? That's the plan for Gobuntu
Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth has announced a new "freedom-focused flavour of Ubuntu" devoid of any proprietary software, which may hold special appeal for open source purists.
On his blog Shuttleworth issued "a call for developers who are interested in pushing the limits of content and code freedom -- including firmware, content, and authoring infrastructure, to join the team and help identify places where we must separate out pieces that don't belong in Gobuntu from the standard Ubuntu builds."
The initial focus will be on hardware drivers, since "the standard Ubuntu builds" include many closed source drivers.
Meanwhile, some in the Ubuntu community are skeptical of the whole Gobuntu concept. Jordan Mantha, a Paris-based Ubuntu developer, asks "If Gobuntu developers will be using Launchpad and tools like Merge-o-Matic (closed source applications built by Canonical that are used for Ubuntu) to build Gobuntu, isn't that sort of defeating the purpose?"
Shuttleworth says he visualizes Gobutu becoming more distinct from Ubuntu as the project progresses. "As the team grows, we will be able to maintain a bigger delta between Ubuntu and Gobuntu. The goal is to provide a cleaner and easier to maintain base for projects like gNewSense," a GNU/Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that contains only free software.
The build is available for x86 and AMD64 machines, and can be downloaded via HTTP, Jigdo, and BitTorrent.
Shirl Kennedy is the senior editor of the DocuTicker and ResourceShelf weblogs, as well as the "Internet Waves" columnist for Information Today. She has been writing about technology since 1992.
On his blog Shuttleworth issued "a call for developers who are interested in pushing the limits of content and code freedom -- including firmware, content, and authoring infrastructure, to join the team and help identify places where we must separate out pieces that don't belong in Gobuntu from the standard Ubuntu builds."
The initial focus will be on hardware drivers, since "the standard Ubuntu builds" include many closed source drivers.
Meanwhile, some in the Ubuntu community are skeptical of the whole Gobuntu concept. Jordan Mantha, a Paris-based Ubuntu developer, asks "If Gobuntu developers will be using Launchpad and tools like Merge-o-Matic (closed source applications built by Canonical that are used for Ubuntu) to build Gobuntu, isn't that sort of defeating the purpose?"
Shuttleworth says he visualizes Gobutu becoming more distinct from Ubuntu as the project progresses. "As the team grows, we will be able to maintain a bigger delta between Ubuntu and Gobuntu. The goal is to provide a cleaner and easier to maintain base for projects like gNewSense," a GNU/Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that contains only free software.
The build is available for x86 and AMD64 machines, and can be downloaded via HTTP, Jigdo, and BitTorrent.
Shirl Kennedy is the senior editor of the DocuTicker and ResourceShelf weblogs, as well as the "Internet Waves" columnist for Information Today. She has been writing about technology since 1992.
Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution operating system software, meaning that it runs using Linux applications, kernels and libraries. Ubuntu is developed and sponsored by Canonical, Ltd., a South African company that is founded and funded by Mark Shuttleworth.
The underlying focus of Ubuntu is mostly on the usability of the software and the freedom of software from existing restrictions. Ubuntu derives its name from an African term meaning “humanity to others.” Given this, Ubuntu is based on the principle that software should be made available to everyone, that they are tools that people can use regardless of the language they speak and whether or not they have disabilities, and that software should be customizable according to the needs of their users. Most of all, Ubuntu is developed based on the idea that software should be free, and should be used freely, without any cost.
The core applications of Ubuntu are available for free, and they can be downloaded from the Ubuntu website, which is http://www.ubuntu.com. The CD that contains these core applications can also be ordered and shipped anywhere in the world free of charge. Aside from these core applications, Ubuntu also has around 16,000 programs to suit the needs of its users. It is also available for both desktop and server use.
The desktop package of Ubuntu is complete and has features that make both working and playing viable through the use of this operating system. For word processing, spreadsheet and database creation, and other functions covered by Microsoft Office, Ubuntu has OpenOffice.org. Ubuntu also carries Mozilla Firefox in its package, which allows for tabbed browsing, has strong pop-up blocking and is well-known for its relative invulnerability to malware. Ubuntu’s counterpart for Microsoft Outlook is Evolution, which similarly acts as an email client, an address book and a schedule manager. Ubuntu’s answers to Microsoft’s Windows Media Player are Rhythmbox Media Player for audio files and Totem for videos.
Another feature of Ubuntu that makes it attractive is the high level of customization it makes possible for its users. Ubuntu also supports 40 languages; it also has the Rosetta translation tool, which allows a user to create a dictionary and translator for his or her own language.
The underlying focus of Ubuntu is mostly on the usability of the software and the freedom of software from existing restrictions. Ubuntu derives its name from an African term meaning “humanity to others.” Given this, Ubuntu is based on the principle that software should be made available to everyone, that they are tools that people can use regardless of the language they speak and whether or not they have disabilities, and that software should be customizable according to the needs of their users. Most of all, Ubuntu is developed based on the idea that software should be free, and should be used freely, without any cost.
The core applications of Ubuntu are available for free, and they can be downloaded from the Ubuntu website, which is http://www.ubuntu.com. The CD that contains these core applications can also be ordered and shipped anywhere in the world free of charge. Aside from these core applications, Ubuntu also has around 16,000 programs to suit the needs of its users. It is also available for both desktop and server use.
The desktop package of Ubuntu is complete and has features that make both working and playing viable through the use of this operating system. For word processing, spreadsheet and database creation, and other functions covered by Microsoft Office, Ubuntu has OpenOffice.org. Ubuntu also carries Mozilla Firefox in its package, which allows for tabbed browsing, has strong pop-up blocking and is well-known for its relative invulnerability to malware. Ubuntu’s counterpart for Microsoft Outlook is Evolution, which similarly acts as an email client, an address book and a schedule manager. Ubuntu’s answers to Microsoft’s Windows Media Player are Rhythmbox Media Player for audio files and Totem for videos.
Another feature of Ubuntu that makes it attractive is the high level of customization it makes possible for its users. Ubuntu also supports 40 languages; it also has the Rosetta translation tool, which allows a user to create a dictionary and translator for his or her own language.
Unix Signals
Unix signals are initiated either by running programs, computer administrators, or operators. One example of a signal is the SIGHUP signal, which is sent to the internet to instruct the Internet Daemon, also known as inetd, to repeat reading the Daemon's configuration file.
To interrupt the Daemon's currently running process (ID, or PID), key in the command kill -SIGHUP 4140.
It is also possible to use signals to terminate a currently running process. To end the inetd process entirely, key in the following command: kill 4140. This command will, by default, send a SIGTERM signal. If this command fails, then the SIGKILL command is entered to end this process: kill -9 4140. Since this command cannot be controlled, it is usually not a good idea to utilize it to stop a process. This command does not permit a process to clean up or to end gracefully.
How are Unix Signals Managed?
Every Unix signal results in a default range of effects when used with a Unix program. Computer programmers can opt to code their own applications for a customized response upon the receipt of most signals. The term used to describe these individually designed strings of code is "signal handlers".
Signal handlers are unable to redefine two unique signals. In every situation, SIGKILL is used to end a process. Similarly, SIGSTOP always sends a running application to the background when it is in the foreground.
To interrupt the Daemon's currently running process (ID, or PID), key in the command kill -SIGHUP 4140.
It is also possible to use signals to terminate a currently running process. To end the inetd process entirely, key in the following command: kill 4140. This command will, by default, send a SIGTERM signal. If this command fails, then the SIGKILL command is entered to end this process: kill -9 4140. Since this command cannot be controlled, it is usually not a good idea to utilize it to stop a process. This command does not permit a process to clean up or to end gracefully.
How are Unix Signals Managed?
Every Unix signal results in a default range of effects when used with a Unix program. Computer programmers can opt to code their own applications for a customized response upon the receipt of most signals. The term used to describe these individually designed strings of code is "signal handlers".
Signal handlers are unable to redefine two unique signals. In every situation, SIGKILL is used to end a process. Similarly, SIGSTOP always sends a running application to the background when it is in the foreground.
Unix Versus Windows Hosting
When browsing through the offerings of various web hosting companies you are sure to notice that some offer UNIX hosting and others offer Windows. Some hosts even offer a choice of the two operating systems. What are the differences and which one is better?
First of all, when choosing a host, it doesn't matter what kind of operating system you develop your web site on or what you use on your own computer. Web sites hosted on both UNIX and Windows servers are universally accessible because the data they serve is identical. The difference lies solely in the software used to serve that data.
In terms of reliability UNIX systems have a slight advantage. They are known to extremely stable and able to run for years without rebooting. Windows is also very reliable – slightly less so than UNIX but still able to handle the demands of modern web sites.
The majority of web hosts use various flavours of UNIX like Linux and FreeBSD. These operating systems are free and reduce the costs of a hosting operation. Windows costs thousands of dollars so some hosts charge extra for Windows accounts if they offer both types.
As well as being free, Linux and the other UNIX varieties are open-source software. Anyone can alter the source code and make improvements, updates, and additions. There is a large pool of dedicated enthusiasts who use their free time to work on this software. Windows, on the other hand, is Microsoft proprietary software so users are dependent on Microsoft to release updates. There is no way for an individual user to modify the code.
The main difference between the two types of operating systems is the type of software each can run. Windows is suitable for Microsoft products such as MS Access databases, ASP for delivering dynamic content, and VBScript for site enhancements. UNIX cannot accommodate these technologies so if you absolutely need ASP or VBScript you should pick a Windows host. UNIX hosts deliver dynamic content by using software such as PHP, CGI, and MySQL – technologies which are also available on Windows hosts.
Windows is necessary for hosting Windows media files such as videos and audio. Other types of media such as MP3, Flash, Shockwave and Real can be handled by either UNIX or Windows. Websites created in Microsoft FrontPage (a graphical HTML development package) can also be hosted on either type as long as MS databases or dynamic content are not included for use on a UNIX host.
Which is Best?
Before deciding which type of hosting to use for your website, consider carefully what kind of technologies you will need. Do you need a dynamic site? Will you have multimedia content such as streaming video or audio?
Both UNIX and Windows can provide dynamic content with PHP, MySQL, as well as CGI, and there are thousands of dynamic scripts readily available. Multimedia can also be hosted by either type of server, although Windows media (WMA and WMV) need to be hosted on a Windows server.
If you absolutely need Microsoft databases, ASP, and Windows media you have to go with a Windows host. Otherwise most websites are probably better off with a UNIX host. The advantages of UNIX over Windows include greater choices in web hosts, slightly better reliability, and (sometimes) cheaper hosting costs.
First of all, when choosing a host, it doesn't matter what kind of operating system you develop your web site on or what you use on your own computer. Web sites hosted on both UNIX and Windows servers are universally accessible because the data they serve is identical. The difference lies solely in the software used to serve that data.
In terms of reliability UNIX systems have a slight advantage. They are known to extremely stable and able to run for years without rebooting. Windows is also very reliable – slightly less so than UNIX but still able to handle the demands of modern web sites.
The majority of web hosts use various flavours of UNIX like Linux and FreeBSD. These operating systems are free and reduce the costs of a hosting operation. Windows costs thousands of dollars so some hosts charge extra for Windows accounts if they offer both types.
As well as being free, Linux and the other UNIX varieties are open-source software. Anyone can alter the source code and make improvements, updates, and additions. There is a large pool of dedicated enthusiasts who use their free time to work on this software. Windows, on the other hand, is Microsoft proprietary software so users are dependent on Microsoft to release updates. There is no way for an individual user to modify the code.
The main difference between the two types of operating systems is the type of software each can run. Windows is suitable for Microsoft products such as MS Access databases, ASP for delivering dynamic content, and VBScript for site enhancements. UNIX cannot accommodate these technologies so if you absolutely need ASP or VBScript you should pick a Windows host. UNIX hosts deliver dynamic content by using software such as PHP, CGI, and MySQL – technologies which are also available on Windows hosts.
Windows is necessary for hosting Windows media files such as videos and audio. Other types of media such as MP3, Flash, Shockwave and Real can be handled by either UNIX or Windows. Websites created in Microsoft FrontPage (a graphical HTML development package) can also be hosted on either type as long as MS databases or dynamic content are not included for use on a UNIX host.
Which is Best?
Before deciding which type of hosting to use for your website, consider carefully what kind of technologies you will need. Do you need a dynamic site? Will you have multimedia content such as streaming video or audio?
Both UNIX and Windows can provide dynamic content with PHP, MySQL, as well as CGI, and there are thousands of dynamic scripts readily available. Multimedia can also be hosted by either type of server, although Windows media (WMA and WMV) need to be hosted on a Windows server.
If you absolutely need Microsoft databases, ASP, and Windows media you have to go with a Windows host. Otherwise most websites are probably better off with a UNIX host. The advantages of UNIX over Windows include greater choices in web hosts, slightly better reliability, and (sometimes) cheaper hosting costs.
UNIX vs. Windows- What server operating system should you use for your web hosting?
So you’ve decided to create a website? The most obvious thing that you need is of course web hosting. Among other things, like cost and features, you’ll need to decide which server you’ll need: Windows (NT, 2000 or XP) or Unix (Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, etc.).
Both have their merits, so the first thing you should think about when making this decision is if you are looking for stability, or ease of use. UNIX based servers are generally superior in the site up-time and stability areas than Windows systems. However, while they need to be rebooted more often, Windows servers are generally easier to administer and use.
Many beginners to web hosting will be confused over the pros and cons of the different operating systems. While, Unix is more stable and secure it uses a command line interface for administration. This interface, which is like the original MS-DOS interface, can be difficult to understand to a website newbie. Also, in order to keep a UNIX machine stable, one must update the kernel and software regularly, a process which is more difficult than Windows. This however, can be made just as easy to do if your web host has good administration software.
Another thing to consider when choosing which operating system to use is whether you will be using scripting. If so what kind? For example, if you will be using a dynamic site, and decide that you want to go Perl as your language of choice then UNIX should be your operating system of choice. This is also true for languages such as PHP, and Pythlon. On the other hand, if you choose to go for an ASP based site then you should choose Windows. However, to complicate the matter further some UNIX systems can run ASP scripts, although the quality of the script execution can be lesser.
Bare in mind that if you choose a Windows-based web server (this does not apply to hosting accounts as the host should take care of it for you) you will need to update the software with patches from Microsoft's web site almost weekly to prevent your site from being exploited. UNIX administrators will only have to do so monthly or so as UNIX is more secure by nature, and needs fewer patches and software updates.
Unix operating systems are generally the preferred operating system, however, in the end, if you do everything correctly, a UNIX hosted web site and a Windows hosted web site will function somewhat equally, and both should make you happy. Be sure to keep operating costs and maintained in mind when making your decision and you won't regret it.
Both have their merits, so the first thing you should think about when making this decision is if you are looking for stability, or ease of use. UNIX based servers are generally superior in the site up-time and stability areas than Windows systems. However, while they need to be rebooted more often, Windows servers are generally easier to administer and use.
Many beginners to web hosting will be confused over the pros and cons of the different operating systems. While, Unix is more stable and secure it uses a command line interface for administration. This interface, which is like the original MS-DOS interface, can be difficult to understand to a website newbie. Also, in order to keep a UNIX machine stable, one must update the kernel and software regularly, a process which is more difficult than Windows. This however, can be made just as easy to do if your web host has good administration software.
Another thing to consider when choosing which operating system to use is whether you will be using scripting. If so what kind? For example, if you will be using a dynamic site, and decide that you want to go Perl as your language of choice then UNIX should be your operating system of choice. This is also true for languages such as PHP, and Pythlon. On the other hand, if you choose to go for an ASP based site then you should choose Windows. However, to complicate the matter further some UNIX systems can run ASP scripts, although the quality of the script execution can be lesser.
Bare in mind that if you choose a Windows-based web server (this does not apply to hosting accounts as the host should take care of it for you) you will need to update the software with patches from Microsoft's web site almost weekly to prevent your site from being exploited. UNIX administrators will only have to do so monthly or so as UNIX is more secure by nature, and needs fewer patches and software updates.
Unix operating systems are generally the preferred operating system, however, in the end, if you do everything correctly, a UNIX hosted web site and a Windows hosted web site will function somewhat equally, and both should make you happy. Be sure to keep operating costs and maintained in mind when making your decision and you won't regret it.
What Is Linux Hosting?
Linux hosting is an alternative to using Microsoft Windows-based technology for operating a website. Linux is an open-source operating system, which means the code that makes it run is publicly available. This means computer experts all over the world can share ways of improving how the system works. Although it is more complicated to understand than Windows, most computer experts say Linux is much more reliable and less likely to ‘crash’. This makes it particularly useful for running websites.
Linux hosting makes use of several technologies:
* PHP is a programming language which produces dynamic web pages. These are pages which can change in appearance and content in response to something the person viewing it does (such as filling in a form). PHP is a server-side language, meaning the program runs on the server (the computer that physically stores the website) rather than the computer being used to view the page.
* MySQL is a database system used for websites. It can be used for features such as a real estate company letting site visitors search for properties of a certain size and cost. It is used by popular sites such as Craigslist and LiveJournal.
* Python is a programming language which is well-regarded among many programmers. It is relatively sophisticated, but is easier to understand than many programming languages. Python often uses common English words where other languages simply use symbols. Python also gives programmers the ability to make a draft alteration to a program and check the effects immediately without having to make the change permanent.
* XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a more flexible method of organizing the information that makes up a website. With the old HTML system, each piece of information is labeled only for appearance (for example ‘bold’ or ‘italic’). With XML, any type of label can be used. For example, in a page containing a recipe, a piece of text could be labeled as ‘ingredient’ or ‘safety warning’. XML means that a website owner has much more control over the information on their site.
Linux hosting makes use of several technologies:
* PHP is a programming language which produces dynamic web pages. These are pages which can change in appearance and content in response to something the person viewing it does (such as filling in a form). PHP is a server-side language, meaning the program runs on the server (the computer that physically stores the website) rather than the computer being used to view the page.
* MySQL is a database system used for websites. It can be used for features such as a real estate company letting site visitors search for properties of a certain size and cost. It is used by popular sites such as Craigslist and LiveJournal.
* Python is a programming language which is well-regarded among many programmers. It is relatively sophisticated, but is easier to understand than many programming languages. Python often uses common English words where other languages simply use symbols. Python also gives programmers the ability to make a draft alteration to a program and check the effects immediately without having to make the change permanent.
* XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a more flexible method of organizing the information that makes up a website. With the old HTML system, each piece of information is labeled only for appearance (for example ‘bold’ or ‘italic’). With XML, any type of label can be used. For example, in a page containing a recipe, a piece of text could be labeled as ‘ingredient’ or ‘safety warning’. XML means that a website owner has much more control over the information on their site.
Where To Learn How To Setup A Linux Email Server
Learning how to setup a linux email server is valuable. The more you can do for yourself for your business’ web presence and email abilities the more money you will save. There will be no need to call in a tech when the email goes down, when you need it installed, or when you need to do simple maintenance like adding addresses or setting up. When you know how to setup a linux email server you are simply giving yourself more power over your own company. If that is something you think you would like to do, then there are a few resources you should consider for educating yourself.
The first place to look for ways to learn how to setup a linux email server is, of course, online. You may be able, through a search engine, to find some free information on the process. However, you may have better look with low-cost ebooks and internet classes that will give you a better quality of education and better guidance. It is not just about learning how to setup a linux email server, but about learning Linux in general so that once it is setup you can fix small problems and make adjustments as needed. However, not everyone enjoys working through the internet on things like this, so it is good that there are other options.
The second option for learning how to setup a linux email server is to visit your local book store. With the popularity of linux, it is not difficult to find instruction books that will walk you through the process of setup as well as troubleshooting. In your local book store, go to the how to section or perhaps a technology section. You will undoubtedly find a number of quality books that will teach you how to setup a linux email server. Find the one that is best for you and take it home. The advantage to a book is that you can have it with you the entire time, at your fingertips, so that you will have a quicker reference.
Thirdly, you can try taking a class at the local tech school or community college. There are many linux programs out there where you can certainly learn how to setup a linux email server effectively. The cost is higher with a class, but you will likely get a more thorough understanding of the program as well as good support as you take on more and more with linux. Additionally, a class will actually end with you having some sort of certification in linux, which means you will not only know how to setup a linux email server, but also how maintain it for yourself and others.
Learning how to setup a linux email server can be of great value to you in your company. You will save money from having others do it, and will likely make yourself more valuable to clients, no matter what your true business is. In order to learn how, you should consider three main sources: online information that you can find for free or pay for, hard copies of books at your local library or bookstore, and classes you can take locally. No matter what you choose, you will be happier once you know how to setup your linux email server.
The first place to look for ways to learn how to setup a linux email server is, of course, online. You may be able, through a search engine, to find some free information on the process. However, you may have better look with low-cost ebooks and internet classes that will give you a better quality of education and better guidance. It is not just about learning how to setup a linux email server, but about learning Linux in general so that once it is setup you can fix small problems and make adjustments as needed. However, not everyone enjoys working through the internet on things like this, so it is good that there are other options.
The second option for learning how to setup a linux email server is to visit your local book store. With the popularity of linux, it is not difficult to find instruction books that will walk you through the process of setup as well as troubleshooting. In your local book store, go to the how to section or perhaps a technology section. You will undoubtedly find a number of quality books that will teach you how to setup a linux email server. Find the one that is best for you and take it home. The advantage to a book is that you can have it with you the entire time, at your fingertips, so that you will have a quicker reference.
Thirdly, you can try taking a class at the local tech school or community college. There are many linux programs out there where you can certainly learn how to setup a linux email server effectively. The cost is higher with a class, but you will likely get a more thorough understanding of the program as well as good support as you take on more and more with linux. Additionally, a class will actually end with you having some sort of certification in linux, which means you will not only know how to setup a linux email server, but also how maintain it for yourself and others.
Learning how to setup a linux email server can be of great value to you in your company. You will save money from having others do it, and will likely make yourself more valuable to clients, no matter what your true business is. In order to learn how, you should consider three main sources: online information that you can find for free or pay for, hard copies of books at your local library or bookstore, and classes you can take locally. No matter what you choose, you will be happier once you know how to setup your linux email server.
Why Linux And Windows Will Never Do Your Laundry
If a store opened across the street from Target, same relative inventory, same service, only difference everything was free, would Target survive?
Unlikely.
Yet in software…
"Payware" = "Freeware" (open source)
--------------------------------------
Windows = Linux
Oracle = MySQL
MS Office = OpenOffice
Ultra Edit = PSPad
…the current reality is that payware and freeware compete in the marketplace head to head.
In fact, the “for pay” software continues to thrive in the marketplace despite free software that is in many cases just as good (some might claim better).
Why is this?
When you buy a pair of jeans at the store the total cost is paid in full at the time of the purchase. There are no additional costs involved that directly pertain to the manufacturer. Of course there is the on-going cost of maintaining the pants through washing. This is a totally different market that is wholly agnostic to the brand of jeans. In other words, Tide washes Wrangler’s the same as Levi’s.
With software the game is different. Only a small percentage of the total cost of software can be attributed to its development. Support and maintenance make up a sizeable chunk of the cost. The larger one scales the software the higher these costs go. There is no singular solution like Tide to deal with both Windows or Linux. Sure you copy files in both, and make directories, but the means of doing so is very different and not interchangeable like your detergent. My trivial example has not even exposed the tip of the iceberg!
So this leaves us with the issue of market share. When you have a commodity that requires so much additional and continuing service/support, market share becomes a very important factor.
Support and service for free software is anything but free. Microsoft loves to tell us (and rightly so) that TCO (total cost of ownership) between Windows and Linux is in the same ballpark. They even claim that Linux costs more, all factors considered. But the geeks at Redmond can’t have it both ways. Open Source software that can be obtained for free does not represent communism (Remember Mr. Balmer declaring this?). Communism to my understanding was never a sustaining and growing multi-billion dollar business.
If we look back as to how Microsoft dominated the market we tend to forget some key points.
* The mainframe market viewed Microsoft as a passing fad.
[The CEO of DEC wondered why in the world anyone would every want to own a computer.]
*Microsoft was the only real game in town when it came to PC operating systems.
[Any attempts by others (DR Dos, OS2) were summarily squashed.]
*Microsoft gave away IE in order to squash then leader Netscape.
[Who?]
*Microsoft sold early versions of Office for $99.00 to gain market share.
[Other players at the time were selling there office suites for 3+ times that amount. Microsoft bought market share by thinking long term. After all, changing your word processor and spreadsheet are a bit dicier than changing your undies. Also, think of all of us who make a living off these products.]
While many software vendors have come and gone, it is the open source, "here it is for free" Cowboys and Cowgirls that are here to stay and threaten the very world of "for pay" software. But what the hey, we developers are typically more enthralled by creating things than making money. I know of no other profession on the planet where not taking and reusing other peoples work is considered the sane way of doing ones job. I believe in journalism they call it plagiarism?
Unlikely.
Yet in software…
"Payware" = "Freeware" (open source)
--------------------------------------
Windows = Linux
Oracle = MySQL
MS Office = OpenOffice
Ultra Edit = PSPad
…the current reality is that payware and freeware compete in the marketplace head to head.
In fact, the “for pay” software continues to thrive in the marketplace despite free software that is in many cases just as good (some might claim better).
Why is this?
When you buy a pair of jeans at the store the total cost is paid in full at the time of the purchase. There are no additional costs involved that directly pertain to the manufacturer. Of course there is the on-going cost of maintaining the pants through washing. This is a totally different market that is wholly agnostic to the brand of jeans. In other words, Tide washes Wrangler’s the same as Levi’s.
With software the game is different. Only a small percentage of the total cost of software can be attributed to its development. Support and maintenance make up a sizeable chunk of the cost. The larger one scales the software the higher these costs go. There is no singular solution like Tide to deal with both Windows or Linux. Sure you copy files in both, and make directories, but the means of doing so is very different and not interchangeable like your detergent. My trivial example has not even exposed the tip of the iceberg!
So this leaves us with the issue of market share. When you have a commodity that requires so much additional and continuing service/support, market share becomes a very important factor.
Support and service for free software is anything but free. Microsoft loves to tell us (and rightly so) that TCO (total cost of ownership) between Windows and Linux is in the same ballpark. They even claim that Linux costs more, all factors considered. But the geeks at Redmond can’t have it both ways. Open Source software that can be obtained for free does not represent communism (Remember Mr. Balmer declaring this?). Communism to my understanding was never a sustaining and growing multi-billion dollar business.
If we look back as to how Microsoft dominated the market we tend to forget some key points.
* The mainframe market viewed Microsoft as a passing fad.
[The CEO of DEC wondered why in the world anyone would every want to own a computer.]
*Microsoft was the only real game in town when it came to PC operating systems.
[Any attempts by others (DR Dos, OS2) were summarily squashed.]
*Microsoft gave away IE in order to squash then leader Netscape.
[Who?]
*Microsoft sold early versions of Office for $99.00 to gain market share.
[Other players at the time were selling there office suites for 3+ times that amount. Microsoft bought market share by thinking long term. After all, changing your word processor and spreadsheet are a bit dicier than changing your undies. Also, think of all of us who make a living off these products.]
While many software vendors have come and gone, it is the open source, "here it is for free" Cowboys and Cowgirls that are here to stay and threaten the very world of "for pay" software. But what the hey, we developers are typically more enthralled by creating things than making money. I know of no other profession on the planet where not taking and reusing other peoples work is considered the sane way of doing ones job. I believe in journalism they call it plagiarism?
Will Microsoft's Strong Anti-Piracy Stand Drive People to Linux?
Microsoft is due to release its new Vista operating system either toward the end of this year or at the beginning of next year. Will this new operating system be as successful as Microsoft's other offerings?
Microsoft's own greed could end Windows reign as the leading desktop operating system. To fight piracy, Microsoft first introduced activation with its with Windows XP. Activation was supposed to insure that one copy of XP can only be used on one PC. Hackers easily created versions of Windows that avoided activation. Then in the fall of 2004, Microsoft introduced "Windows Genuine Advantage." This program was created to allow Microsoft to check individual PCs to see if they are running a genuine XP or a pirated XP version. At first it was voluntary. Then last summer, Microsoft made it mandatory in order to download any free Microsoft software. Now its even become necessary to get XP security patches. If your PC fails the test and you have a counterfeit installation disk that appears genuine (including the holographic emblem similar to the one on real copies of Windows), Microsoft will send you a genuine disk for free in exchange for the fake disk. Otherwise, to make your Windows genuine you need to either buy a genuine Windows XP or take advantage of whatever offer Microsoft cares to give you.
With the advent of the "Windows Genuine Advantage" campaign, Microsoft has become a personification of a typical, greedy "Corporate Alien." As Linux distributions get better and better, Microsoft has to be careful how it deals with its users. They seem to think that their software is so good, that people would rather pay than switch.
Microsoft licensing always stipulated that, to be legal, you had to buy a license for the Windows or DOS operating system for every PC you own. But from the early DOS days up to Windows 2000, someone would buy one operating system and pass it around to family, friends, and neighbors. So that one Windows 98 Second Edition wound up on ten or more PCs.
Linux, on the other hand, allows you to legally install it on every computer you own. So putting Linux on ten or more PCs is not only legal but desirable as a form of advertising for the operating system. But Windows users have been doing the same thing all these years. They've been advertising Windows by passing it around. It wasn't legal, nor condoned by Microsoft, but Windows piracy was a form of advertising that actually helped promote Windows and insure its growth. As you can see, all this rampant piracy didn't prevent Microsoft's Chairman Bill Gates from becoming one of the richest men in the world.
There's another thing to consider, when you think of operating system piracy. If you're a corporation with thousands of computers, you get a special deal on Windows licensing. If you're a big PC maker like Hewlett-Packard, you get a discount on OEM versions of Windows. But if you're a small computer store and you build five clone PCs per month, you'd have to pay the typical single user price for genuine Windows. (For XP that's about one hundred dollars for the Home Edition and one hundred fifty dollars for the Professional Edition.) It's hard for a small individual to get started and compete with the big boys, and pirating the operating system can be a means of leveling the playing field. Such piracy can be considered as really being a "discount for the Working Class."
There are several Linux distributions that are just as good or even better than anything Microsoft has to offer. But people will still cling to Windows because they don't really want to learn anything new and switching to Linux would require a small learning curve. Microsoft has probably already made deals with PC vendors to install its Vista on practically every major PC brand in the US as soon as it comes out. To be fair to everyone, all PC's should come without an operating system. When someone orders the PC they would order the operating system as well and the store would then install it. Imagine if people were given the choice: "Fedora Core 4 Linux: free" or "Windows Vista Professional: $200.00." I wonder if they would still choose Windows?
Microsoft could actually make Windows the operating system for the next hundred years. All they have to do is make Vista free when it comes out. Just like Linux, the free version would have no support or warranty. They don't even have to make it open source (reveal its internal code); just make it free. They could still make money by creating a highly secure, highly tweaked, fully supported corporate version of Vista and sell it to big companies that can afford it. This is what Linux companies like Redhat and Novell do. If Vista was free, pirates would stop making money, Microsoft would save millions by eliminating the "Orwellian" tracking needed to determine if Windows is genuine, and Linux would no longer be much of a threat. Unfortunately corporate aliens tend not to see any further than the dollar sign.
Microsoft will probably stick to the "Windows Genuine Advantage" program and try to thwart all attempts at hacking. Even though hackers will be able to circumvent any code that Microsoft comes up with, they will eventually get annoyed playing games with the giant Corporate Alien. Then pirated copies of Vista will become hard to get. This will end the advertising benefits derived from unchecked piracy that Microsoft enjoyed in years past. Windows Vista will start to lose market share and in 10 years a major Linux distribution will be the leading desktop operating system. If Linux triumphs, Microsoft Office, will also be replaced by Open Office, and the Microsoft stranglehold on PC software will finally be broken.
If you like Microsoft and want to keep it in power, encourage it to freely give away its Vista operating system. At least, suggest that they drop the annoying "Windows Genuine Advantage" program.
If you want to hasten Microsoft's downfall. Don't hack, pirate or buy Windows, especially its new incarnation, Vista. Learn how to work with your favorite distribution of Linux. You can download Linux distributions for free. Even with broadband this can take a long time. You can buy any Linux distributions for almost the cost it takes to make the disks at osdisc.com.When you buy your next computer make sure genuine Linux is loaded as your operating system. The more Linux gets established, the more everyone will be creating bigger and better software for it. In no time at all you will be getting the "Linux Genuine Advantage."
Microsoft's own greed could end Windows reign as the leading desktop operating system. To fight piracy, Microsoft first introduced activation with its with Windows XP. Activation was supposed to insure that one copy of XP can only be used on one PC. Hackers easily created versions of Windows that avoided activation. Then in the fall of 2004, Microsoft introduced "Windows Genuine Advantage." This program was created to allow Microsoft to check individual PCs to see if they are running a genuine XP or a pirated XP version. At first it was voluntary. Then last summer, Microsoft made it mandatory in order to download any free Microsoft software. Now its even become necessary to get XP security patches. If your PC fails the test and you have a counterfeit installation disk that appears genuine (including the holographic emblem similar to the one on real copies of Windows), Microsoft will send you a genuine disk for free in exchange for the fake disk. Otherwise, to make your Windows genuine you need to either buy a genuine Windows XP or take advantage of whatever offer Microsoft cares to give you.
With the advent of the "Windows Genuine Advantage" campaign, Microsoft has become a personification of a typical, greedy "Corporate Alien." As Linux distributions get better and better, Microsoft has to be careful how it deals with its users. They seem to think that their software is so good, that people would rather pay than switch.
Microsoft licensing always stipulated that, to be legal, you had to buy a license for the Windows or DOS operating system for every PC you own. But from the early DOS days up to Windows 2000, someone would buy one operating system and pass it around to family, friends, and neighbors. So that one Windows 98 Second Edition wound up on ten or more PCs.
Linux, on the other hand, allows you to legally install it on every computer you own. So putting Linux on ten or more PCs is not only legal but desirable as a form of advertising for the operating system. But Windows users have been doing the same thing all these years. They've been advertising Windows by passing it around. It wasn't legal, nor condoned by Microsoft, but Windows piracy was a form of advertising that actually helped promote Windows and insure its growth. As you can see, all this rampant piracy didn't prevent Microsoft's Chairman Bill Gates from becoming one of the richest men in the world.
There's another thing to consider, when you think of operating system piracy. If you're a corporation with thousands of computers, you get a special deal on Windows licensing. If you're a big PC maker like Hewlett-Packard, you get a discount on OEM versions of Windows. But if you're a small computer store and you build five clone PCs per month, you'd have to pay the typical single user price for genuine Windows. (For XP that's about one hundred dollars for the Home Edition and one hundred fifty dollars for the Professional Edition.) It's hard for a small individual to get started and compete with the big boys, and pirating the operating system can be a means of leveling the playing field. Such piracy can be considered as really being a "discount for the Working Class."
There are several Linux distributions that are just as good or even better than anything Microsoft has to offer. But people will still cling to Windows because they don't really want to learn anything new and switching to Linux would require a small learning curve. Microsoft has probably already made deals with PC vendors to install its Vista on practically every major PC brand in the US as soon as it comes out. To be fair to everyone, all PC's should come without an operating system. When someone orders the PC they would order the operating system as well and the store would then install it. Imagine if people were given the choice: "Fedora Core 4 Linux: free" or "Windows Vista Professional: $200.00." I wonder if they would still choose Windows?
Microsoft could actually make Windows the operating system for the next hundred years. All they have to do is make Vista free when it comes out. Just like Linux, the free version would have no support or warranty. They don't even have to make it open source (reveal its internal code); just make it free. They could still make money by creating a highly secure, highly tweaked, fully supported corporate version of Vista and sell it to big companies that can afford it. This is what Linux companies like Redhat and Novell do. If Vista was free, pirates would stop making money, Microsoft would save millions by eliminating the "Orwellian" tracking needed to determine if Windows is genuine, and Linux would no longer be much of a threat. Unfortunately corporate aliens tend not to see any further than the dollar sign.
Microsoft will probably stick to the "Windows Genuine Advantage" program and try to thwart all attempts at hacking. Even though hackers will be able to circumvent any code that Microsoft comes up with, they will eventually get annoyed playing games with the giant Corporate Alien. Then pirated copies of Vista will become hard to get. This will end the advertising benefits derived from unchecked piracy that Microsoft enjoyed in years past. Windows Vista will start to lose market share and in 10 years a major Linux distribution will be the leading desktop operating system. If Linux triumphs, Microsoft Office, will also be replaced by Open Office, and the Microsoft stranglehold on PC software will finally be broken.
If you like Microsoft and want to keep it in power, encourage it to freely give away its Vista operating system. At least, suggest that they drop the annoying "Windows Genuine Advantage" program.
If you want to hasten Microsoft's downfall. Don't hack, pirate or buy Windows, especially its new incarnation, Vista. Learn how to work with your favorite distribution of Linux. You can download Linux distributions for free. Even with broadband this can take a long time. You can buy any Linux distributions for almost the cost it takes to make the disks at osdisc.com.When you buy your next computer make sure genuine Linux is loaded as your operating system. The more Linux gets established, the more everyone will be creating bigger and better software for it. In no time at all you will be getting the "Linux Genuine Advantage."
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