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What is Unix?Unix is a computer operating system created by Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson in 1969, in an effort to provide a multitasking system. The idea behind the design of Unix was to provide simple, powerful and effective utilities that could be put together to perform a wide variety of tasks. What is Linux?Linux is a complete operating system created by Linus Torvalds. It has similarities with Unix. It runs on a wide variety of hardware, ranging from Intel and AMD CPUs to Silicon Graphics workstations. Linux is free of charge. Yet it does not mean that companies cannot charge for it. Hosting a web site on a Unix based system and a Linux based system is nearly identical. Is it necessary to purchase a license to operate web sites on Unix?No. Most software developed for Linux and Unix is licenced under the General Public License (GNU). As a result, it is very easy to find any software you require with a very little cost. This is a big advantage for the Linux and Unix platforms when compared to the Windows market. What is Apache?Apache is the popular software that allows you to run a web site on a Unix server. What are the advantages of Unix hosting?Unix provides you with stability, security and reliable performance. By default, Unix is text-based and does not use a graphical user interface (GUI). Therefore it can work with less resources and dedicate the full power of the server to your web site. What kinds of scripting languages can be used with Unix hosting?The most common options are PHP and PERL. There are many tutorials, introductions and sample scripts about PHP and PERL available on the Internet. Which database options are available for Unix hosting?This mainly depends on the hosting provider selected to host the web site. There are different types of databases which run on Unix, but the most common among web hosting providers are MySQL, PostgreSQL and mSQL. They are related to one another by nature, and enable highly optimized communication with your web site so that you can retrieve information quickly. Is Unix hosting less or more expensive?Unix (or Linux) would certainly be a less expensive option if you intend to host the site yourself with your own software. If you plan to host your site on a web hosting company which own the software installed, you may find comparable prices for each platform. What are the main differences between a Unix hosting and a Windows hosting?Here is a comparison of key features for Unix and Windows hosting platforms.
Glossary of terms:ApacheFree Web Server software for Unix and Linux platforms. CGIA CGI (Common Gateway Interface) program is a program that can be executed as part of a web server process. GNU General Public LicenseThis is an agreement by the author of certain software to offer his or her software for free, and to abide by the conditions of copyleft. Specifically, the copyleft philosophy mandates that anyone must pass the freedom to further copy when redistributing the free software, thus, making sure that no one can claim any ownership rights of the future versions and put any restriction on users. KernelProbably the most significant part of an operating system which provides basic services for all other parts. PERLA script programming language that is similar to the C language in syntax. It includes some popular Unix facilities. PHPA script language that is freely available for Linux and Unix Web servers.
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