Why 'Open Source' Linux based Software is worth it.
Need to Upgrade or Add Servers to Your Infrastructure but can't due to the Tight Budget in Current Economy? Have you thought of going Open Source?
Understanding the key differences between the open source and the proprietary closed source software will let you choose the one suiting your needs. To begin with, open source software allows access to their source codes which can be customized to suit the different requirements of the individuals or the organizations using them. This is not possible in the case of closed source software as the developers hold the only keys to alter or update the source codes. Windows based systems, as an example, are much more expensive than Linux based servers. This is thanks to the several additional costs in the case of Windows such as the fees from Microsoft, license and support programs that need to be purchased, and the constant costs of updating to the latest versions.
Linux is free from almost all of these costs and thus it is the ideal solution if you wish to employ highly efficient enterprise class software on a tight budget in current economy.
If you are in need to have your current network expanded but had enough of the high costs, GTA Comp will be very happy to help you implement the perfect open source solution.
Why Linux Based Servers Can Be Better?
If you have analyzed and understood the overwhelming benefits of open source software then you are sure to appreciate the Linux operating system. If you are a person who is still under the impression that Linux is suitable only for the ones comfortable with complicated coding and language-savvy applications then you are not aware of the latest developments in Linux operating systems that have made them easily usable.
A little online browsing and right guidance from Linux experts will make you realize the actual flexibility and worth of Linux operating systems along with their best networking options. Unlike the Widows operating system, Linux is free to work with, allowing source code modifications, installation of features, redistribution, and so on; thus the spirit of Linux is rightly known as 'being free'. Many latest surveys based on the opinions of worldwide users claim that Linux is more stable as far as web hosting, networking and security are concerned.
The privacy offered by Linux for multi-users and internet gateways along with the fact that only few number of viruses are written for Linux, the security is not at all a matter of concern for the Linux users. Many Linux users are confident about the stability of Linux based OS which effectively plays the roles of being a domain server, web server, mail server, ftp server, proxy server and so much more. If you are a person who wants more clarification on the myths surrounding Linux usage then it will be prudent to check them out before you prejudice.
Things have changed and many modifications brought to this open source software have made it easier to work with as Linux is not anymore entirely based on text commands, thanks to the GUI features provided. Nearly 90% of hardware compatibility and restrictions on the software which will run in Linux have been resolved. What more! Linux based operating systems do not require you to spend an arm and a leg for maintaining, updating, and other development costs.
Linux Domain and Web Servers – In the Fields of Webhosting and Networking
The Linux web hosting services are the best solution if the scripting languages used by your company, or you as an individual, are PHP, Perl, and/or MySQL. Many prefer Linux for its stable and trustworthy web hosting systems. There are several advantages of going for Linux domain servers and web hosting services in spite of the few drawbacks. The one important factor which will prompt you to choose open source rather than the closed source is the cost factor. With this said, you can interpret that most of the software and additional tools are free of cost in the case of Linux based domain servers. Almost all the full-notched applications of Linux are free and esteemed for its functionality and ease of use. Some of the popular Linux server applications are of course domain server, web server¸ file server, DNS and FTP server.
For companies that provide web hosting, the control panel offered in Linux webhosting servers (called Cpanel) is one of the most attractive features which enable install of innumerable applications to its customers for free. Users do not require any special technical knowledge and companies save the additional software development or purchase costs. The only visible drawback is that you cannot use Linux based servers if you employ any proprietary applications or Microsoft based applications in your computer infrastructure.
Few Open Source Software Solutions
SME Server (e-smith) is a Linux distribution which is based on CentOS and is famous for its ease of administration and stability. SME is the abbreviation for Small to Medium Enterprise and employs comprehensive UI for the management-related tasks which are extensible through templates and add-ons.
Ubuntu is another stable and secure operating system which is based on Linux/Debian GNU and includes several open source and free software packages. There are four more operating systems driven by Ubuntu, namely, Xubuntu, Kubuntu, Ubuntu JeOS (virtual appliances), and Edubuntu (home and school environments).
One does not need much introduction to Red Hat Enterprise Linux which is targeted at the commercial markets with outstanding technical support for minimal fees. Customers are offered 24/7 top notch technical support for RHEL without any additional costs if they are still under the subscription term of the current version.
Fedora is a general purpose, RPM-based operating system which is built on the Linux kernel and assures the distribution of software under open source license. It is aimed for the home user but can still be customized as a high efficiency 'can-do-all' server.
OpenSuse if yet another Linux based OS which aims to be “the world's most usable Linux distribution”. It is sponsored by Novell since January 2004 and is offered to enterprise levels as well.
More info on Suse Enterprise Linux can be found on Novell's website.
SmoothWall is worth mentioning as a Linux based firewall and proxy which is very functional and easy to use, thanks to the web-based GUI.
If you are located in the West GTA, namely Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville or Milton,
GTAComp provides consulting and implementation of open source solutions to satisfy your needs.
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