Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system (OS); thus, most web hosting companies cater to sites running on Windows, as expected. However, there is an increasing demand for hosts that can support websites running on other platforms such as Mac OS and Linux, just to name a few. For this article, we will focus on Linux web hosting.

Why do some people choose Linux web hosting? To start with, Linux is an open source OS designed after Unix. It means Linux is free, which is a fact that is easily a factor in some people’s choice of operating system. Aside from being free, Linux is also known to be very stable even in the midst of some heavy-duty multitasking. It’s also known to be flexible, powerful, and portable. The graphical user interface (GUI) looks great, too.

Whatever the reason may be, there’s no denying that more and more people are turning to Linux web hosting. If you’re comfortable with using Linux with Perl programming language, now is the right time to go for Linux web hosting. It has its place in mainstream, so any worries you may have about lack of suitable choices for Linux web hosting should be thrown out the window. There are a lot of affordable packages being marketed by web hosting companies for the Linux user.

Surprisingly, even if Windows is the most popular OS, Linux web hosting has more presence on the internet than Windows web hosting. The reason behind this is Linux’s open source nature. A lot of technological developments in web hosting are also open source. It’s easier for developers and programmers to experiment with different innovations when high fees and licenses are not part of the equation. Thus, Linux web hosting provides you with a lot of flexibility at almost no cost. When technologies update, you can go along with them without worrying about your budget because they are free.

Linux web hosting is also highly standardized because Linux, as an OS, is a standard platform. Thus, you can easily add to your website without too much hassle since everything is streamlined. You’ll appreciate this more as your website steadily and quickly grows. Long-term management with diligent maintenance is one of the most difficult things you need to do as a webmaster; luckily Linux web hosting can help in that aspect.

Take note, though, that there’s a downside to all the good stuff, and it’s up to you if it’s worth looking over when you finally choose Linux web hosting. Since Windows still dominates as the number one OS, Linux web hosting does not have a lot of technical support available for applications and languages that are based on Windows. Sure, you have a wide range of Linux-based applications and languages to choose from, but there are very useful ones that are Windows-based. You either don’t use them at all, or prepare yourself to encounter difficulties when you do.

Weigh your needs and wants before choosing Linux web hosting over Windows web hosting. Both have positive and negative aspects to them, and choosing what works better for your website is something only you can decide.

By: Charles Yarbrough

Many remote access health care solutions try to sell you on a client and server based relationship. The problem with this type of system is that every computer must be standardized across the network. This can become a huge problem when dealing with a vast array of different computer models and hardware setups. To pull this off, you’d have to inventory every single piece of equipment in your network, upgrade those needing new hardware and software, and then get rid of the systems that are incompatible. You’d have to stick with just one operating system (OS) (PC, Mac, Linux) and you’d spend a fortune trying to make them all equal.

Maintenance would also be extremely challenging because you’d have to keep every system up and running accordingly. This means you’ll need to hire more network technicians and keep others on call for emergencies. Just imagine the costs of implementing a system like this.

Luckily, there is a better way and it is much easier than you would think. Rather than install a client and server based system, why not give up the client side software and simply use a remote access health care solution? These systems don’t require a specific type of operating system or have any software or hardware requirements. You can use any type of web browser and you don’t have to upgrade or standardize your machines. They work by simply requiring you to log in via an internet browser interface, meaning you can access them from any computer with internet access.

This virtually eliminates 50% of the installation costs and nearly 100% of the maintenance costs. It also makes training workers a much easier task since they don’t have to learn new client software. This software is just about as easy as it gets.

You might be wondering if these systems have the same capabilities as the former, but the good news is that they do. They have all of the same functionality, being able to access, store, record, authorize, transfer, adjust, and notate medical records via any location. The only difference is that you don’t have to install client side software. As technology continues to improve, this will be the direction that most companies move towards, so making the upgrade before your competition does could give you a leg up.

It will also show your customers that you are cutting edge and that you are willing to harness technology to improve treatment options. It will also help you improve efficiency, meaning that it will improve your bottom line operational costs. Upgrading to a remote access health care solution is really a no brainer! You can save money and give your patients the best health care in the area; you simply can’t go wrong.

There are many systems being sold today, but make sure you choose one that offers a server only setup without the need for a client based system. Installation is easier than ever before. In fact, there isn’t much of an installation at all, simply setup your server and you are ready to go!

By: Scott Miscall