Web hosting is one of the most lucrative businesses on the Web today. There are many web hosting companies are offering their services to different businesses who have websites to run and maintain. Business owners and web developers are always looking for a trusted web hosting firm to help them to manage their online business websites.
But aside from web hosting companies, users can also partake in this business and offer their services to others to able to accommodate the needs of website owners – by being a web hosting reseller.
More and more users are becoming resellers just to earn some extra cash and at the same time improve the quality of their websites. One of the most popular reseller packages offered to many is the Linux Web Hosting. Many resellers find this package a very good deal among web developers and website owners for good reasons.
Windows and Linux Defined and Compared
Linux and Windows are two of the most popular operating systems today. It is important to know both. Here are a few similarities and differences that you should know.
- Access. Linux, being a member of the GNU Public License organization, allows developers full access to their codes. There are fewer restrictions when it comes to Linux on this department. Windows, on the other hand, have limited access unless the developer has subscribed to their services.
- Licensing. Linux is offered free for all developers to use so you will have no problem using their programs and software, especially when it comes to their licensing part. You can also modify the codes without worrying about the owner’s permission. Windows need permission before anyone can use any of their Microsoft codes and programs.
- Support. Linux-based web developers have a whole community of users can help them in times of need. There are dedicated websites that provide guidelines and tips to assist the developers. You can also ask other developers on forums if you are looking for specific information. On the downside, it might take time for the answers to come since there is no centralized support system provided for this operating system, whereas for Windows, you can easily get the answer that you need. But it comes with a price.
- Hardware. Back then, hardware support for Linux is hard to come by. In the past, developers had to look and handpicked each one of them. But today, there is an array of hardware support for Linux. Windows also have a strong support when it comes to hardware support and maintenance.
- Application Installation. Linux has a centralized location for app installations so you don’t have to go searching for over the net. Windows doesn’t have that feature and you have to know where to look for these applications.
- Command line. Both operating systems can run and use command line. But there are some limitations, especially with Windows. There is some command line that is unknown to regular users, unless you use the Run or CMD command. Linux has an extensive command line (SSH, text-based editor, etc.) but some users don’t usually use this part.
Reasons to go for Linux
There are a lot of reasons why developers go for Linux. For one, it is cost-efficient. Since developers are free to use the programs, they don’t have to pay anything unless it is needed. And Linux is used widely and applicable to a number of devices and applications – from mainframes to mobile phones. And it’s also supported by a lot of platforms, so developers and IT professionals wouldn’t have many problems using this operating system.
Preparing to be a Linux web hosting reseller
- Learn more about Linux. Although Linux is very easy to use, potential resellers should know more about this operating system for buying a couple of their hosting services. Know the pros and cons, the commands, the programs and the nitty-gritty details.
- Scout for a trusted web hosting firm. There are a lot of hosting firms out there. To start the hunt, list down the possible hosting firms you want to deal with. If you are a beginner in this business, ask a professional to help you out. These people probably dealt with a number of hosting firms and they know what exactly to look for. Look into their packages and compare against their competitors and your future reseller needs.
- Talk to the hosting provider. The best way to know about a product or a service is to talk to the providers. Contact them (via phone or email) and ask for a quote. You can all ask for relevant questions about their package and their support system. Do not be afraid to voice out your concerns if needed.
- Check your funds. Keeping and maintaining a hosting space can be costly. Be sure that you have the capital needed before you push through with it. Make some adjustments to the cost.
- Create your prize package. Before renting or lease a hosting space, create your own pricing package based on the cost of your lease and the additional charges that you will give to your future clients. Make it as reasonable as possible.
