Chapter 1
Hosting Internet Services
IN THIS CHAPTER
Describing Linux servers
Listing common Linux server programs
Linux has had a rough time breaking into the desktop market, but it has thrived in the server market. These days, just about every company has one or more Linux servers to manage, so it’s important to know how Linux servers work and what server software packages are popular these days.
The popularity of Linux servers has a lot to do with their versatility, performance, and cost. This chapter helps get you up to speed on how Linux servers operate and covers the most common server software packages you can install and run in Linux to provide services to your network clients.
What Is a Linux Server?
Before I dive into Linux server details, let me explain what I mean by a Linux server and show how a Linux server differs from a Linux desktop.
Both Linux desktops and Linux servers use the same Linux kernel, run the same shells, and even have the ability to run the same programs. The difference comes in which programs they primarily run and how those programs run on the system.
Linux desktops primarily focus on personal programs that you run from a graphical user interface (GUI), such as when you browse the Internet or edit a document. The GUI is an easy way for users to ...
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