Your choice of operating system (OS) can make a big difference not just to your website’s performance, security and reliability, but also to the applications and hosting environments available to you. Two popular options for Linux servers are CloudLinux and AlmaLinux. In this post, we look at the key differences between the two OS and explain why CloudLinux is an ideal choice for shared hosting and AlmaLinux for VPS, dedicated servers and the cloud.
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CloudLinux – an OS for shared hosting
CloudLinux is a specialised Linux OS, originally built on CentOS, which has transformed how web hosts control their shared hosting solutions and brought a range of key benefits for users.
In the past, shared hosting has been plagued by the issue of ‘noisy neighbours,’ where the busiest websites use too many server resources. This leaves other websites with too little CPU, RAM and bandwidth, impacting their performance.
CloudLinux overcomes this issue. The OS has a Lightweight Virtual Environment (LVE) that allows web hosts to allocate dedicated resources to each user, preventing the intensive operations of one website from affecting the performance of others. If your shared hosting plan uses CloudLinux, your website will always have its allocated share of resources, no matter how busy the other sites are on the server.
Another benefit of CloudLinux is its enhanced security. The OS comes with a feature called CageFS; a virtual file system that puts each user in an isolated environment. Keeping user accounts separate prevents a cyberattack on one account from spreading to other accounts and protects users’ sensitive data.
Two other key features of CloudLinux are its advanced PHP management and its ability to install kernel updates without downtime. Advanced PHP management enables web hosts to adjust PHP settings for individual sites, giving users the freedom to choose the most appropriate PHP versions for their needs. For instance, if your theme is not compatible with newer versions of PHP, you can continue to use an older version rather than having to update your theme.
The ability to install kernel updates without downtime, meanwhile, ensures your server stays online during vital maintenance and that visitors can continue to access your website.
While CloudLinux is a proprietary operating system, the licensing costs are paid for by web hosts, not their customers, so the OS is included in their plans.
Looking for a better shared hosting solution? Read: 10 Amazing Features of eukhost Shared Hosting
AlmaLinux: a versatile OS for multiple uses
AlmaLinux, originally released in 2021, is a free, open-source OS widely seen as an ideal replacement for the discontinued CentOS operating system. Almost identical to the Red Hat Enterprise Linux OS, it is compatible with most Linux apps, as well as popular servers, like Apache and Nginx, databases, like MySQL and PostgreSQL and programming languages, like Python, PHP and Java.
Highly versatile, AlmaLinux can be installed on VPS, dedicated servers and cloud servers, and with the latter, it supports containers and other cloud-native technologies. The OS is also customisable, enabling users to modify server settings to suit their needs, for instance, to boost performance or run specific applications. Regular updates also ensure that it remains secure and stays up to date with the latest technological developments.
Need help with server admin? Read: Managed Hosting The Smart Business Choice
Security considerations
Security is essential in all hosting environments. As mentioned, CloudLinux boosts security by isolating user accounts, preventing users from accessing each other’s sensitive data and stopping cyberattacks from spreading from account to account. Furthermore, it uses SecureLinks technology to prevent symbolic link attacks. These are attacks where hackers trick Apache Web servers into reading users’ PHP config files. The OS also comes with built-in PHP hardening so that users who use older versions of PHP can do so securely.
While AlmaLinux doesn’t need the specialised user isolation features of CloudLinux, it does strictly adhere to industry standards and security best practices. Security patches and updates are released regularly; it uses digital GPG signatures to verify downloaded files; and its Secure Boot feature prevents unauthorised software from loading during booting.
Cloud integration
Both CloudLinux and AlmaLinux are compatible with cloud environments. CloudLinux is ideal for cloud-hosted shared hosting as its ability to isolate user accounts makes it suitable for websites sharing server resources on multi-tenancy, public cloud platforms. AlmaLinux, meanwhile, is easily deployed on cloud platforms, runs on virtual machines, and integrates with container technologies, like Docker, which are commonly used in the cloud.
Considering the cloud? Read: 8 Benefits of a Managed Cloud Solution
Conclusion
CloudLinux and AlmaLinux are excellent Linux-based operating systems that have different uses. CloudLinux enables service providers, including reseller hosts, to control their shared hosting plans and provide customers with dedicated resources, consistent performance and enhanced security. AlmaLinux can be used by individual businesses in VPS, dedicated server or cloud hosting environments. An ideal replacement for those who have previously used CentOS, it is versatile, reliable and, being open-source, entirely free.
Considering CloudLinux or AlmaLinux. At eukhost, our shared hosting plans are run using CloudLinux while AlmaLinux is an operating system option for our Linux VPS, dedicated server and cloud solutions. For more information about all our hosting solutions, visit our homepage.
