Why Linux/Apache Works Best With WordPress
Over 202 million websites and blogs are powered by WordPress, making it the most popular open source blog tool and publishing software on the web. Version 3.0 has been downloaded over 32.5 million times alone! WordPress began in May of 2003, and has been evolving and staying one step ahead of the game for eight years. Why do bloggers prefer WordPress over the many other options? First, you just can’t beat free. And WordPress’s clean, friendly template system provides the same website tools that subscription software providers offer. Second, WordPress has been living in the internet jungle for a long time. It has adapted to its surroundings and can handle potential conflicts with ease. If you were going to spend time in the wild, would you prefer to go out with an experienced guide or a novice explorer? WordPress’ strengths are found in its simplicity and experience.
While WordPress can be tweaked to work with Windows-based hosting, it ideally functions with the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQP, and PHP) configuration. (It’s kind of like the difference between rain and sunshine in the internet jungle.) Linux, on the other hand, works well in any conditions. It plays nicely with Windows and other third-party software. Installing it on your computer won’t bother anyone else.
Why does WordPress work best with Linux? Most importantly, Apache uses a .htaccess file that is a must-have for serious bloggers. The .htaccess file allows for easy redirects and permalinks. Windows has trouble with some hyperlinks, and using Linux helps get rid of those pesky 404 errors. This is very, very good for SEO, which is the backbone of a successful website.
Using Linux also cuts down on OS licensing costs, compared with the way Windows is set up. Linux also provides bloggers with greater flexibility than Windows: with Linux, WordPress users can load only the processes and modules they need onto the CPU.
Apache also makes transferring your website from one host to another a lot simpler and quicker. Choosing the most optimal web hosting configuration eliminates a lot of potential WordPress issues, as well as issues with WordPress plug-ins.
Installing Linux/ Apache is easy and free, and users don’t have to get rid of Windows to do it. You will need to download PHP TRIAD, which is a software application that allows you to install a local server onto your computer. (Make sure all other server applications are closed before installation!) PHP TRIAD includes Apache, MYSQL, and PHP, the three requisites of any program that can install itself as a server. Apache is the web server, MYSQL the database server, and PHP the programming library. WordPress users who desire to do more advanced web programming might consider installing Perl and PHPMYAdmin.
Once PHP Triad is downloaded, you will have access to an easy-to-navigate control panel, where you can configure your options quickly and easily.
In a nutshell, here are the reasons to choose Linux/Apache as your WordPress server:
- Free! No licensing fees!
- Better search engine optimization thanks to secure redirects and permalinks.
- Easy transfer from one web host to another.
- Greater flexibility. Customizable. Package management.
- Ease of use: Easy to navigate control panel, simple interface, easier to start-up after lock-up than Windows.
- Plays well with pretty much all third-party pieces of software.
- Free?
Installing Linux Apache is simple, and can give your WordPress website an edge over sites who work off of different servers. Remember, it’s an internet jungle out there. Opt for sunny weather.
About the Author
Cory H. is a website developer and marketer in Phoenix, Arizona, offering WordPress development, maintenance and other related web-based services. As with all development projects, a solid development contract is a must to ensure accountability by both parties.