What is Linode?
Linode is a Virtual Private Server (VPS) and Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) hosting service. What this means is that all virtual machines running on Linodes physical computers are, for all intents and purposes, equivalent to unique and separate physical computers devoted entirely to the needs of their respective clients.
Why Use VPS/VDS Hosting Services?
There are many advantages to using VPS and VDS hosting services. For one thing, the cost is much lower as opposed to assembling a private physical server. For another, VPS hosting services will be the ones to deal with any problems that may occur, whether they be software or hardware related.
VPS/VDS hosting services are especially useful for small start-up businesses that need dedicated servers but do not have the capital to purchase the physical hardware requirements.
Despite all the perks, though, not all hosting services are created equal.
Why Linode?
Linode (short for Linux Node,) is one of the VPS/VDS hosting services vying for the honor of being named the best, and with good reason. Linode is a very powerful service, offering the client total flexibility with the virtual machine while also providing thorough technical support.
Does Linode have coupons and promotion codes in 2012?
Not that we know of at the moment. Currently we don’t see and coupons or special offers but if a deal becomes available, we will be sure to post it.
Getting Started
Signing up for Linode is very easy and straightforward. Clients will choose from plans to see what best fits their needs. Some may only need a basic Linode 512 plan, which offers 20 GB of storage and 200 GB of transfer space, while others may opt for the high-end Linode 20 GB plan, with 800 GB of storage allocation and 2000 GB of transfer allocation. It will really depend on the clients needs.
Linode comes with basic installation of Linux, which should be obvious. Clients are then allowed to choose what operating system to work with. These include the popular Ubuntu, as well as Debian Lenny, Fedora, and Gentoo. While most VPS hosting services offer these very same operating systems, Linode offers them in 32-bit installations. This is a huge advantage, as the memory footprint of a 32-bit operating system is significantly less than that of a 64-bit OS.
Beginner-Friendly?
One issue users may have with Linode, though, is its lack of a control panel. Many bloggers and web developers are used to using something like cPanel or Plesk. Linode offers neither of those things. All that users will have to work with is the command line. This will not be an issue for experienced developers who know just how powerful a tool the command line can be, but it will not be surprising if many new developers get a little intimidated. Installing and configuring MySQL, Apache, and all the other things needed to get things running can be a daunting task for newbies to take on without any help.
Support
Fortunately, newbies will have help. The Linode Library contains an exceptionally comprehensive library of tutorials detailing exactly what has to be done and how to do it in any given situation. The Linode IRC channel is also full of people who are more than happy to answer any questions users may have about the service. The services support team is also on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions users may have.
Performance
While support and user-friendliness are both very important factors to consider in choosing a hosting service, nothing should carry more weight than that services performance. Linode is an incredibly fast hosting service, much faster and more responsive than its rival services, such as Slicehost. Linode also guarantees 99% uptime and will actually reimburse users if downtime exceeds that 1%.
One reason Linode performs so well is that they do not oversell their servers. Clients will only be accommodated while servers can handle the load. This means that users will get all the bandwidth they pay for, not just a close approximation. The resources they have paid for are allocated for their use only.
Another reason Linode boasts almost 100% uptime is because the company has invested the hardware for the job. By making sure that their hardware is up to standard, Linode lowers the risks of hardware failure, effectively reducing the chances of downtime.
Other Features
Aside from the outstanding performance and support that Linode offers, it also has many useful features. The Linode API allows users to create and delete new Linode VPSs aside from managing a users DNS.
Another is the StackScripts feature. StackScripts allows users to create custom stacks by simply answering a few questions. StackScripts can then be deployed and let the scripts run as instructed. Users can also share their custom StackScripts with the entire Linode community, and all StackScripts can be managed through the Linode API.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a hosting service is its ability to back up valuable data. Many clients of cheap hosting services lose all their data because they put their faith in unreliable data backup services. Sometimes, the maintenance and administrative work becomes too much for them. Linode offers a backup service that simply just works. Clients just need to enroll in the program, and they can sleep easy knowing that their data is safe.
One other reason to go with Linode is that once around every year, clients get a free upgrade on their services at no extra charge.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Linode is a reliable VPS/VDS hosting service backed up by industry standard hardware and 24/7 technical support. It outperforms most of its competitors in terms of speed and uptime and even offers to reimburse clients when downtime is experienced.
The service is also user-friendly. New users may be a little daunted at first, but with the help of support tools such as the Linode Library, they should get acclimated to the interface in no time. It also does not hurt that the support people in the IRC forums are always ready to help Linode users out.
Overall, Linode allows users to have a server they can truly call their own. Servers are fully customizable, so clients can pick and choose only the features and capacity they need. It truly offers the best bang for a users buck among all the hosting services available on the market.
Company Website: http://www.linode.com