Software Alternatives & Startups

FreeCommander VS CloudLinux

Compare FreeCommander VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

FreeCommander

FreeCommander is an easy-to-use alternative to the standard windows file manager. The program helps you with daily work in Windows. Here you can find all the necessary functions to manage your data stock.

Rating
0 reviews
CloudLinux

Making Linux secure, stable, and profitable for thousands of hosting providers and data centers worldwide.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

FreeCommander
CloudLinux
Website freecommander.com cloudlinux.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

FreeCommander 6 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • User Interface
    FreeCommander features a dual-pane interface that allows users to manage files in a more organized and efficient manner, providing an easy way to transfer files between directories.
  • Customization
    The software offers a high level of customization, enabling users to tailor the application to meet their specific needs, including keyboard shortcuts and layout adjustments.
  • Compatibility
    FreeCommander is compatible with various Windows versions, making it accessible to a wide range of users with different system specifications.
  • Portable Version
    A portable version of FreeCommander is available, which allows users to run the application from a USB drive without needing to install it on a computer.
  • File Management Features
    The software includes advanced file management features such as multi-rename tools, file shredding, folder synchronization, and archive handling (ZIP, RAR, CAB).
  • Cost
    FreeCommander is free to use, making it an economical choice for individuals and organizations looking for robust file management tools.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    New users may find the wide range of features and customization options overwhelming, leading to a steep learning curve.
  • Documentation
    Some users report that the documentation is not exhaustive, which can make it difficult to fully utilize all the capabilities of the software without additional research or trial and error.
  • Limited MacOS and Linux Support
    FreeCommander is primarily designed for Windows, thereby offering limited compatibility and functionality on MacOS and Linux systems.
  • Updates
    The updates and development of FreeCommander are dependent on a small team, potentially leading to slower development cycles and the occasional bug.
  • Interface Design
    The user interface, while functional, is not as modern or aesthetically pleasing as some other file management tools, which may deter some users.
  • Enhanced Server Stability
    CloudLinux uses its lightweight virtualization technology (LVE) to isolate each tenant on a shared hosting server, preventing any single user from consuming excessive resources and crashing the server for everyone else. This ensures consistent uptime and performance.
  • Improved Security with HardenedPHP and KernelCare
    CloudLinux offers HardenedPHP, which patches old and unsupported PHP versions against known vulnerabilities, and KernelCare, which provides live kernel patching without requiring server reboots. These features significantly enhance server security posture.
  • Resource Limit Management
    Administrators can set granular resource limits (CPU, memory, I/O, number of processes, etc.) per user account using LVE Manager. This makes it easy to manage shared hosting environments and ensure fair resource distribution among tenants.
  • CageFS File System Virtualization
    CageFS creates a virtualized file system for each user, preventing them from seeing other users on the server, viewing sensitive configuration files, or exploiting server vulnerabilities. This adds an important layer of isolation and security.
  • Wide Compatibility with Hosting Panels
    CloudLinux integrates seamlessly with popular hosting control panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, making it straightforward for hosting providers to adopt without overhauling their existing infrastructure or workflows.

Possible disadvantages

  • Additional Licensing Cost
    CloudLinux requires a paid monthly or annual license on top of the base server cost. For smaller hosting providers or individual server owners, this additional expense can add up and may not always be justifiable compared to free alternatives.
  • Limited to CentOS/RHEL-Based Systems
    CloudLinux is built on top of RHEL/CentOS and does not support other Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian. This limits its adoption for hosting providers who prefer or already run non-RHEL-based environments.
  • Learning Curve for Configuration
    While CloudLinux provides powerful resource management tools, properly configuring LVE limits, CageFS, PHP Selector, and other features requires a solid understanding of the platform. Misconfiguration can lead to users being unnecessarily restricted or resources being poorly allocated.
  • Potential Performance Overhead
    The additional layers of virtualization, resource monitoring, and file system isolation introduced by CloudLinux can impose a slight performance overhead on the server compared to running a bare, unmodified Linux distribution without these controls.
  • Dependency on CloudLinux Ecosystem
    Adopting CloudLinux means relying on their ecosystem for kernel updates, PHP patches, and security fixes. If the company experiences delays in releasing patches or changes its pricing/licensing model, hosting providers may find themselves locked into a dependency that is difficult to migrate away from.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

FreeCommander
CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • Overall, FreeCommander is a solid choice for users looking for a robust and versatile file management solution. It is especially appealing to advanced users who need additional tools for efficient file handling. However, those who prefer a minimalist interface or only require basic file management features may find it to be more than necessary.

Why this product is good

  • FreeCommander is considered good due to its user-friendly interface and powerful file management capabilities. It offers a two-pane view for easy file management, along with a variety of tools such as file splitting, archiving, and batch renaming. Its customizability and wide range of plugins enhance its functionality, making it a favorite among users who require more than the basic file manager features offered by the operating system.

Recommended for

    FreeCommander is recommended for power users, IT professionals, and anyone who frequently handles large volumes of files and requires advanced file management tools. It is also suitable for users who appreciate software customization and seek a reliable alternative to their operating system's default file manager.

Overall verdict

  • CloudLinux is a well-regarded, mature Linux OS distribution and toolset specifically designed for shared hosting and multi-tenant server environments, offering strong isolation, resource management, and security features that make it a solid choice for hosting providers.

Why this product is good

  • Provides LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) technology for per-tenant resource isolation, preventing 'bad neighbor' effects on shared servers
  • Enhances server stability and security by isolating users so that one account's issues (crashes, resource spikes) don't affect others
  • Offers extended lifecycle support (longer than standard CentOS/RHEL support windows), which is valuable for legacy systems
  • Includes tools like CloudLinux OS Shield, Imunify360 integration, and hardened kernel options for improved security
  • Compatible with popular control panels like cPanel and Plesk, making it easy to integrate into existing hosting stacks
  • Backed by an established company with a long track record in the hosting industry and responsive support
  • Offers granular control over CPU, memory, I/O, and other resources per user account
  • Provides PHP Selector and multiple PHP version support, useful for hosting providers serving diverse client needs

Recommended for

  • Web hosting companies running shared or reseller hosting environments
  • Hosting providers needing to isolate customer accounts on the same physical server
  • Businesses requiring extended OS support lifecycles beyond standard RHEL/CentOS EOL dates
  • Enterprises using cPanel or Plesk that want tighter security and resource control
  • Hosting companies looking to reduce support tickets caused by noisy-neighbor resource contention
  • IT teams managing multi-tenant infrastructure who need governance and monitoring tools built into the OS layer

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

FreeCommander 1 video + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

FreeCommander XE 2018 Review Free Download For Windows

When To Use Cloudlinux On Your Virtual Private Server (VPS)

More videos

  • - CloudLinux OS+ in a minute: Explore Features
  • - How CloudLinux Plans to Keep CentOS 6 Alive

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
FreeCommander
CloudLinux
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

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CloudLinux no reviews yet

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Alternatives to FreeCommander and CloudLinux

When comparing FreeCommander and CloudLinux, you can also consider the following products.