Software Alternatives & Startups

ShrewSoft VPN Client VS CloudLinux

Compare ShrewSoft VPN Client VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

ShrewSoft VPN Client

Shrew Soft Inc

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.

ShrewSoft VPN Client
CloudLinux
Website shrew.net cloudlinux.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

ShrewSoft VPN Client 5 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    ShrewSoft VPN Client is available for both Windows and Unix-based operating systems, which allows users to implement it across different environments.
  • Cost
    The software is free to use, making it an economical choice for individuals and businesses that require VPN functionalities without additional expenses.
  • Comprehensive Documentation
    ShrewSoft offers extensive documentation and user guides, making it easier for users to configure and troubleshoot the VPN client.
  • Security Features
    The client supports secure protocols and encryption standards, offering robust security for VPN connections.
  • Advanced Configuration
    ShrewSoft VPN Client provides detailed configuration options, offering flexibility for advanced users who need to customize their VPN settings.

Possible disadvantages

  • User Interface
    The user interface is considered outdated and less intuitive compared to modern VPN clients, which can be a drawback for new users.
  • Lack of Updates
    The software has infrequent updates, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with newer operating systems.
  • Complexity
    Due to its extensive customization options, ShrewSoft VPN Client can be complex to set up for users without technical expertise.
  • Limited Support
    Support options are limited, primarily relying on community forums for troubleshooting and assistance, which may delay problem resolution.
  • Performance
    Some users have reported performance issues such as slower connection speeds and instability, which can impact the user experience.
  • 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.

ShrewSoft VPN Client
CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • ShrewSoft VPN Client is generally regarded as a good option for those who need a reliable and versatile VPN client, especially if they're connecting to a wide array of VPN gateways. However, its interface might seem a bit outdated compared to some modern alternatives, and it has not seen major updates in recent years. This might be a consideration for those who prioritize the latest security features and modern interfaces.

Why this product is good

  • ShrewSoft VPN Client is often considered a solid choice for users due to its compatibility with a wide range of VPN gateways, simplicity of use, and the rich set of features it offers for a free product. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems, and provides features such as split tunneling, NAT traversal, and support for VPN protocols like IPsec. Many users appreciate its balance between functionality and ease of use, making it suitable for both novice and advanced users.

Recommended for

    ShrewSoft VPN Client is recommended for users who require a free, straightforward, and dependable VPN client to connect to IPsec VPNs. It's suitable for IT professionals and individuals who need to connect to multiple network environments and are comfortable with configuring VPN connections. It might also appeal to users who don't need advanced features found in paid VPN services but want a secure and effective tool for their VPN needs.

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.

ShrewSoft VPN Client 0 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

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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
ShrewSoft VPN Client
CloudLinux
100% 100%
VPN
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Alternatives to ShrewSoft VPN Client and CloudLinux

When comparing ShrewSoft VPN Client and CloudLinux, you can also consider the following products.