Windows Hosting versus Linux Hosting

The matter of choosing between the operating system (OS) running the web server hosting your web site as old as the web hosting business. The OS controls all the functions of the web server hosting your site, so it comes naturally to pay special attention when choosing one over another. But what are really the options you have?

Mainly you can choose between web hosting based on Windows, Linux or Unix operating systems. A brief description and analysis of the different systems will narrow the list of options to only two.

Microsoft's Windows server operating systems (NT/2000/2003) have a rather friendly and familiar user interface, making IT teams to easier in this aspect. Another plus is given by it's excellent integration capabilities with other applications developed by Microsoft and let's face it their range is absolutely impressive. The main key point of Windows based hosting is its support for .ASP (Active Server Pages) or the advanced ASP.NET. This language for web development was created by Microsoft to facilitate the creation of dynamic web pages linked to SQL databases. It also provides capabilities for integration with other systems.

It can be said that Unix is the OS that powered the beginning of the Internet era and due to his qualities is still used today. Linux OS was developed having Unix as starting point and this is how the two share many features. Today the Linux version of the Unix system is more common on web servers and this has to do with the higher licensing costs and with the rather specific hardware requirements for Unix. This is why we will continue with Linux only, but Unix is taken into account as well. Linux hosting has its strong points in fulfilling one's requirements for a good web server and Web serving, file serving, mailing, and streaming are only a few. It proves itself is a very cost-effective choice from using hardware efficiently, and allowing an increased web sites per server ratio, this ultimately resulting in a decreasing the cost of hosting per account.

So here are our two choices Windows and Linux.

Reliability

In the past Linux OS were seen as more reliable over Windows. However with the release of Windows 2003 server Microsoft has gone a long way and closed the gap in this area. Linux servers are compatible with certain Microsoft extensions and applications and the same is true for Windows.

Web Programming

Even if trying to host a simple personal web site, your might want add some simple scripts to spice up your pages. The issue gets bigger when you are looking to host an e-commerce site supported by some serious server-side programming. So how are our two contenders doing in this aspect?

Supporting java scripts is not a topic to be argued upon as they are executed on the client side (the user's web browser) and both Linux and Windows have no problem feeding this content to your visitors.

It is a whole different matter when discussing server side scripting. For web site owners trying to implement forms on their site it is common knowledge that ASP is supported by Windows and PHP is the tool to do just that under Linux. However both developed solutions to support each other's programming language for web development. This support is not perfect and its limitations recommend Linux for a good PHP support and Windows for ASP, especially when it comes to hosting web sites that require the full use the advantages offered by PHP or ASP.

Linux offers a support for FrontPage extensions. Windows has a weak point in offering only limited CGI/Perl support, so if Perl is the scripting language of your choice, you should opt for Linux.

Databases

Dynamically driven web sites require some sort of databases. Beyond sites employing databases, most frequently you will encounter mySQL or MSAccess. If your web site is relying on mySQL, then you'll have no problems hosting it on either Windows or Linux. For MSAccess databases, look your only option is Windows.

Price

Linux web hosting is cheaper. The reason must be searched in licensing costs, that are lower that for Windows, and in the ability of Linux web servers to support a higher web sites per server ratio without compromising the quality of service.

Although Windows hosting cost a bit more, you will get something for your money. It's reduced development time and functionality

As the option of one over another depends basically of your actual needs and of the plans you have made for the future of your web site. For example will it move from a rather static web site to one relying heavily on server side scripting? And if it is so what would be the programming language used: PHP or ASP? Consequently your web site will be set up on a Linux or on a Windows web server.

Almost all serious web-hosting providers will offer you the choice between Linux and Windows.

There is no winner of this contest, at least not yet. In today's terms, your preference of one system over another should be given only by your requirements and the needs of your visitors.

Calin Indre is editor at HostPinPin (http://www.hostpinpin.com), a Cheap Web Hosting Directory Resource.

HostPinPin.com is a resource for webmasters and consumers looking to find a web hosting company. Providing web hosting articles, tips, web hosting reviews, compare web hosting plans and more.

This article may be reprinted or published without the authors consent as long as the "About" and "weblinks" are kept intact.

---

Avoiding Bad Web Hosts

The Internet represents the most powerful communication revolution since the... Read More

How to Start Your Own Hosting Services

If your like many another webmasters you might be thinking... Read More

How To Build A Successful Hosting Company

There are a couple of key things to look at... Read More

Dont Get Fooled by the Web Hosting Wolves in Sheeps Clothing!

Are you looking for web hosting? If you want to... Read More

Best Web Hosting Company - Find The Most Affordable Host

If you're creating a community web site or a business... Read More

7 Key Points to Consider When Choosing a Web Host

With literally thousands of web hosting companies in the industry... Read More

Choosing a Web Hosting Provider from 40 Million Other Web Hosts - Pt1

Discover how to go about choosing a web hosting provider... Read More

How to Choose a Right Web Hosting Service?

Indeed, choosing a right web hosting service for your website... Read More

Cheap Web Hosting Package? eCommerce Web Hosting? - Choosing A Web Hosting Provider

One of the important decisions you'll make when you decide... Read More

The ?Website? CHECKLIST : Domains, Hosting, Web Design

This article is meant to all who already have a... Read More

How to Choose a Web Hosting Company?

Nowadays, anybody can afford to order a feature-packed web hosting... Read More

Tips About Low Cost Web Hosting Services

Here are some things you should know before finding a... Read More

Web Hosting Operating Systems Explained

A few time ago appeared a lot disagreements between opinions... Read More

Internet Domain Registration - Establishing and Transferring Your Domain Name

If you're in business, one of the most important things... Read More

Server Host: Where Does My Web Page Go?

For those of you who don't really understand where or... Read More

Choosing the Right Web Host

Whatever type of website you want to host, choosing the... Read More

Managed Hosting

Managed hosting is a dedicated server that is accompanied by... Read More

Setting up Your Personal Server

There are many things to consider when setting up your... Read More

How to Choose the Web Site Hosting Service thats Right for You

There are few things as critical to your e-business success... Read More

Dedicated Web Hosting Is Easy When You Know These 3 Timesaving Secrets

Dedicated web hosting has its difficulties and problems from time... Read More

The Web Hosting Industry 2005

For the "big things" to be build it was certainly... Read More

A Simple Guide to Web Hosting

Personal Computers, Servers Or ISP?You need a server to host... Read More

How to Achieve # 1 on Free Hosting

A domain name and paid hosting are considered essential for... Read More

10 Helpful Tips to Follow When Switching Web Hosts

You've made your decision to move from your website from... Read More

Reseller Hosting: The Good and The Bad!

Reseller webhosting can be a great way to earn some... Read More

Good Web Hosting ? What Is It?

With hundreds of web hosting companies to choose from today... Read More

Top 5 Mistakes that May Drive Your Visitors Away in Less Than 2 Minutes

You took the leap. You set up a website to... Read More

Are Free Webhosting Accounts Really Free? - 5 Critical Things to Consider Before Choosing a Free Web

Many free web hosting accounts are free to use, however... Read More

Cheap Web Hosting ? Choose The Right Company

You have carried out the hard part and that's creating... Read More

How Much Bandwidth Does Your Web Site Need?

One of the most common concerns people have when deciding... Read More

How Multiple Server Hosting impacts your websites uptime

This article describes the technology behind multiple server hosting and... Read More

The Big Secret of Fabulous and Mediocre Web Site Hosting Companies

Most web site hosting services like the one you're probably... Read More

Business Web Hosting: Which is Right for You?

Business web hosting is what you need. You have a... Read More