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. |
