Linux/Unix or Windows?

What type of server should you choose for your website?

There are a number of different server choices out there but the main two are Linux and Windows web servers. Whether you need to be hosted on a Linux or Windows server depends largely on what you plan to do with your site. For most entry-level sites, starting out a Linux server is a good choice, but if you need to support Microsoft products, then you will need Windows hosting.

Basic strategy in choosing your platform

For entry-level sites with HTML, it won't matter whether you choose Linux or Windows. In general, however, Linux hosting would cost less than Windows hosting.

If you want to create a dynamic site using a server side scripting language and perhaps a database then you will have to choose more carefully: You need to figure out which script langue and database you use or wil use. If you prefer to use PHP or PERL with a MySQL database, then Linux hosting is for you. If you prefer to use ASP, ASP.NET or Cold Fusion with Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL database, then Windows hosting is for you.

Linux Hosting

Linux is an open source operating system and generally available free; therefore, the setup and maintenance cost is lower. Linux is good in that it is compatible with the popular programming language PHP.

Linux hosting supports:

• PHP and MySQL
• Apache Web Server
• Chmod file permissions

Linux Hosting Companies

Windows Hosting

Windows hosting allows true integration with Microsoft's products and also allows web sites to run ASP (Active Server Pages). The drawbacks are that because of its popularity Windows is more vulnerable to attacks from external sources and needs to be updated frequently to patch vulnerable areas.

Windows hosting supports:

• ASP
• ASP.NET
• MS SQL Server Database
• Access Database
• IIS Web Server
• PHP and MySQL Compatible

Windows Hosting Companies

FAQ

Do I have to choose the same operating system as my desktop computer's?

No. Which operating system you run on your computer is irrelevant to what you need for your website. You can select Linux for your hosting account if you currently use Windows 95, 98, NT/200, or XP on your own computer.

Which hosting is cheaper?

Linux holds an edge due to the fact that most of the software we use is open source and that it's less cost to maintain Linux servers than Windows servers for the same level of service. You will find more free stuff for a Linux system than you will for a Windows system

Is Linux more secure and reliable?

Many people argue that Linux servers has less vulnerabilities than Windows servers. But the reality is, out of the box. Developers are constantly improving both Linux and Windows so they should be fairly close in terms of features, security, and reliability for a long time.