Web Hosting Information

UNIX vs. Windows- What Server Operating System Should You Use for Your Web Hosting?


So you've decided to create a website? The most obvious thing that you need is of course web hosting. Among other things, like cost and features, you'll need to decide which server you'll need: Windows (NT, 2000 or XP) or Unix (Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, etc.).

Both have their merits, so the first thing you should think about when making this decision is if you are looking for stability, or ease of use. UNIX based servers are generally superior in the site up-time and stability areas than Windows systems. However, while they need to be rebooted more often, Windows servers are generally easier to administer and use.Many beginners to web hosting will be confused over the pros and cons of the different operating systems. While, Unix is more stable and secure it uses a command line interface for administration. This interface, which is like the original MS-DOS interface, can be difficult to understand to a website newbie. Also, in order to keep a UNIX machine stable, one must update the kernel and software regularly, a process which is more difficult than Windows. This however, can be made just as easy to do if your web host has good administration software.

Another thing to consider when choosing which operating system to use is whether you will be using scripting. If so what kind? For example, if you will be using a dynamic site, and decide that you want to go Perl as your language of choice then UNIX should be your operating system of choice. This is also true for languages such as PHP, and Pythlon. On the other hand, if you choose to go for an ASP based site then you should choose Windows. However, to complicate the matter further some UNIX systems can run ASP scripts, although the quality of the script execution can be lesser.

Bare in mind that if you choose a Windows-based web server (this does not apply to hosting accounts as the host should take care of it for you) you will need to update the software with patches from Microsoft's web site almost weekly to prevent your site from being exploited. UNIX administrators will only have to do so monthly or so as UNIX is more secure by nature, and needs fewer patches and software updates.

Unix operating systems are generally the preferred operating system, however, in the end, if you do everything correctly, a UNIX hosted web site and a Windows hosted web site will function somewhat equally, and both should make you happy. Be sure to keep operating costs and maintained in mind when making your decision and you won't regret it.

Tim Shaw is director of (Big Wow Web Hosting ), a cheap and reliable web host. He has written several books and ebooks on web hosting, and has had many years experience in computers, the web and web hosting.


MORE RESOURCES:

Need a Web Hosting Provider? Try the 3 am Test
PC World - 5 hours ago
Tips on critical criteria to consider when selecting a new Web hosting provider, include availability of tech support, bandwidth and scalable hosting ...
Aplus.Net Tops Netcraft's Most Reliable Web Host Industry Review
all 3 news articles


Web Hosting Event, HostingCon 2008, to Feature CM4all Solution Debut
WebSite Host Directory (press release), OR - 12 hours ago
Cologne, Germany - (Website Hosting Directory) - July 8, 2008 - Web hosting software solution firm, CM4all, will unveil new releases of the CM4all ...


UK Domain Registrar and Web Hosting Provider 123-reg Offers .INFO ...
HostSearch.com - 14 hours ago
The company offers a range of services alongside domain registrations and web hosting, including, email, an “instant site” website builder, ...


The Planet Introduces New Planet Alpha Brand, exclusively devoted ...
Tophosts, Canada - 14 hours ago
HOUSTON, July 8, 2008 – The Planet, the global leader in IT hosting, today announced the addition of new advanced services to its dedicated servers hosting ...


Web Hosting from Just Develop It, Premieres New Service Packages
TheHostingNews.com (press release), OR - Jul 7, 2008
Just Host provides professional web hosting packages, custom suited to both technophobic and computer literate users. By providing each hosted site with ...


Web Hosting Provider, Sun Microsystems, Recognized for Best Place ...
WebSite Host Directory (press release), OR - Jul 7, 2008
San Francisco, California - (Website Hosting Directory) - July 7, 2008 - Web hosting and solutions company, Sun Microsystems, has attained the 14th position ...


Web Hosting SaaS Delivery Firm, PHASE 2, Reports Growth
TheHostingNews.com (press release), OR - Jul 7, 2008
Honolulu, Hawaii - (The Hosting News) - July 7, 2008 - Web hosting software as a service (SaaS) firm, PHASE 2 International, has reported that it has ...


UK domain name and web hosting provider, Daily.co.uk today ...
PR.com (press release), NY - Jul 7, 2008
Daily.co.uk MD, Abby Hardoon, said: “The Reseller (http://www.daily.co.uk/products/reseller-web-hosting/index.html) v2 Unlimited gives Resellers the ability ...


No Budget Webhosting
InformationWeek, NY - Jul 2, 2008
Webhosting is one of the most critical choices you can make when it comes to the decision of how to build and run a site. For most organizations, this isn't ...


Web Hosting
Daily Balochistan Express, Pakistan - Jul 5, 2008
The Top Ten Web Hosting Sites. Compare Prices and Features Now! Migrating to an IP-VPN? XO Can Make It Happen Learn the five critical success factors with a ...

Web-Hosting - Google News

home | site map
© 2006