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.
About the Author
Calin Indre is editor at HostPinPin (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
reviews, articles, tips.
This article may be reprinted or published without the
authors consent as long as the “About” and
“weblinks” are kept intact.
