If you are wondering what the difference
is between Linux Website Hosting and Windows Website Hosting
then read on as this is one of the most commonly asked questions
in the hosting world.
Just because you are using Microsoft Windows as an operating
system on your computer - it does NOT mean that you have to
select a 'Windows' hosting plan.
We realise that the above statement mind sound obvious, however,
experience has taught us that this is one of the most common
questions asked by potential new customers just starting out
on the web with their first site.
This means that if you are running Windows98 or Windows XP on
your computer, you can still choose Linux as a website hosting
environment.
Windows
Website Hosting
One of the first things that people
noticed when trying to choose between Windows or Linux hosting
environment is cost. Windows will always be a more expensive
option than Linux due to the licensing fees that must be paid
in recognition of the fact that you are dealing with a Microsoft
application.
The biggest difference between Windows and Linux website Hosting
is that Windows servers are configured specifically to be compatible
with Microsoft Applications, such as Access (for database programming)
and Frontpage (a website design tool) although Linux servers
are quite happy to run Frontpage extensions as many of our clients
can testify.
For the more experienced user/programmer, Windows offers the
ability to utilise certain programming languages such as, ASP
(Active Server Pages), ASP.net, Coldfusion and Visual Basic
scripting. With ASP, users can develop a database-driven website
using MS Access and SQL as the database.
As a very basic guideline, we usually ask potential customers
to look at the facilities a Windows server offers and if they
are 'not sure' or 'don't know' whether they need to use the
applications listed above, it usually means that they do not
need them and therefore, a Linux hosting plan would be adequate
for their needs.
Finally on the Windows side, just because you have created your
website using Microsoft Frontpage, does NOT mean that you have
to have a Windows hosting account with MS Frontpage Extensions
activated. Your website can be uploaded equally well via a Linux
account which also has its own version of Frontpage Extensions.
Linux
Website Hosting
Linux is known as 'open source'
operating system. This means there are no licensing fees to
pay and consequently, it is much cheaper. Linux has also been
around a lot longer than Windows servers.
Linux has a strong reputation for stability, strength and reliability.
This means that the Linux servers are much less likely to crash
than their Windows counterparts. This in turn, will generally
mean a greater degree of 'uptime' for your website.
A wide range of programming languages are supported, such as;
html, php, cgi, perl to name just a few.
If there is a disadvantage to Linux for the user, it would be
that it is not fully compatible with some Microsoft technologies
so, if you are using ASP, ASP.net or, Visual Basic tools then
a Windows platform would probably suit you better.
Finally, if you have created your website in MS Frontpage, you
can still upload it to your webspace via a Linux account, using
the Frontpage Extensions that come free of charge, on all Linux
accounts
