Choosing Web Hosting Platform
Windows vs. Linux? What is the right choice for you? This is one of the first decisions you need to make when looking for someone to host your website. There is a common misconception that if you are using a Windows on your home or office computer, you need to have Windows based hosting. This is not true. The operating system of your hosting account can completely independent of your computer’s operating system. So how do you choose?
There are a number of factors to consider…
The first is entirely dependant on how your site is developed. For example, if your site contains only static content such as HTML and CSS, then it could run on either a Linux or Windows hosting environment. The only exception is if your site is designed using FrontPage. FrontPage extensions are designed specifically for use on Windows servers. Even if your site contains only static content, if you have designed it and need to publish it using FrontPage, then a Windows hosting environment is recommended.
What if I don’t just have static pages on my web site?
If you are using active content such as a forum, shopping cart or blog which requires scripting support, then you should choose your hosting platform accordingly. Traditionally, applications scripted in PHP, Perl or MySQL run under Linux hosting accounts, and ASP, ASP.NET, Access or MS SQL run under Windows hosting accounts. In some cases, it is possible to run ASP scripts on a Linux server or PHP scripts on a Windows server. Some ISPs allow for such cross-platform scripting – but this is not ideal. At myhosting.com we only support scripting languages in their native environment, where they were meant to be used. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose based on your scripting requirements.
Many users or hosting providers argue that Linux or Unix based hosting servers are more stable and provide greater security to you, the hosting user. However, the stability and security of the server and your hosting account is more dependant on the server administrator than the platform. With years of experience hosting on the Windows NT4, 2000 and 2003 platforms, our Windows servers are extremely stable and secure. For both our Windows and Linux hosting, we take your security very seriously and will do our best to ensure that our servers are patched and secured at all times.
How come comparable Windows and Linux plans don’t cost the same?
One of the most noticeable factors when comparing Windows and Linux hosting is the Cost. In many cases a Linux hosting account is more inexpensive than a comparable Windows hosting account. This is mostly due to the cost of licensing. Since the Linux operating system and related software is often distributed with open-source licenses, there are little or no associated licensing fees. Whereas with a Windows hosting server, most products and software packages used on the server also include an associated licensing fee that the hosting company must pay, thus increasing the overall cost of operating a Windows shared hosting server.
Ready to make a decision?
Armed with this information, your decision on what type of hosting platform to choose may be a little easier now. Asking yourself these questions will help narrow down your choices.
- Is your site a static design? Or do you require a specific type of scripting language or database support? Is your site designed with FrontPage or make use of any other technology which has specific requirements? Do you feel more confident with the security and stability provided by Linux servers? Or Windows Servers?
- What is your price range? What are your other minimum requirements for a hosting plan?
Of course, if you still aren’t sure which to choose, why not get both? Our Basic, Professional, Enterprise and Corporate hosting plans include both the standard Windows hosting account, plus an additional free Linux hosting account for free. With both a Windows and Linux hosting account, you can get the best of both worlds, without having to compromise your site design or development.
Back 04.08.2006. |