UNIX or WINDOWS? Choose!
Shared or virtual hosting is usually vacant on a UNIX or Windows platform. What is the difference between hosting on these operating systems? What operating system should I choose?
Windows Servers are deliberate to accommodate advanced Microsoft applications, therefore integrate back office offerings, such as FrontPage, Access and MS SQL. Windows Servers also proffer specific programming environments, such as Active Server Pages (ASP), Visual Basic Scripts, and Cold Fusion, which mainly link database applications to the Web. Windows servers usually do not provide an interactive shell, but are available through GUI-based remote administration packages such as PCAnywhere or through a customized control panel, which allow you to log into the server's desktop as chief administrator as long as you have full control over your server.
Windows hosting is now a first-rate option for both shared and dedicated servers. Due to the latest technological developments, Windows Servers can be more easily multiplexed and managed due to .NET technology, and also an excellent operating system to use if you intend to run your own dedicated server.
Given that Windows servers provide unparalleled levels of support, security and integration for the Microsoft family of products, it is recommended that consumers go for Windows hosting if they need to link a Microsoft-based service to their Internet hosting requirements. Nonetheless, it is rather complex and labor-intensive and should only be selected if a webmaster has extensive experience in maintaining Windows systems remotely and requires product/Web integration. If a webmaster does not have familiarity in deployment or development in the Windows environment, they might opt to host on the UNIX platform.
A large number of hosting solutions are provided on the UNIX platform, since it is specifically premeditated to accommodate heavy web traffic and server loads. UNIX servers are robust and are recognized for their ability to host multiple sites and serve out gigabytes of traffic. This platform is also preferred by most webmasters due to their technical requirements, which provide a wider degree of flexibility due to their shell environment. Shell environments are interactive, text-based systems that allow webmasters to interact and customize their services in real-time from any computer system worldwide. Unlike Windows systems, UNIX is not limited to special remote administration programs. A typical UNIX system can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet without special or expensive software.
Nevertheless, the most favored reason that most webmasters prefer the UNIX platform is because of its uptime that with heavy traffic can provide 99 per cent uptime. Windows servers with heavy traffic generally cannot make this same claim, unless specifically configured. For this reason, average webmasters should select UNIX as their OS.
If you are a greenhorn, you most likely will not require Windows hosting and you should select one of many UNIX hosting plans. The only time you would need to use Windows hosting is when you are using the specific Windows applications noted above. Microsoft FrontPage may be used on both the UNIX and Windows platforms, since most hosting firms prop up Microsoft FrontPage server extensions on both.
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