Windows Hosting or Linux Hosting
Both Windows and Linux offer unique advantages to hosting. Each operating system can host your web sites in a professional manner which is reliable. Technically there is no difference to the end user (the client browsing your web site) if you use Linux or Windows hosting. The real differences are on the back end in which you develop the site. But first let's briefly look at the two operating systems.
Windows Hosting
Our Windows hosting is powered by Microsoft's Window 2003 Server operating system. This is the latest version of this server class operating system and is a very good and stable platform for Windows hosting.
Linux Hosting
Our linux based hosting is actually two distinct platforms: Linux and FreeBSD. Both of these operating systems provide the utmost in stability, security and are ideal for server use in hosting.
Difference in Pricing
Why is there a difference in pricing between Windows and Linux? The reason is that the licensing fees required for Windows hosting cost more. Linux is open source software which is maintained by individuals who are not getting paid for their contributions. The developers at Microsoft are getting paid. And as such to run the Windows software (mail server, IIS, etc.) requires fees being paid to them. Thus the reason for the difference in pricing.
Reliability
Which is better for reliability? Actually at this point it really does not matter whether you choose the Windows 2003 operating system to host your web sites or a Linux based solution. Both offer premium uptime and reliability and security. In the past people used to use Linux because of its increased reliability over Windows. But since the Windows 2003 release of their server software Microsoft has definitely closed the gap in this area.
Developmental Tools
The place where Linux differs distinctly from Window server hosting is in the area of developmental tools. If you are writing your scripts in ASP or the advanced ASP.NET you need Windows hosting. Period. Linux does have an emulation program which allows ASP scripts to be run under it but you have to write your ASP scripts in Perl to use it. Only true ASP is available on a Window based hosting platform. Another area in which Windows is the only choice is if you need integration with Microsoft's tools. MS SQL databases, access databases, the newer extended frontpage extensions and other specific Microsoft tools are only available with Windows.
If you need these tools then you need Windows hosting. If you do not need these specific items then maybe you should look at Linux based hosting. Linux offers the common programming tools used by Windows but does not have the higher prices attached. With Linux you can use Perl, PHP, MySQL databases, use cgi scripts and a whole lot more. You can also use some Frontpage Extensions to publish web sites. All these items are available on both hosting platforms. But if you do not need the specific items available for only Windows hosting then you should use Linux hosting.
Is there any difference to the End User browsing the site?
No. Whether you use Windows hosting or Linux hosting the end user will not be able to tell the difference between the two operating systems. They will appear the same no matter which platform you use.
Comparison Chart
Here is a comparison chart of the advantages and disadvantages of each operating system as a hosting platform.
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Linux |
Windows |
| www.your-domain.com |
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| Subdomains Allowed |
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| Compatible with All Browsers |
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| Oversell Resources Free of Charge |
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| Multiple E-mail Accounts |
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| POP E-mail accounts |
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| IMAP E-mail accounts |
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| Webmail for E-Mail |
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| Works with Microsoft Outlook |
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| Multiple FTP Accounts |
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| Restrict FTP Account to Directories |
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| Access to Logs |
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| Graphical Site Statistic Programs |
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| Graphical Control Panel to Manage Site |
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| Can Resell Web Space |
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| Perl/CGI Scripts |
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| Your Own cgi-bin |
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| PHP |
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| MySQL Databases |
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| phpMyAdmin |
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| One Click Install of Common Scripts |
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| MS SQL |
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| Access Databases |
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| ASP |
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| ASP.NET |
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| Works with Microsoft Frontpage |
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| Basic Frontpage Extensions |
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| Advanced Frontpage Extensions |
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| Static IP Available |
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| Can use SSL |
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| Can host streaming media |
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| No Setup Fees |
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| Month to Month Hosting |
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| Money Back Guarantee |
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| 24/7 Technical Support |
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