Unix or Linux web hosting vs Windows web hosting
By admin | January 24, 2008
So now you want to choose between Unix/Linux web hosting and Windows web hosting? You may have noticed that most hosting companies use Unix (Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, etc.) operating systems on their web servers. Microsoft Windows (NT, 2000 or XP) is less commonly offered as a choice. So what’s the difference?
Both Linux and Windows platforms can run popular programming languages such as php, perl, or java. If your website uses active server pages, then it will be less risky hosting it on a Windows server. Well it still may function on a Unix server, there may be small glitches that are not immediately apparent.
Similarly, if you are using with Microsoft SQL databases, these databases will be supported by most Windows plans. However, Linux or Unix plans often include MySQL which would require that your databases be converted to this format in order to function properly. If you are currently using any Microsoft programming (especially active server pages) or third-party applications (MS SQL 2000), you may want to play it safe and choose a Windows hosting plan.
Here we deeply compare between these 2 web hosting platform
Stability:
Unix systems (we actually use Linux but for comparison purposes they are identical) are hands-down the winner in this category. There are many factors here but to name just a couple big ones: in our experience UNIX handles high server loads better than Windows and UNIX machines seldom require reboots while Windows is constantly needing them. Servers running on UNIX enjoy extremely high up-time and high availability/reliability.
In terms of reliability Unix systems have a slight advantage. They are known to be extremely stable and able to run for years without rebooting. Windows is also very reliable - slightly less so than Unix but still able to handle the demands of modern web sites.
Performance:
While there is some debate about which operating system performs better, in our experience both perform comparably in low-stress conditions however Unix servers under high load (which is what is important) are superior to Windows.
Both Linux/Unix and Windows can handle high traffic websites and add-ons such as chat rooms, email and website statistics with ease.
Scalability:
Web sites usually change over time. They start off small and grow as the needs of the person or organization running them grow. While both platforms can often adapt to your growing needs, Windows hosting is more easily made compatible with UNIX-based programming features like PHP and MySQL. UNIX-based web software is not always 100% compatible with Microsoft technologies like .NET and VB development. Therefore if you wish to use these, you should choose Windows web hosting.
Compatibility:
Another thing to consider when choosing which operating system to use is whether you will be using scripting. If so what kind? For example, if you will be using a dynamic site, and decide that you want to go Perl as your language of choice then UNIX should be your operating system of choice. This is also true for languages such as PHP, and Pythlon. On the other hand, if you choose to go for an ASP based site then you should choose Windows. However, to complicate the matter further some UNIX systems can run ASP scripts, although the quality of the script execution can be lesser.
Web sites designed and programmed to be served under a UNIX-based web server can easily be hosted on a Windows server, whereas the reverse is not always true. This makes programming for Unix the better choice.
Price:
The biggest differences is price. Because Windows must be purchased and licenses renewed continuously, Windows hosting plans are usually more expensive than Unix-based plans. Also Unix-based plans often come with free email, databases (MySQL), statistic, and community programs. While Windows plans come with Microsoft software (MS SQL, for example) that must be purchased by the hosting company.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, UNIX-based hosting is more stable, performs faster and more compatible than Windows-based hosting. You only need Windows hosting if you are going to developing in .NET or Visual Basic, or some other application that limits your choices.
So Which One Is Right For You?
Before you decide on which operating system to use, you should consider what features you need. Will you be using a scripting language? Are you going to provide streaming audio or video?
From the average web designer’s standpoint, there isn’t much difference between hosting on Linux/Unix or Windows web servers. However, before signing up for a hosting plan, ensure that all facets of your site’s design, programming, databases and the like will work with that plan. If you are unsure, ask the company’s sales or technical staff before you commit.
If you’ll be using Microsoft databases, scripting or media formats you should choose a Windows web host. If these aren’t requirements for you, you’re probably better off choosing a Unix web host. This will give you more choices, a little better reliability and often cheaper hosting options.
I’m personally used Unix web hosting because its more than enough for my requirement. Some more its cheaper and more stable.
Topics: Web Hosting Tips |
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