UNIX vs. Windows- What server operating system should you use for your web hosting?Written by Tim Shaw
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Bare in mind that if you choose a Windows-based web server (this does not apply to hosting accounts as host should take care of it for you) you will need to update software with patches from Microsoft's web site almost weekly to prevent your site from being exploited. UNIX administrators will only have to do so monthly or so as UNIX is more secure by nature, and needs fewer patches and software updates. Unix operating systems are generally preferred operating system, however, in end, if you do everything correctly, a UNIX hosted web site and a Windows hosted web site will function somewhat equally, and both should make you happy. Be sure to keep operating costs and maintained in mind when making your decision and you won't regret it.
Tim Shaw is director of Big Wow Web Hosting (www.bigwowwebhosting.com), a cheap and reliable web host. He has written several books and ebooks on web hosting, and has had many years experience in computers, the web and web hosting.
| | LOOKING FOR A NEW WEBHOST!?!Written by Annette Thomas
Continued from page 1 Take a quick look around at what each company offers to determine possible suitability. If their web site doesn't function correctly, it's wise to look elsewhere. Ensure you review their company profile to get a "vibe" about their practices and ethics. If company profile only details how good they think they are, run like hell. The rest of your initial enquiries can be handled via email. Let hosting services know that you are approaching a number of companies. You can make this clear by putting all company email addresses in CC field. This strategy will quickly identify companies who genuinely want your business and also allow you to easily run through an initial cull, saving you valuable hours in research. Not all web hosts are created equal The criteria for first cull is simple - if they don't respond to your enquiry within 24 hours, delete them from your "possibles" list. This also applies if they only send you links to promo material without any personalized message. To really test them out, send your email late on a Saturday night - wherever hosting company is in world, it will be weekend. The idea behind 24 hour strategy is this - if a company can't respond to pre-sales questions quickly, it may be an indication of what their customer support is like. Also, many web site hosts don't see "big picture". You may be starting out small, but who knows how big you'll become and how many other people you will refer to their service? A forward thinking company recognizes this and communicates appropriately. Don't make it too hard on hosting companies in your email to start off with, you can ask more detailed questions as you reduce list of possibilities. . Hosting Service Recommendation: ThinkHost uses a excellent email support service that makes telephone support look positively antiquated. Test it out for yourself and ask them some pre-sales questions! Visit ThinkHost today! http://www.thinkhost.com/index.php?11137
Annette Thomas is a business management and marketing professional.
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