UNIX vs. Windows- What server operating system should you use for your web hosting?Written by Tim Shaw
So you’ve decided to create a website? The most obvious thing that you need is of course web hosting. Among other things, like cost and features, you’ll need to decide which server you’ll need: Windows (NT, 2000 or XP) or Unix (Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, etc.). Both have their merits, so first thing you should think about when making this decision is if you are looking for stability, or ease of use. UNIX based servers are generally superior in site up-time and stability areas than Windows systems. However, while they need to be rebooted more often, Windows servers are generally easier to administer and use. Many beginners to web hosting will be confused over pros and cons of different operating systems. While, Unix is more stable and secure it uses a command line interface for administration. This interface, which is like original MS-DOS interface, can be difficult to understand to a website newbie. Also, in order to keep a UNIX machine stable, one must update kernel and software regularly, a process which is more difficult than Windows. This however, can be made just as easy to do if your web host has good administration software.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 other hand, if you choose to go for an ASP based site then you should choose Windows. However, to complicate matter further some UNIX systems can run ASP scripts, although quality of script execution can be lesser.
| | LOOKING FOR A NEW WEBHOST!?!Written by Annette Thomas
The first step in locating best and most affordable web hosting company for your needs is to hit your favorite search engine and then to start collecting email addresses of hosting firms. 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: 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! Looking for a new web host? The first step in locating best and most affordable web hosting company for your needs is to hit your favorite search engine and then to start collecting email addresses of hosting firms.
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