Should you Choose Windows Web Hosting or UNIX?
Should you opt for Windows web hosting or choose a host that uses one of the many varieties of UNIX operating systems? You can decide by evaluating the differences and similarities between these two web hosting options.
Microsoft developed Windows Server, while UNIX was developed as an “open system.” The UNIX source code is publicly available and free for anyone who wants to use it. Some view UNIX’s open source origins and status as an advantage. It’s free, while Microsoft Windows Server involves a purchase. Thousands of individuals have contributed to the development of UNIX, and it is more frequently updated than Windows Server. On the other hand, UNIX is more complex as a result of being open source.
Windows web hosting supports nearly all Microsoft products. This includes Microsoft FrontPage, Visual Interdev and Microsoft Access. Windows Server also supports Active Server Pages (ASP). This is a popular scripting language that allows you to build dynamic, database-driven web pages.
If you’re planning to build your website yourself, it’s worth considering that most CGI programs (including many free Perl scripts) available online today were developed on UNIX. This means they usually install and operate better under UNIX.
In terms of reliability and security, there are many arguments between Windows web hosting and UNIX supporters. Some claim UNIX operating systems are more stable and faster. Windows is sometimes seen as more insecure due to the fact that it is such a widely used PC operating system. This gives people more time to explore and exploit its flaws. On the other hand, UNIX platforms are the most widely used server types, and it too has been hacked successfully over the years.
In terms of performance there’s not a huge difference between the two server options today. Consider that developers are always working to improve both Windows Server and UNIX. Neither is likely to far out-pace the other in terms of reliability, security or features in the near future.
These are just a few of the differences and similarities between UNIX and Windows web hosting you may want to consider when deciding between the two operating systems. In many cases, the choice about which operating system a web server is using isn’t really important. It’s mainly consequential only if you require specific features offered only by one or the other, or if you plan to use specific technology that will function better or more appropriately on either UNIX or Windows Server.
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