What are the pros and cons of linux and windows web hosting.
2007-09-14 21:01:33 · 8 answers · asked by Magno 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet ➔ Other - Internet
Linux: much more power on much less computer. more friendly toward sharing the machine with other purposes (email server, news server, ftp server, chat server, etc). more secure. more stable
Windows: more menu driven. easier for multiple people to administrate. more familiar for users if you give user accounts on the system
2007-09-18 10:14:39 · answer #1 · answered by Gandalf Parker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For basic HTML web sites, there is no apparent difference.
As you may have guessed, Windows and Linux accounts are differentiated by the operating system platform that the server runs on.
Windows is a Windows 2000 (or the new Windows server 2003), which are both very much like the Microsoft Windows 98, XP, etc...Except, web server versions are more specialized for hosting web sites and server applications that standard PC operating systems.
Linux is an alternative operating system platform originally developed from open source code and Unix (not from a software corporate giant, like Microsoft). It is not very popular in the Desktop PC market, but has become huge in the server arena with versions like RedHat, Debian, CentOS and others.
Q: I have a Windows PC, does this mean I need Windows web hosting?
A: No - That does not matter. So, which one is better for a basic website?
Performance-wise, it is hard to tell any difference at all. With Linux, you tend to get more "bang for the buck", since there are not the extensive licensing fees as are associated with a Microsoft product. You will notice that in web hosting plans, the Linux accounts typically cost a little less than the Windows hosting accounts. For the beginning webmaster or hobbyist, Linux seems to be a good starting place due to it's affordability and versatility. You may find it interesting that about 2/3 of all web sites are hosted on Linux platform. About 1/4 are Windows driven. For the advanced web developer, the opposing platforms represent different flavors of technology associated to each. For example, Microsoft developers can use "Access Database" and "ASP Script"- while Linux developers can use "MOD_PERL" and "MYSQL Database" (with HostNed, PHP, CGI and Perl are supported on both platforms). All of this garble is simply different technologies for driving dynamic and very complex sites (like auction sites or shopping malls).
Whichever one you choose, it is not a big deal. Both Linux and Windows are excellent server platforms that can be a very fast and reliable vessel to serve up your website to the world!
2007-09-16 08:05:46 · answer #2 · answered by Danno_D_Manno 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Linux is the way to go for most people.
This site has a list of the top web hosting companies. Most of those hosts explain the differences between the two OS.
http://www.getawebpage.net
2007-09-17 12:00:16 · answer #3 · answered by nolyad69 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Magno,
Take a look at http://forums.webhostdir.com/showthread.php?threadid=10966 >> this page is the holy grail for Windows Vs Linux Web Hosting comparisons.
Hope this helps. Anton (uk2.net)
2007-09-17 22:30:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anton 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem I have with Windows hosting is that it is a Microsoft Family of stuff, all in a box, and that is all there is. If you want server side support, it will be ASP, for example. No PHP. The Linux servers usually have a bunch of open source support associated with them so there are more options. Like PHP, MySQL, Joomla, etc. So, I go with Linux, simply to have the freedom of choice. And no PHP is really dark ages.
2007-09-14 21:43:09 · answer #5 · answered by ZORCH 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hi!
There are no pros and cons really, both are different and both are very alike, what really matters is what you need! Most people only choose Windows Hosting if they want support for ASP.Net and MSSQL, are you going to be making sites with those or using scripts that use those?
Most people choose linux as its cheaper to run and more people use PHP/mySQL, although windows hosting can run those too. If you don't need asp.net or mssql, I highly recommend choosing linux hosting. There is no point in spending more on windows hosting if you don't need it.
2007-09-16 01:19:33 · answer #6 · answered by Ben 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
In Linux u can't host the Asp and Asp.net pages and u can host in windows this... this is only the difference...
Try the cheapest host which gives u Linux and Windows hosting with unlimited bandwidth... Kohli Hosting http://www.kohlihosting.com
2007-09-16 01:51:20 · answer #7 · answered by Sahil 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Linux is better. Usually it is cheaper than windows webhosting and reliable.
I would like to suggest following webhosting which I use, they are excellent.
Hostmonster http://www.hostmonster.com/track/ryukenden/
They offer hosting of "unlimited domains" and you will get massive webspace of 300000 MB (300 GB ). They only charge $5.95/month and they offer "a free Domain Name" and installing service called "Fantastico". By using Fantastico, you could create own forum, photo gallery, shopping cart (e-commerce),your own auction site and your own blogs within few seconds. They also offer "Free Website Builder" as well.
Visit the site to check details.
Hostmonster http://www.hostmonster.com/track/ryukenden/
More hosting visit
http://www.nicewebhosts.com
FREE AD-FREE HOSTING.
If you would like free ad-free hosting, try
http://www.webzonetalk.com/hosting.html
2007-09-15 01:34:46 · answer #8 · answered by soekind 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋