Definitions Of The Differences Between Unix And Windows Web Hosting?

There isn't a great many differences between Unix and Windows web hosting as many site designers already know. However this is a decision you are faced with when you have completed your design and you are ready to publish. You may have noticed there a many Unix options as there are Linux, but not so many for Windows based web server hosting.

Because we use Microsoft Windows at work, in the home and even in schools, most people have become familiar with it, the same applies to Windows Home and advanced Server editions. It is an incredibly easy system to use and this is the reason for its mass popularity. This is the goal was intended when it was designed, and Windows has certainly achieved this goal big time!

With Windows web hosting there is no need for the programmer to have command-line. Just as with all other Microsoft programs, a simple point the mouse and click will suffice for accessing folders!

Both Linux and Unix are open source operating systems, which means source codes are free, well documented and easily distributed. Unix is the older of the two and is unable to run with x86 PC's and this the only real difference. Linux is obviously more modern and is able to function with high powered servers.

Linux is a proven workhorse and is available in different flavors too. For example Mandrake Linux and Red Hat Linux are able to manage websites in the hundreds and millions of daily hits. Unix versions such as OpenBSD and FreeBSD are also available.

When working with web servers, office and home PC's are fine, they are easy to use and website design is generally completed mostly offline. System-specific programming that has to be undertaking whilst online is very advanced, and in this instance a difference between Windows and Unix based servers can be quite noticeable.

Both systems handle statistics, add-ons, chat and email, and can cope with websites that receive heavy traffic, the only very noticeable difference is in compatibility and the price.

Windows server has to have licenses renewed and this means it is constantly purchase so it makes offering web hosting plans more expensive as a rule. Unix or Linux plans offer more added value to the customer, such as free email, MySQL databases, statistics and community. In the case of Windows based servers all of these add-ns generally have to be purchase separately.

They are both able to run with all the popular computing languages, and Windows tend to be more secure if it is hosting active pages. Active pages can run with Unix and there are some glitches but these are barely noticeable.

If you are making use of Microsoft programming, in particular third party applications such as MS SQL 2000, or active server pages, you may want to play it safe and select a Windows based hosting plan. But before you sign up for any plan, ask all the relevant questions before you make a commitment. If you are still unsure, the technical or sales staff will help you to ensure that every facet of your web site's design will work with the plan they are selling you.