Choosing the Hosting That's Right for You - Windows vs. Unix Hosting

Take the guesswork out of choosing a web host

Windows vs Unix

I must admit, when I first started learning web design and signed on for a hosting package, I had no clue about the differences between Windows and Unix hosting.

I was very confused, and assumed that because I used a Windows computer system, I would need "windows" hosting. This would make sense to any beginner on the Web, right?

Oddly enough, my web hosting company said a Unix package would be sufficient for my site. Unix worked just fine for my site, but I didn't know "why" at the time.   I designed my Web site using basic HTML and a free program called Netscape Composer. I still use these programs today to do my basic design work, and they're great.

I published my Web pages using an FTP program called WS_FTP Pro, which I still use today. Because of the type of design I created and the way I transferred my pages to the Internet, Unix (a.k.a. Linux) hosting worked great.

Now that I'm a little more Internet savvy, I understand why Unix was best for me. It's not merely a matter of which platform is better.

Each platform has its advantages and disadvantages. However, for most basic site designs, Unix wins the comparison all around. Unix has been tested to perform better under high volume traffic, be more compatible with most design formats, and is normally more cost efficient.

Unix servers have proven to be more stable and seldom require reboots. All in all, Unix hosting serves a majority of the Web sites online today.

Windows hosting, however, appears to be on the incline as more complicated formats of design are released. More people are venturing into "fancy" formats or corporate-like site designs which may require a Windows based server.

Only time will tell as to how many designers will continue to use these formats.

Some of the most popular, money-making sites use a simple HTML page and a couple of graphics to make their presentation, and are finding that this works best when marketing only one or a few products and services online. Obviously a Unix hosting plan would be sufficient for these types of sites. They're popping up everywhere!

WHEN WINDOWS BASED HOSTING IS NECESSARY...

There is an advanced programming language from Microsoft called .NET, which pretty much requires Windows based hosting.

Also, if you choose to design a database using MS SQL Server or Microsoft Access, you will use Windows hosting. There might be several other formats which require Windows hosting, but most can be Unix based.

Remember, the type of operating system you use on your desktop (most use Windows), has nothing to do with the hosting plan you'll need for your site.

This is strictly determined by which Web design program and/or programming language you use to design your site.

You can contact almost any host to learn more about the requirements for your particular site design. When emailing a host, include the following information about your site to get the best answer...

1. The name of the design program you are using.
2. The file extension of your web pages (.html, .php, .NET, .asp, etc.)
3. The functionality of your site such as database needs (if any), what you will need to accomplish with your design, etc.

If you hire a Web designer to create your site, you can also address these concerns with them. Find out which design will be the most cost efficient for your site's purpose BEFORE allowing anyone to design your site.

Learn which design format he or she will use BEFORE getting started. Agreeing on these things ahead of time will save you many problems later on, and possibly money too.

Tip! Words equal money - Always keep good, fresh content on your website. This is what keeps visitors coming back time after time.

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Article written by Candice Pardue, freelance Internet page writer and owner of Online Success for Internet Business. Go to http://www.webmastercourse.com/learn/web/design/from/home/ to learn web design from start to finish. This one's for beginners...

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