Linux server hosting: Hype or reality

The "Unix versus Windows" and "Linux versus Windows" battles continue to rage on as more and more people become interested in web hosting services. Although these servers are different, they share many characteristics as well. Before we compare and contrast Linux/Unix servers and Windows servers, it would be beneficial to define and describe each in detail.

What is Linux/Unix Hosting?

This platform for web site development allows the user access to efficient and effective open-source technologies such as PHP, MySQL, XML, and Python. Although Windows software will not run on Linux servers, many vendors make versions of the programs that you are accustomed to using with Windows. Tool and web browsers within this system are also similar to those used in Windows. Linux can be used on a wide variety of computers, processors, and hard disk space.

What is Windows Hosting?

Contrary to what you may have thought, Windows hosting is completely unrelated to a Windows operating system on a desktop. Windows servers are often necessary if you use .NET script to compose your website, use Microsoft Access or MS SQL databases, or use ASP or ASP.NET scripts for server-side programming. Windows hosting offers ASP, ASP.NET, and Access Database support, the MS SQL server database, a IIS server, and is PHP and MySQL compatible. Users often run Active Server Pages (ASP) technology when using a Windows hosting server. Windows hosting is ideal for Frontpage support and comes with the promise of an experienced and knowledgeable company.

Comparing Linux/Unix and Windows Hosting: How are They Similar?

Windows and Linux server hosting (or UNIX server hosting) have a variety of common characteristics. First, both servers come in a variety of different packages. While distributions of Windows come from one company (i.e., Microsoft), distributions of Linux come from a variety of companies (e.g., Ubuntu, Red Hat, Linspire, Mandriva, SuSE, Knoppix). Windows lines come in "Win9x" (i.e., Windows 95, Windows 98(SE), Windows ME) and .NT class (i.e., Windows 2000, Windows NT, and Windows XP. Both servers also provide a GUI and a command line interface. Both Linux and Windows require a user ID, password, and boot time. They also support different types (or classes) of users (e.g., Administrator class users). Both can also separate users into groups and assign group privileges rather than individual privileges.

Linux Advantages/Unix Hosting (Disadvantages of Windows)

Linux advantages are high in number and read as follows:

Linux is uniquely customizable in that it is has many special purpose versions such as NASlite (i.e., includes networking, file sharing, and acting as a web server).
Linux GUI detachment makes remote control and remote administration of a Linux easy and natural.
Setting up a Linux server is generally much less expensive than Windows hosting.
Unlike Windows, Linux can run from a CD or a thumb drive (e.g., flash or USB drive).
Linux CD-ROMs often come with plenty of free application software whereas Windows CD-ROMs come with none.
The majority of malicious software (e.g., worms, Spy ware) runs on Windows. Viruses are also much less likely to strike or inflict significant damage on Linux servers.
Linux runs on a variety of hardware platforms. Linux can run on a wide range of computers from the lowest quality to the highest quality available.
Linux has been used to make giant clusters of computers at an equally surprising low price.
Linux stores all user data in the home directory making it much easier to migrate from an old computer to a new one. Windows, however, allows programs to store information anywhere. This makes it difficult to back up user data files and settings and transfer to another computer.

Advantages of Windows Hosting (Linux Disadvantages)

Windows hosting also has its share of advantages over Linux as follows:

All varieties of Windows come from the same company (i.e., Microsoft).
Installing Windows from scratch is much easier than installing Linux from scratch. (Different distributions of Linux each have their own installation programs which may change with different versions of the same distribution).
Linux terminology and documentation are much more difficult to understand than that of Windows, particularly for those who have not used a Windows server.
Windows has more application software available for purchase.
Installation of applications under Windows is simpler, easier, more consistent, and more obvious than Linux.
More hardware works with Windows than for Linux since vendors write drivers for Windows more often they do for Linux.
Each computer printer ships with drivers for last few versions of Windows. Linux supports far fewer printers than Windows.
Windows provides more comprehensive and reliable help for newcomers to website construction.

As you can see, there can be no objective winner in the "Unix versus Windows" or "Linux versus Windows" argument. Once you determine and prioritize your needs, then you can determine which type of hosting server is more appropriate and convenient for you.

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