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.

Everyone is familiar with Microsoft Windows, we use it in schools, in the office and at home. It is a familiar and easy to use brand and this is the same for Windows Home or advanced Server editions. The mass popularity of Windows has been attributed to it ease of use, and the same applies to server options.

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 definitely the proven workhorse and there are a couple of different varieties to choose from as we see with Red Hat Linux and Mandrake Linux. They are able to easily handle large amounts of websites that receive daily hits in the millions. Unix version of these are FreeBSD and OpenBSD, and are also readily 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 base web hosting has to continually be purchased and re-licensed and this makes the costs more expensive. Unix offers better value for money, and offers more added value also. These plans often come with free MySQL databases, community, statistics and free email. Windows based servers on the other hand have add-ons that have to be purchased and this adds to the cost and subtracts from value.

Popular programming languages may be run by both systems and this includes java, php and perl as well as others. Active server pages will be more secure when they are hosted on the Windows server, but they will still function on Unix, although perhaps with not immediately noticeable glitches.

Active server pages and third party applications which are designed with MS SQL 2000 will obviously run better if they are hosted by Windows based hosting plans. But you don’t have to be un a rush to sign up, with a hosting company. If you have any concerns regarding whether the site will be fully functional, ask before you take that final step.

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