Linux Hosting vs. Windows Hosting - Windows Hosting
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If you want to stick with Windows, choose Windows hosting for building and publishing your website. For those of you who need to design dynamic websites, Microsoft offers two scripting languages: ASP (Active Server Pages) or ASP.NET. Use ASP.NET to build and deploy dynamic web services, web applications, or web sites.
Microsoft also has another solution―Microsoft.NET. You can use Microsoft.NET to not only create and host Web pages, but to create advanced Web applications and XML services. Windows hosting also works with ColdFusion, another scripting language, created by Adobe Systems.
IIS (Internet Information Server) is the foundation for Windows hosting, while Microsoft Windows NT or Advanced Server is the operating system. Windows Server 2003 Web Edition is designed specifically for Windows web hosting and web serving. IIS is what enables developers to create web pages with ASP or ASP.NET as well as other languages, such as Perl or ColdFusion. With a combination of IIS and ASP, developers can integrate COM objects and data access into their Web applications. They can also use ASP to manipulate MS Access and SQL Server.
One of the drawbacks to Windows hosting, however, is that it is usually more expensive than UNIX or Linux-based hosting because of licensing. Expect to pay in the thousands if you are running your own server. There are additional fees for using a SQL database.
Microsoft has a newer version―Windows Server 2008 Web Edition. Developed as a single solution for both application developers and Internet service providers, Windows Server 2008 Web Edition offers more robust functions. If you're looking to create an e-commerce website, you'll want to take advantage of Windows Server 2008 Web Edition's business solutions. These include security improvements, virtualization tools, and Web resources. These business tools are not only designed to improve reliability, but to help you save money and time. Other significant functions that Windows hosting supports include databases, Web statistics, email or Web mail, FTP accounts, and others.
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