Linux Hosting vs. Windows Hosting - Which is Better, Linux or Windows?
(Page 4 of 4 )
Linux and Windows have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to web hosting. Read on to learn about the differences and similarities...
Linux and Windows hosting allow customers to access the server. With both services, you can access your files through FTP (file transfer protocol). FTP enables you to transfer your files from your hard drive to the Web server. Linux hosting, however, differs in that it provides Telnet or SSH. There are few Windows hosting services that offer this feature, but it's more common to see it with Linux hosting services. Telnet or SSH allows you to directly open a session while you're on the Web server. As a result, you can use Unix command lines to control and change your files while you're in this session.
With regard to file extensions, Linux servers tend to use *.html, while Windows servers use *.htm. Linux web hosting also offers other extensions, such as *.pl, *.xml, *.shtml, *.php, and others. Meanwhile, Windows hosting services offer FrontPage extensions. Some Linux hosting services provide them, but they're more common with Windows hosting.
Linux supports CGI (Common Gateway Interface). CGI enables Web servers to dynamically interact with users. A CGI script is a file that consists of a series of commands that the Unix shell executes. Other scripts you can access through CGI are Perl scripts. You'll likely find most Linux hosting services providing Perl scripting.
Linux is known for providing better performance than Windows. For example, it can handle a higher amount of processes running simultaneously. Windows' performance, on the other hand, decreases as more processes are operating on the server.
Customers choose Linux hosting over Windows hosting because they believe they have more options. Microsoft aims to change this way of thinking. Windows Server 2008 Web Edition enables businesses to virtualize various operating systems, including Linux and Fedora. As a result, data centers can quickly adapt to businesses' changing needs. Another solution Windows Server 2008 Web Edition offers is that businesses can successfully deploy applications without having to use a VPN (virtual private network). Other technology features Windows Server 2008 Web Edition offers are Windows Deployment Services, Power Shell, and Server Core. These are designed to give Windows hosting versatility and dependability.
Another criticism that Microsoft faces from customers is security bugs. As previously stated, customers choose Linux web hosting services because they're known for being secure. However, Microsoft has beefed up its security functions in Windows Server 2008 Web Edition. It has three features―Read-Only Domain Controller, Network Access Protection, and Federated Rights Management―that are designed to protect your data and network. These are important tools to have when a Windows hosting company is experiencing intrusion or failure with user accounts, networks or data. Windows Server 2008 Web Edition will protect them.
If you're looking for customers to interact with your website, you should consider Windows hosting. For example, you can easily deploy online chat services. These function much better on Windows hosting platforms than on Linux hosting platforms. Customers can easily access your databases, view, and purchase your products or services. Consider using Windows hosting if you have little or no webmaster experience. Linux hosting can be more challenging if you have little experience.
If you're looking to convert your website from Linux hosting to Windows hosting, the transition should be smooth. On the other hand, you can experience challenges if you're trying to convert your website from Windows hosting to Linux hosting. This is one thing you must take into consideration when choosing a hosting service.
Hopefully, reading this article has equipped you with knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of Linux hosting versus Windows hosting. Developers on both sides feel passionately that their product can solve your needs. They're working continuously to come up with more robust features.
Another area you want to look at is the hosting company. Having a reliable and knowledgeable hosting company provider is very important. For example, you want to make sure that the service provider adheres to its SLA (service level agreement). You'll want to know about its technical support. To have a successful business, make sure you build a good relationship with your hosting service provider.
| DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware. |
