subject: Windows Web Hosting: How To Decide Whether Windows Web Hosting Is For You [print this page] There are a multitude of web hosting service providers utilize either a Windows or Linux platform and some even offer both. The question is which platform to choose.
Most people believe that just because their computer at home uses a Windows operating system, that they should pick a Windows platform. The truth is, almost anyone will be able to use a Linux platform without any problems. The choice whether to opt for Linux or Windows is mainly personal preference.
Linux Vs. Windows
It is more important to find a web hosting service that is reliable than to worry about whether it is right to choose a Linux or Windows platform. There are, however, topics of debate in determining which platform is best.
Performance - Linux is said to consistently perform slightly better than Windows. The thing is, the difference will probably not be noticed by most customers at all. The difference is in how each platform is being offered. Windows is offered as an all-in-one while Linux is extendable. This means that with Windows, you are getting all at once and this causes some slowing of performance which is pretty negligible and will hardly ever be noticed.
Price - Because Linux is an open source, it is cheaper than Windows. However, because of the competitiveness of the industry, most hosting companies offer both at the same price.
Features - Both Linux and Windows will allow you to blog, install scripts, create pages, forums and more with very little difference. Regardless of platform you choose, you will likely get all the features you need.
Security - There are hacks in both platforms and both have vulnerabilities. Security is more of an issue with the staff who monitors the platform. If the web hosting company has a fully trained team of IT administrators and has a reliable monitoring software then security is not a problem.
There are actually very few differences between the Linux and Windows platforms. The most probable deciding factor would be whether or not you would prefer to use Windows specific apps.
ASP - A basic application framework used by web designers to create web pages
FrontPage - WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) web page creator that lets you to create pages or forms within your site which can easily be uploaded
.NET - software framework that provides solutions such as security, connectivity, application development, among others.
Windows Streaming Media - means of serving audio and video often used for band sites or for movie trailers
Access - database system similar to MySQL
MSSQL - relational database system often used with Cold Fusion or ASP
Windows proprietary application will be better served on a Windows platform simply because Windows is designed that way. There are numerous Windows applications that can be used on Linux through the use of work-arounds and add-ons although they may not be secure or robust as that which is provided with Windows.
To put it in simple terms, if you use any Windows proprietary applications on your site then you may consider concentrating on Windows hosting. If not, then the platform you choose will not matter.
