subject: Which Web Hosting Platform Should I Choose? [print this page] There are lots of factors why you would want a web site. You may want to have an online presence which might prove to be a really effective tool, you may require to offer help services for your clients or you might have realized that having a web site can save you money especially in our current economy. Whatever the reason or factors that prompted the move, hosting a website isn't rocket science, at least if you are not the one going to figure out such points as bandwidth usage, scripts incorporation and other server related activities. On the other hand, most web host companies will expect you to have done research and know exactly what you want in a web host package.
Before hosting a website, there are a few things you've to keep in mind. One is that you will find a variety of internet hosting technologies and has its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most typical choices in the marketplace are Linux and Windows web hosting services. Should you were to ask for my opinion, I would suggest that you go for Windows Web hosting.
This really is simply because Windows platforms have an entire marketplace of web items which are compatible with their server systems. Even some Linux server features and other open source platforms like PHP and MySQL have been incorporated into Windows 2003 and 2008 server as add-ons enabling you to possess a complete web web hosting package. What is much more, these add-ons don't come at an additional cost, sort of like an incentive.
Consider also the ease of use. Windows server technologies have a really user friendly interface that any novice user can very easily use. When hosting a website, you might also want to take advantage of such systems as Microsoft.NET platforms that offer an advanced web and application management capabilities. If you'll be designing your website using an application like Microsoft Frontpage or Active Server Pages or ASP, then you will discover that a Windows host offers a much better solution for your hosting requirements.
This is nevertheless not to say that hosting a website on a UNIX web hosting spells doom. Linux systems have improved over recent years and have started to offer help for ASP and ASP.Net while also offering native support for PHP along with other database management platforms. There is not clear difficult line that you simply can use that favors 1 web hosting service above an additional. However, prior to web hosting a web site, take time to think about your needs and make an informed decision.