A Comparison Of Windows and Linux Hosting

Anyone who hopes to have a web site for professional or personal reasons must understand that they will require several things before they can start directing traffic to their Internet location.

First is the server, which most small businesses, groups and individuals acquire through the rental of space on the equipment owned by a web hosting company. Next is the actual, physical work done in writing the language for the page(s). This can be performed in a wide number of ways and languages, and those most frequently recognized are HTML and XML among others.

The server and its operating software must be compatible with the code in which a web site is written, and additionally both must be able to integrate with other applications available to those creating websites and managing servers and their software as well.

Two of the most commonly employed operating platforms for such use are LINUX and Windows. Each has a wide variety of “flavors” or versions, and each has its “pros and cons”. The real differences begin with the kinds of programs used to create the web sites in the first place. If a company, group or individual has decided to write their website with Microsoft proprietary programs like FrontPage, or integrate such items as Access database information, it may be a wise idea to work with a Microsoft web hosting company. If, however, the pages are composed with generic programs or applications, then either a LINUX or Windows web hosting company will suffice.

What about the expense? Many people shy away from Windows web hosting when they hear that the software is costly while the LINUX applications are free. This does not necessarily mean that it will be less expensive to run pages in one platform or another, since most people are not generally operating a server on their own, and therefore will not be purchasing any of the licensing out of their own pocket.

Another comparison frequently made between the two platforms involves their security. Because Windows operating platforms are the most frequently used in the home-based desktop industry they are, unfortunately, the victims of frequent security attacks. This however does not mean that an entire server and its websites are open to easy attack. Both operating systems come under attack and have their vulnerabilities and coding flaws, but it is up to the web hosting IT professionals and administrators to ensure the ultimate security of the system. Neither platform has shown any stronger weakness in this area.

For most purposes, professional or personal, the best operating platform is less of an issue than the quality of the web hosting company selected.