Search Results
Title:
Unix or Windows Hosting: Which Is For You?
Article:
Almost all web hosting companies these days will offer you a variety of options to meet the needs of your web site. Among the first decisions you will need to make is if you will use a Windows or Unix server. Now you may be wondering if there is a difference between the two. In actual purpose and function they work the same. They are both servers designed to keep your web site up and running on the Web. The difference lies in the administration and architecture.
So the first step in your decision for a server is to determine what is more important to you, stability or easy to use environment. Unix environments are, by design, more stable than Windows systems. The flip side is that Windows environments tend to be more user-friendly and intuitive. We will explore both environments and let you decide on which will be best for your needs and ability.
Lets first say you want to go the Unix route. The reason you would choose a Unix server is because you are looking for security and peace of mind that your site will not crash or become unstable (granted, that nothing is a 100% guarantee). But that stability may come at a price for those new to the Unix environment. Unix uses a command line interface similar to MS-DOS. So there will be a learning curve if you have never worked with that type of interface. While both the Windows and Unix servers need to have a consistent maintenance and upgrade schedule, Unix servers require a more involved procedure. The kernel and software must be updated consistently, which is significantly more difficult than the patches and fixes that Microsoft provides on a regular basis for their operating systems.
Windows servers offer the easy to use environment that most people are familiar with on their home pcs. If you are comfortable working in Windows on your home pc than you will find it a minimal transition to working with a Windows server. Although, it is easier to use, Windows servers require a more frequent maintenance schedule. Meaning more patches and software upgrades are necessary to keep the system secure and stable (Again, nothing is a 100% guarantee. Especially when it comes to Windows).
Another consideration in your selection of one type of server over another is determining what kind of language you have created or will continue to create your site with. If you are comfortable using a language such as Perl or PHP, then Unix would be your server type. On the other hand, if ASP is where you are more fluent in, then Windows is your server of choice. The point is, to choose the server that is best suited to the language that you will be using. It is possible that some servers will be able to handle most languages but it is a good idea to keep any issues that may arise due to compatibility down to a minimum.
The bottom line is, whether you go with Windows or Unix, they both are designed to serve the same function. It is about which one will be the most time saving and cost effective for you to use. Not to mention, keeping you happy and confident in your decision for the server that best fits your needs and abilities.
Keywords:
unix windows web hosting
Contact Omnis Network
Manage Your Account
https://manage.omnis.com
Technical Support
Tech Support Contact Form
support@omnis.com
Call Us Toll-Free
1-877-393-HOST (4678)
Reach Us By Mail
3655 Torrance Blvd Suite 230
Torrance CA, 90503
Browse Knowledge Base
View all How To's
View all FAQ's
Search Knowledge Base
Select the search type:
All Articles
How To
Problem
Bug
FAQ
Keywords:
Any word may be in article
All words must be in article
Manage Account
|
Register a Domain
|
Domain Transfers
|
Domain Renewals
|
Hosting Plans
|
Promote your Site
|
Partner Programs
|
Support Center
|
Policies
|
WHOIS
|
About Us
|
Contact Us
© 2008 Omnis Network, LLC All Rights Reserved
