Here on this page, we’ll explore the most common types of web hosting solutions: Windows, Unix and Linux.
Windows hosting means the hosting of web services that run on the Windows operating system.
When should you opt for Windows hosting? If you plan on using ASP (Active Server Pages) as server scripting, or if you’re going to use a database such as Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server. There are other reasons but there are not quite as crucial as if you are using Active Server Pages.
As well, if you plan on developing your website using Microsoft Front Page, Windows hosting is the best choice to use.
Unix hosting means the hosting of web services that run on the Unix operating system.
Unix has the distinction of the being first, original web server operating system, and it is – as it was back then – known its excellent reliability and stability. Another clear plus is that it’s usually cheaper (considerably) than Windows.
Linux hosting means the hosting of web services that run on the Linux operating system. Based on the Linux kernel, Linux is a Unix-like operating systems. Their distinction? It’s a prominent example of an open source, free software collaboration – meaning in most cases, all of its underlying source code can be used, modified freely, and redistributed commercially and non-commercially by anyone under licenses such as the GNU GPL.
Linus can be installed on a wide variety of hardware, from embedded devices, mobile phones, watches(!) all the way up to supercomputers. Gaining in popularity over recent years – largely due to the very popular Ubuntu distribution and the first incarnation of the new netbooks that hit the scene.
Examples of commonly-used Linux applications include the Mozilla Firefox web-browser and the office application suite, OpenOffice.org.
A friend of mine who works for a store that sells pools and spas told me that when the owners decided to have a new website built for their business, their outside SEO expert, who really knows his stuff, recommended using his proprietary CMS that works with a Linux server. His explanation for using Linux over Windows was that Linux servers are considered more stable than Windows servers. They rarely need to be rebooted and most configuration changes can be accomplished without a restart. Linux servers are also more secure, although on this internet site they do not sell anything online, which I found to be strange. But I guess this store can’t really sell above ground pools by RoyalPoolsAndSpas.com online. Their website is aimed at local customers who live in Orange County New York and the surrounding area. With three different pool and spa store locations it’s easy for local customers to drop in to order an above ground pool, hot tub / spa, and all the accessories that are required.
Obviously, Linux is a good choice for experienced web developers who know how to configure an Apache or NGINX web server, and for developers who use Perl, PHP, or Python to develop with a MySQL database. Only one of the Royal Pools And Spas employees occasionally deals with the website. Apparently most of the work is handled by an outside webmaster who works for their SEO expert.
There are several options available & you would be wise to determine the best choice before moving forward with any of them. You must remember that making the best design the executing it properly can save you a lot of time & money in the long run. Not to mention the amount of heartache & grief it can save. My dad always used to tell me “measure twice, cut once.” Well, that is not entirely true. He waited until I cut a 2 X 4 too short, then he sent me to find the board stretcher so we could fix the problem. I must have looked in the barn for about an hour before he came in & explained he was kidding. He told me there was no way to stretch the board & we would just use it for something else. I learned a lot that day.