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We are often asked which hosting platform
one should choose, Linux/Unix or Windows®2000.
Below, we’ve listed
the major differences between these platforms that you should consider
in making your final decision. In the process, we have also
tried to dispel any common misconceptions regarding these
platforms.
Important
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to run
Linux/Unix on
your own computer in order for you to host your site on Linux/Unix
platform. That is not true. Which operating system you run on your
computer is irrelevant in making your decision. This means that if
you are running Windows 98, Windows®2000 or Windows XP on your computer, you
can still choose Linux/Unix.
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Platform
Comparison
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Support
Features
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MS
FrontPage 2000, 2002
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Flash
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Shockwave
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RealAudio/Video
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Cgi-script
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Perl
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PHP
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SSH
(Secure Telnet)
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MySQL
/ PostgreSQL
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ASP.net Framework
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ASP
(active server pages)
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MS
Access
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MS
SQL 2000
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Visual
Basic Scripts
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Windows
Media
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| Ease of
use |
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Over
the years, many resources have been poured
into both Linux/Unix and Windows®2000 platforms to
make hosting as easy as possible. Today, there
are no differences in terms of ease of use
between these platforms. If you are an
advanced user who prefers to work in shell
environment, then Linux/Unix is your choice.
However, if you are a beginner, you will find
both platforms user friendly.
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| Reliability |
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The
industry consensus is that Linux/Unix is more
reliable. However, Webserver has made sure
that the reliability of the Windows®2000
platform closely matches that of Linux/Unix. What
this means is that you can make your decision
based on the differences in features rather
than on reliability.
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| Speed |
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There is no difference in terms of speed between the two platforms.
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| Functionality |
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This
is where two platforms differ the most. There
isn’t much that can be achieved in one
platform that can’t be on the other one. The
main difference is how the end is achieved.
For example, if you need a database driven web
site, you can choose either PHP/MySQL/PostgreSQL
combination under Linux/Unix or ASP/Access/MS
SQL combination under Windows®2000. The trend
is for solutions to be supported in both
platforms.
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| Price |
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Here
Linux/Unix holds a slight edge due to the fact that
the most of the software licenses are free and
that it’s easier to maintain Linux/Unix servers
than Windows®2000 servers for the same level
of reliability and performance. You will see
that our hosting prices reflect this. Unless
you specifically plan to use Windows®2000
platform specific features, it probably makes sense to choose
the Linux/Unix platform.
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