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UNIX vs. Windows- What Server Operating System Should You
Use for Your Web Hosting?
So you've decided to create a website? The most obvious
thing that you need is of course web hosting. Among other
things, like cost and features, you'll need to decide which
server you'll need: Windows (NT, 2000 or XP) or Unix (Linux,
FreeBSD, OpenBSD, etc.).
Both have their merits, so the first thing you should think
about when making this decision is if you are looking for
stability, or ease of use. UNIX based servers are generally
superior in the site up-time and stability areas than Windows
systems. However, while they need to be rebooted more often,
Windows servers are generally easier to administer and use.Many
beginners to web hosting will be confused over the pros
and cons of the different operating systems. While, Unix
is more stable and secure it uses a command line interface
for administration. This interface, which is like the original
MS-DOS interface, can be difficult to understand to a website
newbie. Also, in order to keep a UNIX machine stable, one
must update the kernel and software regularly, a process
which is more difficult than Windows. This however, can
be made just as easy to do if your web host has good administration
software.
Another thing to consider when choosing which operating
system to use is whether you will be using scripting. If
so what kind? For example, if you will be using a dynamic
site, and decide that you want to go Perl as your language
of choice then UNIX should be your operating system of choice.
This is also true for languages such as PHP, and Pythlon.
On the other hand, if you choose to go for an ASP based
site then you should choose Windows. However, to complicate
the matter further some UNIX systems can run ASP scripts,
although the quality of the script execution can be lesser.
Bare in mind that if you choose a Windows-based web server
(this does not apply to hosting accounts as the host should
take care of it for you) you will need to update the software
with patches from Microsoft's web site almost weekly to
prevent your site from being exploited. UNIX administrators
will only have to do so monthly or so as UNIX is more secure
by nature, and needs fewer patches and software updates.
Unix operating systems are generally the preferred operating
system, however, in the end, if you do everything correctly,
a UNIX hosted web site and a Windows hosted web site will
function somewhat equally, and both should make you happy.
Be sure to keep operating costs and maintained in mind when
making your decision and you won't regret it.
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