A first question, which arises when you are looking for a hosting package, is the decision of Operating system. Microsoft Windows, which covers over 90% of the current market, lures most of the users who want a user-friendly interface instead of security. Other group of people is the one who wants security and user-friendly GUI is not matter for them, their choice is Linux. Other reason for choosing Linux or Windows will depend on your choice of the scripting language. If you prefer Asp Dot Net scripting language then the first choice is Windows. Whereas if languages like Perl or PHP then Linux is the best. Both the Operating systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. Linux is the most secure options. However, if the matter is some interactive services like search-help database or chat Linux is not suggestive. Linux is not fully compliant with Technologies for Windows. For example if you work on Windows-centric technologies like Visual Basic, then go for Windows based servers.
Advantages of Windows server hosting
1. If you need to run Microsoft’s MS-SQL database instead of enterprise class database, then Windows hosting is the best option.
2. Dot NET technologies like VB.NET or ASP.NET are well supported on windows. Further if your website is build with the help of Microsoft .NET technologies then Windows hosting is the only choice you got.
3. Again is you are using Microsoft’s SharePoint services, only reliable choice for you is Windows.
4. Windows hosting plans are the only way to obtain Access databases. Access only runs on Windows plat form and hence they are unavailable on Linux hosting. Windows will be more necessary if your site needs particularly Access databases.
Advantages of Linux server hosting
1. Linux website can be easily converted in to a Windows website without any problems and harassment.
2. Linux is more economic then Windows, because Linux is an Open Source software. Thus, you don’t need to pay high licensing fees for various softwares and services on the Operating system. Every other operating system is available with huge licensing fee.
3. If your website scripting language is PHP or Perl etc. then Linux hosting is the suitable for you. Linux hosting will be cost effective and reliable solution for you. It will not be traceable until and unless loaded with heavy scripting language.
4. There is a variety of databases that are compatible with Linux. Some of the most used databases Linux are MySQL, Postgre-SQL and mSQL. Nature of these databases is mostly relational thus permitting vastly optimized communication with your website for paid reclamation of data.
6. Most important feature of Linux is that it is more secure then Windows. That’s WhyLinux is preferred by most of the programmers and designers.
It is seen that Linux hosting is around 20% more economical than Windows hosting. If your don’t wish for unique features like search-help database cart and many other like them, first thing you should look for is Linux hosting plans. If you are a Microsoft Lover and only prefer Microsoft technologies, then Windows hosting plans are the favorable choice. Again small business owners can’t afford Windows hosting plans because there is that licensing fee. For such users Linux is the answer it’s more cost effective. Cheap VPS Hosting can be available in both the platform variants.
