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Unix Vs. Windows Web Hosting

by Mark Pool

  • Overview

    A web hosting service is used to store and display the files that compose a website. The operating system running on the computer providing this service can vary based on the provider. Each operating system has advantages and features. The system selected for a specific site will depend on the needs of the site.

  • The Facts

    Currently, there are two primary operating systems found on web hosting servers, Unix variants and Windows. According to Netcraft.com's surveys, the market leader in web hosting is Linux, a Unix-type operating system. As of August 2009, more than 66.9 percent of the million busiest sites are using a Unix variant to power their websites. Windows is the second most-common web hosting system, with a smaller percentage of other systems hosting the remaining sites.
 

  • Compatibility

    The web hosting service chosen will partially depend on the program and technologies used to create the website. Certain technologies will be more compatible with one host than another. For example, a site can only stream Windows Media videos on a Windows web hosting service. In general, it will normally be easier to run websites intended for Unix technologies on a Windows server than to do the reverse.

  • Unix

    The Unix variants have a longer history of stability than Windows. According to Netcraft.com, 62 percent of web hosting providers use Linux. The main supported technologies supported are PHP, Java and MySQL. Certain Windows technologies such as FrontPage Extensions are supported, however compatibility is not always 100 percent when running Windows services on a Unix platform. Security holes and bugs are frequently patched faster since Linux is an open source operating system.
    Tux, the Linux Mascot. Larry Ewing and The Gimp

  • Windows

    Windows has been attempting to gain market share in the web-hosting arena for some time. When using FrontPage, SQL Server, IIS, VB (Visual Basic) or NET technologies, it is a good idea to default to a Windows web hosting service. Most Unix/Linux services, such as PHP, Java and MySQL, will run quite well on Windows, although the supported features will vary and should be verified with each specific web hosting service.
    Windows Logo. Ken Saunders: Mouserunner.com

  • Considerations

    The choice of web hosting platform will revolve around the design, scale and intended purpose of the website. Certain website creation programs will work better with one system or the other. Stability is also an issue to consider. Unix variants have a long history of stability, with some hosts operating continuously for years without requiring a reboot. Most Windows servers require restarting on a regular basis to ensure stability and uptime.

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