Linux vs Window-Based Hosting

The operating system of your computer is much like the engine of your car. Without the engine, your car wouldn’t run as it should. Without an operating system, the computer will not run as it should either. The operating system is what’s responsible for using memory, storing files, playing songs and making all the other processes work. There are different operating systems available and opinions about each one.

The battle between the Unix-based and the Window based has been around for a while now, particularly when referring to web hosting. There are pros and cons to both. While the professionals are able to look at the fine interworking of the operating system, the average consumer only knows what they can visibly see. However, they’re both still able to give opinions on both systems.

Web site owners can give a very vocal opinion on the pros and cons of both because they directly affect them when they’re involved with the internet and web hosting. Professionals that have a deep level of knowledge of computers feel that the Unix-based operating system (aka Linux) is easier to administer than Windows.

While there may be a ring of truth to this observation, Windows is easier to install and maintain. You have to learn a lot more to fully understand and use Unix. However, transferring files to your webpage is very similar with Windows and Unix-based systems.

To the average user, it may not matter. They don’t understand what they don’t see and if the processes they want are done as desired, they have no desire in seeing either. Unless they actually have to go “behind the curtain” to see what’s happening, they have little interest in how it’s done, just as long as it’s done!

When choosing an operating system, performance is obviously going to be your first consideration. Both systems can provide excellent performance for web site owners and they can both be a royal pain as well. What will become more important (or equally so) is the type of database capabilities they both provide. This may not be seen until it’s needed on the site to store information.

Microsoft SQL Server can provide you with excellent performance; is very powerful yet is very easy to use. You can use special software to get it to work on Linux but you’re taking away too much of its performance to make it worth the time. MySQL is very similar as far as performance, is easy to use but also comes with many free installations. Cost may wind up being your major deciding factor here.

Programming languages used by each of these systems should be taken into considerations. Window-based host will be your best choice if you’re more familiar with ASP, Visual Basic or other Microsoft programs. Those familiar with PHP programs and Perl will definitely find Linux more beneficial.