Unix Hosting Vs. Windows Web Hosting – Factors to Consider
Posted on Friday, Mar 19, 2010 in "Web Hosting Types"
Choosing the right web hosting plan for you can be difficult at times, especially if you are not sure what each plan entails. With so many different types of web hosting plans, it seems as if there is an endless sea of web hosting solutions to choose from. The main differences between web hosting solutions is the amount of server resources that are allocated to you, as well as how much total control over the server you have. Aside from limits, there are also basic differences in the visual and functional aspects of the server environment. When referring to web hosting solutions that use certain operating systems, there are some key fundamental differences that should be weighed before making your decision. The most common forms of web hosting are Windows and Unix based web hosting plans.
Cost
The first thing most people look for when shopping for a hosting solution is cost. When comparing Unix and Windows based web hosting solutions, Unix is most definitely the cheaper option. This is because there are free Unix operating systems available, like Linux. Windows server software is nowhere near free, so therefore the overall cost of Windows web hosting is higher.
Software
Since Windows is manufactured by a Microsoft, a Windows based web server is guaranteed to be compatible with all Microsoft software such as VBScript and Microsoft Access. Unix web hosting does not provide compatibility with Microsoft software, which means it is not a viable solution for websites that require the usage of Microsoft applications.
Reliability
Although both Unix and Windows web hosting are considered to be reliable, Unix based web servers generally experience less downtime and therefore are slightly more reliable than Windows based web server. However, the actual reliability of a web hosting service will ultimately be determined by the competence of the web hosting company itself.
Support
When an error occurs in a Windows based web sever due to Microsoft software, the only people that can usually fix the bug in the software is Microsoft. Unix on the other hand is an open source software, which means that anyone with the skill can write code for it and repair any bugs for it within a very short time.
The Final Decision
Before you make the final decision, you need to consider the above comparison, and think about what feature s you’re going o be enabling on your website. If you will need to have Microsoft software on your website, then you can definitely rule out Unix web hosting. If you are not concerned with the type of software, but instead would like to have your own custom solutions made and enjoy more server uptime, then you may want to consider Unix web hosting. You’ll also want to consider the price of each hosting plan. If you;re on a strict budget and Microsoft software is not a concern for you, then you may want to consider a Unix web hosting plan. In the end the final decision is up to you, and should be based on the knowledge you have acquired here and the needs of your website.
