Archive for the 'Windows Web Hosting' Category

Windows hosting

An introduction:

It is the most popular platform for the developments of the various web sites. It provides the various developers with the ability to design a site with the use of the windows operating system. This platform is widely accepted because of the different technologies that it supports. Some of the technologies supported compromise of COM, Active Server Pages and the latest one in the row is .NET. Windows hosting can be used for remote Microsoft technology and also for running the latest applications.

Advantages of Windows Hosting:

Windows based hosting continues to be the most popular type of platform that is used these days. With the various advantages that they provide they have been in use since the very beginning of web development. Some of the advantages of using windows based hosting are the stability that it offers which proves to be the best one for business as well as professional persons. Some of the other advantages are support that is provided. Thus, the various developers find it very easy to use this platform.

1. Familiar and can be easily used: Windows platform is popular almost all round the world. This platform is used in almost every aspect of business. They have been around since a long time and thus, are the most trusted ones.

2. Better performing applications: This platform is the best when the developers are using Microsoft applications with the combination of windows environment.

3. Windows is compatible with .NET: The best feature of windows platform is that it is completely compatible with the .NET environment. Been the latest language used in the development of the websites .NET has a lot of potential and prospects of future growth.

Disadvantages of windows hosting:

There are many advantages related with windows hosting but they are also followed by some disadvantages. The most common drawback that has to be faced while using this platform is the long time that it takes to get fixed the security lacks and other related problems. Some other drawbacks related with windows are that it is more expensive than any other kind of hosting like Linux/UNIX hosting.

The popularity of windows hosting goes to the popularity of the windows itself. It Being the oldest company providing software as well as hardware assistance worldwide, it has the longest loyal fan following. The assistance and the tools that are provided by windows are the best ones and suit the needs of the small businesses a lot. Most of the small businesses and the individuals today try to reach the landmark that has been established by the windows platforms. A thing that has to be kept in mind is that windows hosting gives the best performance when it is used along with files that have been created using windows technology. For an example if the developer has developed a site using .NET or APS environment that he should go for windows based hosting. If Linux based hosting is used then there would be a lack in performance.

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Apr 24, 2008 : Windows Web Hosting No responses yet

What is Windows Hosting

We have already covered the basics of web hosting and what you need to be aware of when selecting a service on an overall scale. We have also detailed the Linux operating system and its capable platform as a web host. On the surface, Linux may appear to be the more capable web hosting server when compared to Windows. With all it’s great features and inexpensive cost, Linux has to be the best choice, right? Don’t be so quick to make that final judgment. You should first make yourself familiar with Windows Web Hosting in order to come up with the best solution.

Since its initial release back in 1993, the Windows NT (new technology) server is highly regarded to be the very first operating system to stress easy usage for its customers. The server was introduced as a component of Windows version 3.1, the default operating system supplied to most PC users at the time. The NT setup was an easy process which made it rather attractive to typical users and large corporations alike. The inclusion of this server allowed users to excel to higher levels and ultimately provided a more robust and capable operating system. Users view the interface of Windows Hosting as one that is much easier to administer than Linux or Unix. Webmasters in training generally have an easier time building a site as little expertise is required. On the other hand, Windows has recently attempted to mold itself in the light of Unix like servers, making the system more complex than originally and somewhat more difficult to control.

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Apr 10, 2008 : Windows Web Hosting No responses yet

Windows Hosting Setup

The Microsoft Windows operating system offers a full service of GUI (Graphic User Interface) for most of the required setup configurations. The configuration of Windows is performed in two manners, unlike rival operating systems. In the first instance, bulk copies of required files are copied and installed onto a user’s hard drive. The second run is where the actual installation takes place. The original Windows NT operating system was not designed to support plug and play applications, which resulted in limitation to the web servers. Plug and play features were not supported until the release of Windows 2000. This version came with support for not only applications but extensive hardware devices as well.

Windows NT is known to be very compatible with both RISC and Intel processors. These factors enable the Windows server to expand as a reliable hosting platform. Even though Windows integrates with RISC processors, all of its components may not. If you are looking to buy service on a Windows server that supports the RISC platform, make sure that all of the required applications are compatible.

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Apr 10, 2008 : Windows Web Hosting No responses yet

Core of the Windows Operating System

Recent versions of Windows are founded on a 32 bit operating system. The structure of its core may result in compatibility concerns when it comes to applications, specifically scripted for 16 bit operating systems based on DOS from older Windows versions. Even with this drawback, Windows makes for a more stable operating system, capable of multitasking functions. 

Remote Capability

The system installation that comes with your Windows software comes with few remote control features. There are updates that are available to act as a solution to this issue. We will detail more information about Windows and remote capability later in this chapter. 

Windows System Memory 

One of the best assets of Windows is its support of virtual memory. Virtual memory uses a special type of swap file on local and network hard drives to supplement the need for a robust amount of physical memory on your computer. This is a rather affordable solution to the issue of not having enough memory to support RAM heavy applications. The drawback of virtual memory is a slower performance opposed to the physical version. 

Windows memory takes another knock because of the higher rate of usage compared to other operating systems. In some cases, requirements for Windows memory is up to four times more than systems like Linux. 

In comparison to Linux, the memory efficiency of Windows has been considered inferior. The Linux operating system will allow users to run multiple applications from the same memory block, a method that saves space on the hard drive. Linux also uses a demand loading system to integrate applications. This means it uses the minimal amount of space to run a program even when the actual application calls for a higher amount of memory.

Requirements for memory will vary tremendously when it comes to Windows web servers. This all depends on the number of clients, applications, the number of operable services and exactly how the server is being used. A good example is how stand alone servers have much less overhead than directory domain servers. Also keep in mind that Windows hosting running an SQL database or an Exchange Server may also require the use of more system memory.

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Apr 10, 2008 : Windows Web Hosting No responses yet

Windows Security

One of the biggest deficiencies of Unix web hosting is the threat of a hostile system takeover by hackers. While Windows users typically do not have this issue to worry about, there are other areas of concern that can spoil the experience; one such problem is a DOS (denial of service) attack. This usually occurs as the result of an infinite loop sequence that causes the system to freeze up and eventually crash. Microsoft’s solution to DOS attacks have been included in service pack updates for the Windows operating system. These software upgrades resolve the issue by running the loop for up to 60 seconds in which attempts are made to adjust it. When a loop cannot be resolved, Windows will cancel it out and proceed to function regularly. 

One of Window’s biggest securities weaknesses has been tied closely to the vulnerability in NET BIOS that operate on TCP. Common activities such as file and print services can be accessed by online intruders by combining Net BIOS to TCP. To prevent this intrusive act, users can disable Net BIOS that are visible online. 

In the previous chapter we briefly touched on the experience difference between Windows and Linux. Already known as the world’s most popular operating system, Windows is rapidly evolving in the area of web hosting. This very fact is major reason why security has been such an issue. Since source codes are not openly available like they are with Linux and Unix, Windows is able to frequently update its system to elude severe consequences caused by malicious hackers.

Windows and Remote Control Dependency

It’s been said that the Windows operating system depends too much on the Remote Procedure Call. RPC is what transmit a message over a network and instructs another application. This line of communication has no limits in regard to machine, operating system or time zone.

The extensive capability of RPC is what makes it a security liability for Windows. These controls are designed to allow users to send commands to the computers of others. When errors are found within an RPC application, roaming web hackers may be able to benefit from the flaw and devise a way to control someone else’s computer. Users do not have the ability to disable RPC because the Windows operating system literally relies on them, even when the internet is not connected. 

The use of RPC based platforms are known to be the first victim of the infamous Slammerworm. This unsuspecting infection sabotaged so many systems in such a short amount of time that the entire internet was shook up. 

The Slammerworm began its reign of terror by exposing two weaknesses found in the SQL database. The first one enabled users to run two instances of the database on one machine. To make things simple, there should be no reason to run multiple versions of a major system on one computer. If anything there will be file fragments left all over the place along with other disk space issues. 

Windows’ solution to this problem was to create RPC components to manage requests for data. This connected numerous users all operating on SQL servers and literally placed them as sitting ducks. The Slammerworms eventually stumbled upon numerous computers that were open for an easy attack. This was all the result of a feature enabled by the SQL database.

Network Capability

Aside from memory shortages and gaps in security, Windows makes for a very reliable web hosting platform. There servers run protocols such as AppleTalk, DLC, IPX and NetBEUI IP. It also supports connections like Ethernet, Token Ring and Frame Relay. If more than one network card is installed on the system, the Windows server can then act as a router. 

Windows uses Remote Access Service to accommodate inbound dial-up connections. This gives users the ability to dial up on the network through ISDN or PPP by using a LAN password and user ID. When the user has been granted authority, they then not only have access to the designated server, but the entire network as well. This is an affordable way for users to surf the web without having to purchase expensive modems and other network devices. 

One of the biggest disadvantages of Windows networking is the need to restart the system whenever significant modifications have been made. This is the case when new protocol is added and DNS servers are changed. While this may not be an issue for some users, those running a 24 hour business will certainly think otherwise.

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Apr 10, 2008 : Windows Web Hosting No responses yet

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