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.
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.
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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