Tag Archive 'windows'

Linux vs. Windows Hosting - What to consider

Contrary to popular belief, it does not matter what operating system you have on your computer when choosing where to host your site. If your computer runs Linux, you can choose a Windows hosting platform and vice versa. Of course, it would be ideal to have matching operating systems, but you can still enjoy many of the same benefits. Both servers support FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and other technologies which allow you to publish content from your hard drive to the web. Both offer encryption features such as SSL to encrypt your online communications along with compatible email accounts, databases and more.

Knowing the similarities, it is also important to make yourself familiar with the vast differences as well. For instance, if you intend to use Microsoft branded technologies such as ASP, FrontPage, MSSQL or Windows Streaming Media, your website would be much better suited for Windows-based hosting. Trying to operate server-specific scripts and programs on a different platform is often difficult and costly, though it can be done. Fortunately, the most prevalent web technologies such as PHP, POP3 and MySQL are supported by both systems.

In the way of stability, Linux is regarded as being more stable than Windows. This dates back to prior Windows systems such as 95 and 98 that were infamous for the “blue screen” of death. Though annoying, the most severe impact of this common error called for users to restart their machines. Later editions such as 2000 and XP were designed more with servers in mind, adding stability to the Windows brand.

You may enjoy better performance with Linux hosting as well as their servers are rather efficient. There is not a huge difference, but the application processes of Windows have been known to run somewhat slower. Experts believe this is because Windows loads a variety of features into single packages while the implementation of Linux is more simple yet flexible.

Another major benefit of Linux is its open source nature. This allows vendors to use several Linux components for no cost and offers a cheaper web hosting service. Both platforms have had their share of bugs, yet Linux tends to receive fixes quicker because of its large community of designers and users. Windows has to analyze these issues through the entire Microsoft bureaucracy which tends to take longer.

Regardless of what platform you choose, security is always a major concern. Many times this involves the security implemented by a host as well as the website administrator. While Windows has made notable strides with their security, Linux is better known for it’s security-first approach to development.

The Winner Is …

When money becomes an issue, most people tend go with Linux hosting as their first option. The system has established a solid reputation for its reliability and security. The choice of which platform is the best all depends on the needs of your site. In the end, you want a web host that is best suited for the goals you plan to achieve. With that said, the operating system being used should be one of the last things you consider for web hosting - Linux and Windows both provide exceptional service.

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Jul 02, 2008 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

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

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