Most web hosting service providers offer two kinds of hosting: Linux hosting and Windows hosting. In general, Linux hosting refers to shared hosting, the most popular hosting service in the industry. In fact, most of the websites are now hosted using Linux hosting due to its affordable price and flexibility. Linux hosting is compatible with PHP and MySQL, which supports scripts such as WordPress, Zen Cart, and phpBB. Windows hosting, on the other hand, uses Windows as the servers' operating system and offers Windows-specific technologies such as ASP, .NET, Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL server (MSSQL).
Linux, an open-source operating system, is the most popular OS among Web hosting providers. Open source means the source code can be used, modified and redistributed freely in both commercial and non-commercial capacities.
Web hosting providers prefer this to the more restrictive Windows platform because it allows greater customization in server capabilities and user options.
Few hosting services offer Windows-based hosting, and those who do charge a higher monthly fee than Linux-based hosting. Historically, Windows has struggled as a hosting platform in terms of stability, but recent iterations of the product place it on a similar playing field as Linux.
Windows hosting is referred to websites that are hosted through the Windows operating system. Windows hosting is widely known for having powerful end-to-end management, scalability and reliability features, and moreover, it is popular for integrating businesses with the internet.
Windows hosting is the service that you should go for if you have a plan of using specific Microsoft applications like Active Server Pages (ASP), and also have a plan of developing your website with Microsoft FrontPage. Related to the database, MS SQL is very much comfortable with any hosting environment, but MS Access database is served only by Windows hosting.
The important advantage of Windows hosting for users is can easily integrate any Microsoft products to websites due to the fact that millions of users are utilizing Microsoft products. With Microsoft's Windows technology, you can also integrate cross-browser script libraries from JavaScript with ASP. Features such as ODBC database connectivity and ColdFusion can only be used for Windows hosting and not for Linux
In order to have a successful web presence one needs to take help from a web hosting provider. We all know that website hosting is a service that provides users with an online system for storing information, images, video or any file that can be easily accessed via the internet. So in order to gain from your website, quality hosting services is what you actually require. Obviously, we all want to select a web hosting service provider who offers high-quality hosting solutions, but most people tend to fumble on choosing a platform; i.e. Windows web hosting or Linux web hosting. Here is a small brief on Windows hosting solution.
Windows is a solution designed by Microsoft, and usually comes with a licensing cost. We also know the fact that most web applications being used today are Windows-based and hence this is most recommended. Windows server hosting allows any Microsoft applications to integrate easily and efficiently. Windows hosting is generally recommended to those users who wish to create a website using ASP.NET framework. This web hosting service allows the developer to host a website along with other applications very easily on ASP.NET environment.
Although it is known to be an expensive hosting service, the benefits it brings along with it are certainly worth the extra money. Smooth integration, high level of security, application compatibility and single point of control are some of its most renowned advantages. Windows website hosting is considered Ideal for ASP.NET applications, which allows the users to build a dynamic website and also make it user-friendly. Compatibility with Microsoft applications is another benefit of windows hosting. When it comes to database support, Windows hosting has proved to be much better than other options. For database servers like MSDE, MySQL or MSSQL, Windows platform provides complete integration. Windows hosting also provides better performance in comparison to other platforms. Even at high server loads the servers remain stable.
Server administrator to identify the biggest difference between Linux and Windows, and the first thing they'll mention is stability. Linux servers are sometimes considered more secure than Windows servers. They rarely need to be rebooted and most configuration changes can be accomplished without a restart. Windows servers, on the other hand, can get especially unstable when tasked with running multiple database, web, and file servers. When you start adding separate applications and lots of scheduled tasks, the problems tend to get worse. While a significant amount of work has gone into alleviating these issues, it is still a problem with which server administrators wrestle. If you anticipate your solution will be called upon to have near 100% uptime, going with a Linux server will likely be your best bet.
Linux takes the cake when it comes to security, as well. You may have noticed the recent BitLocker hacks being perpetrated worldwide. Nearly all of these attacks target Windows machines. The domination of the desktop market has made Windows machines a prime target for hackers. Linux also benefits from being a Unix-based operating system. The rights management features found in Unix have proven to be a great strength for Linux servers. These features silo off access to the operating system kernel and allow only administrators (root users) to modify certain directories and applications. The root user also has unlimited visibility to the files on a server, significantly reducing the problem of obfuscation through hidden files so often encountered by anyone fighting malware on a Windows machine.
It should be said that the learning curve for managing a Linux server is undeniably steeper. If you have the time or background, this won't be a problem. Those with other responsibilities outside of IT and development might find configuring and managing such an environment a daunting task. Many Windows options can be found through a user interface and the standardization of the software allows a beginner to find many answers to their problems online. If you are looking for simplicity, Windows is the way to go.
Windows hosting is referred to websites that are hosted through the Windows operating system. Windows hosting is widely known for having powerful end-to-end management, scalability and reliability features, and moreover, it is popular for integrating businesses with the internet.
Windows hosting is the service that you should go for if you have a plan of using specific Microsoft applications like Active Server Pages (ASP), and also have a plan of developing your website with Microsoft FrontPage. Related to the database, MS SQL is very much comfortable with any hosting environment, but MS Access database is served only by Windows hosting.
The important advantage of Windows hosting for users is can easily integrate any Microsoft products to websites due to the fact that millions of users are utilizing Microsoft products. With Microsoft's Windows technology, you can also integrate cross-browser script libraries from JavaScript with ASP. Features such as ODBC database connectivity and ColdFusion can only be used for Windows hosting and not for Linux
