| Windows vs Linux
features |
We
are often asked which hosting platform
one should choose, Unix or Windows
2000. Below, we've listed the major
differences between the two that
you should consider in making your
final decision. In the process,
we have also tried to dispel any
common misconceptions regarding
these platforms.
Important:
One of the biggest misconceptions
is that you have to run UNIX on
your own computer in order for you
to host your site on UNIX platform.
That is not true. Which operating
system you run on your computer
is irrelevant in making your decision.
This means that if you are running
Windows98 or Windows 2000 on your
computer, you can still choose UNIX.
|
|
Unix |
Windows |
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Reliability |
|
|
| Speed |
|
|
| Functionality |
|
|
| Lower hosting cost |
|
|
| Integration with Microsoft solutions |
|
|
| Free/Open Source Software |
|
|
Ease of use:
Over the years, many resources have
been poured into both UNIX and Windows
2000 platforms to make hosting as
easy as possible. Today, there are
no differences in terms of ease of
use between these platforms. If you
are an advanced user who prefers to
work in shell environment, then UNIX
is your choice. However, if you are
a beginner, you will find both platforms
user friendly, especially with the
help of Hosting Accelerator, PLESK.
Reliability:
The industry consensus is that
UNIX is more reliable. However,
unlimited-domain-hosting has made sure that
the reliability of the Windows 2000
platform closely matches that of
UNIX's. What this means is that
you can make your decision
based on the differences in features
rather than on reliability.
Speed:
There is no difference in terms
of speed between the two platforms.
Functionality:
This is where two platforms differ
the most. There isn't much that
can be achieved in one platform
that can't be on the other one.
The main difference is how the end
is achieved. For example, if you
need a database driven web site,
you can choose either PHP/MySQL
combination under UNIX or ASP/MS
SQL combination under Windows 2000.
The trend is for solutions to be
supported in both platforms. For
example, Microsoft FrontPage, one
of the most popular web site editors
out there, is supported on both
UNIX and Windows 2000. Please see
below for the list of supported
features. However, Windows plans
do have more features available
in the control panel than the Unix
plans.
Price:
Here UNIX holds a slight edge due
to the fact that most of the software
licenses are free and it is easier
to maintain UNIX servers than Windows
2000 servers for the same level
of reliability and performance.
But you will not see that our hosting
prices reflect this. Unless you
specifically plan to use Windows
2000 platform specific features
(see below), it probably makes sense
to choose the UNIX platform.
