Windows Hosting is a highly popular hosting solution wherein websites are hosted via Microsoft Windows NT or 2000 Internet Information Server (IIS). Developed by Microsoft Windows, windows servers take into account access to the Active Server Pages (ASP), MS SQL, Microsoft Access, Microsoft and FrontPage.
A popular alternative to windows hosting is Linux-based hosting for operating a website. Linux Hosting services include useful features like PHP and MySQL support, Apache Web Server, Chmod file permissions, and Mod Rewrite Support. Some of popular Linux solutions include Debian, RedHat, and Slackware etc. This type of hosting is a cheap, affordable and safe hosting option for websites based on OpenSource technologies. A big advantage of Linux is that the customer sites are safe, secure and stable. Also, this hosting is very compatible with e-commerce functions often used by small businesses widely.
The best deal about Windows-based Hosting is that customer gets excellent support along with steady stream of updates. However, it is needs to be understood that windows hosting needs more resources when compared to Linux hosting. The ready availability of.NET technologies like ASP based on windows platform encourage many users to go for windows hosting plans.
It is well known that ASP technology is by far the best for larger databases in comparison to PHP or Perl and MS SQL. In fact ASP platform, though expensive than UNIX hosting, is very convenient to use instead of working on Linux platform for such applications. Windows hosting with ASP.NET provides the best solution for better performance and reliability.
The best deal about Windows related Hosting is that customer gets excellent support along with steady stream of updates. However, it is needs to be understood that windows hosting needs more resources when compared to Opensource hosting.
Some of the other feature-related differences can be understood well from the table below:
Comparative Features in Win/Linux Hosting
FrontPage Extensions- Both
FTP Access- Both
Telnet/SSH Access LIMITED(Win) Full (Lin.)
CGI/PERL LIMITED (Win) YES
ASP YES LIMITED (Lin)
PHP LIMITED(Win) YES (Lin)
Access Database YES NO(Lin)
mySQL Database- Both
HTML & JavaScript -Both
COLDFUSION -Both
You might be wondering about the price points while choosing between Linux/Windows Hosting as far as web hosting India is concerned. Obviously the scales veer in favor of Linux plans that render savings of almost 20% than Windows-based hosting. A key reason for this is the Open Source parentage of Linux server and its supporting technologies. Windows set up, on the other hand, involves high operative costs and the licensing fee hassle to be crossed while obtaining a Windows server. Small and medium size B2B website content companies prefer Linux solution due to cost-effective nature of plans and no downtime issues.
Linux-based hosting is a clear winner apart from its cost-advantage and secure operating environment. It’s highly compatible with ecommerce functions often used by small businesses widely. Some of popular Linux solutions include Debian, RedHat, and Slackware etc.
Linux environment Hosting services include useful features like PHP and MySQL support, Apache Web Server, Chmod file permissions, and Mod Rewrite Support. Hosting on Linux is a cheap, affordable and safe hosting option for websites based on OpenSource technologies. Linux platform is more reliable and less probable to crash.