Hosting Windows over Linux Hosting - Which one is right for you?

There are literally hundreds of thousands of web hosting companies out there. Many of these companies offer both Windows hosting and Linux hosting plans. Windows provides usually cost more because of licensing costs imposed by Microsoft. Knowing this, how can you know when you need Windows hosting and when Linux hosting will work just as well or better? Read on to find out.

Windows operating systems are on something like 95% of all personal computers around the world. With a total domination, Microsoft Windows is top of mind for most people looking for new web hosting.

In the world of web servers, however, the Windows-based servers are behind less than 20% of all websites on the internet. This is according to the latest survey by web server securityspace.com. By choosing a Linux hosting plan, you will be in good company.

When you must use Windows Hosting?

1. . NET technologies including ASP.net are not available on Linux platforms. If you have a website built with Microsoft. Network technologies you should choose a Windows hosting plan. In fact, if you need ASP, featureless. NET, most of the Linux hosting plans do not offer support for it.

2. Access database are available only with a Windows hosting plan. Access runs on a Microsoft Windows platform and can not be run on a Linux operating system.

3. MSSQL is an enterprise-class database put out by Microsoft. If you need an enterprise class database there are some alternatives that run on a Linux platform, but if you need Microsoft's MSSQL database, a Windows hosting plan will be your choice.

4. If you use Microsoft Sharepoint Services as some of the functionality found in FrontPage, SharePoint 2003, Windows Hosting plan is the only choice.

What is the advantage of choosing Linux Hosting?

All major services needed to run an enterprise-class Web site are available on systems based on Linux for free. Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP are used together to provide the infrastructure behind some of the most intense traffic on the Internet.

PHP works best on a Linux server on a Windows server. That said, unless you are putting a heavy load on your PHP script, this will not be evident.

In general, Linux hosting plans are at least 20% cheaper than Windows hosting plans. If you do not need any of the above features, Linux hosting is a good choice for your needs.

For specific Microsoft technologies, Windows hosting plans are usually the best solution. For everthing else, Linux hosting plans will generally do quite well. With the cost savings of Linux are usually hosting plans, Linux hosting is usually the right choice for you ....