There are several different flavors of web hosting packages out there, but our focus here is what is known as Windows web hosting. That’s one reason we use the word “familiar” in the title, as you are very likely well-versed in many of the processes that go into a Windows web hosting account. Let’s take a quick look at what it is, and how it differs from the other major hosting systems.
Basically there are three main types of web hosting operating systems, Windows, Linux and Unix. Linux and Unix are similar in many ways, but Windows is based on the Microsoft Windows operating system. This affords users who are intimately familiar with a Windows OS to be able to dive right into a web hosting scenario with little to no preparation.
Some of the reasons one might employ a Windows web hosting solution would be
Frequent updating – Microsoft is continually putting out updates and supporting the Windows web hosting platform. This is not always the case with the other, open source web hosting platforms, such as Linux and Unix.
.NET and Visual Basic – If you are planning on using either of these programming languages, then you have to go with a Windows web hosting provider, as Windows is the only platform that supports these. This is also true of any other Windows-based web applications you plan on using. They will just play nicer in a Windows environment!
Compatibility with other Windows programs – A Windows web host will also be more compatible with other Windows programs like Microsoft Access and Microsoft Front Page. Especially Front Page, as it is very often used to create the very sites hosted on these web hosting systems. This is sometimes the deciding factor in a decision like this.
.ASP (Active Server Pages) and Dynamic Pages – Sites using .ASP language and pages pulled dynamically from a database often work better on a Windows Web Hosting solution.
Support – Support for Windows Web hosting comes from Microsoft, whereas the others are open source. This can be very good as well, but Microsoft is pretty good about jumping on fixes.
Windows web hosting does cost a little bit more than Linux or Unix hosting, presumably because of the name brand support.
The decision will ultimately come down to whether or not you plan on using a lot of Microsoft software products running on your web space. If this is the case, you should definitely opt for Windows web hosting, as it will give you far fewer headaches. If this is not the case, a Linux-based system (free, open source) will get you great results and the best bang for your buck.
Just remember, using a lot of Microsoft products: use Windows web hosting!
related intac articles
