Type of Web Host Server."What type of web host server will I choose?"
When choosing a web host provider one of the options you will be presented with is, what type of web host server you will want to use to host your web pages.
You host provider will present you with several server options to choose from;Windows, Linux, Mac OS or Unix. A general rule
of thumb as you weigh the cost and risks of each type of host server to use,is to find one that has the options you want, rather than worrying about what operating system they are running on the back end.
Goal
If you goal is to run just but a simple Web sites, for fun or a hobby then this questions really don't matter. After all, a Web page that runs on Unix with a Netscape Server will usually run okay on a Windows machine with IIS.
On the other hand if your goal is to run and operate a professional web site that needs more advanced features on your site like CGI, database access, ASP, and many more, then definitely knowing what's on the back end means the difference between things working or not.
Now I’m not about to tell you which type of web host server to choose, no I won’t do that ...because then...that is going to bring forth our bias and prejudice and on and on we shall dwell on our different philosophies, cost issues, ease of use, versatility, and stability… and so forth and so on...and at the end, it will still boils down to our bias and prejudice...mmm...lets save our breath.
Guiding Principle
When choosing any given type of web host server, the guiding principle should be
First, choose a server that has most of the options you want, rather than worrying about what operating system they are running on the back end.
Secondly, choose a server that will minimize your costs to operate and run and add value on your web site.
Thirdly, back to the first guiding principle.
Type of web host server
• Macintosh.
This is the most uncommon type of web host server. If you want to host your site on a Macintosh server, you'll probably have host it yourself.
• Unix.
Unix web hosting though similar to Linux, is not as common on Web hosting services because its hardware is more specific and therefore is usually more expensive to install and operate.
• Linux.
This type of web host server is so cheap to install and run. Linux web hosting is one of the more popular operating systems on the Web.
• Windows.
Windows web hosting has a lot of support thefore making it another popular operating system for Web hosting.
Differences
Linux and windows are the most popular and common type of web host servers used in hosting web sites. The differences between these two operating systems are much less than you might think. Here is a tabular list of what features that comes with each type:
Security.
Most people will argue that a Linux server is more secure than a windows server. Regardless of which is which lets face the fact, both systems are prone and can be vulnerable to security problems.
The reality is that if you have good administrators, your server will be more secure regardless of its operating system. Why?
Because Security is more important at the hosting service's administration level than it is at the operating system level.
Compatibility.
Perl and CGI access are often found on both Windows and Linux servers. In order to program forms, make sure that your hosting service provides CGI or another way to process them.
Many hosting systems offer a server side scripting options like PHP, ASP, and ColdFusion which will give you a lot of flexibility to use within your web site. PHP is more often found on Linux systems, while ASP is more often found on Windows. On the other hand ColdFusion is found on both.
Databases.
An active and change driven Web site, will need a database. Two most popular databases are Access and MySQL. Access is only available for Windows, on the other hand mySQL runs on both Linux and Windows, but is more often found on Linux servers.
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