Windows Hosting Vs. Unix Hosting

There are two different operating systems that are commonly used to host websites - Windows and Unix. They each have advantages and disadvantages, and while most people agree that on the whole Unix servers are a better choice you'll find that there are a few circumstances in which a Windows server clearly wins out. This isn't something to worry about too much - both operating systems will do a good job - but it's worth bearing in mind a little, and if you'd like to learn more we compare the two here to help you get a clearer idea of the differences between them.

Stability

This is one area where the winner is clearly Unix. Windows servers need to be rebooted pretty often, they're not amazing from the perspective of uptime, and there's a lot that can get overloaded or go wrong. Unix, on the other hand, stays up the vast majority of the time, doesn't fragment or overload as badly, and can keep running for far longer without needing a reboot. If stability is your main concern, Unix is definitely the way to go.

Performance

Overall, Unix servers provide a better performance when under both high and low stress loads - but that doesn't mean that there's a lot of difference between the two! Unix just about edges ahead, but there isn't a lot in it and the Windows servers do almost as well.

Scalability And Compatibility

Websites change; the internet is an inherently dynamic medium. You need to know that your website will be able to grow with the march of technological and design-based progress, and Windows servers actually make that a little easier than Unix ones do. Some of the things you're likely to want to use will be based on Microsoft technology - like Visual Basic and .NET, for example - and Unix servers simply cannot host those things anything like as well as their Windows counterparts.

Cost

This is another area where Unix is the clear winner. Unix and Linux are open source software - which means that they are available for free, despite having been made by some of the world's best developers and programmers. Obviously you'll still need to pay for the server's hardware and storage space (as well as other hosting costs), but the server's operating system being free of charge can save you a great deal of money.

Windows, on the other hand, is generally very expensive - the best packages can run to thousands of dollars, depending on what you need from them. It's important that you consider these costs when you're making your decision, and decide whether or not you really think that Visual Basic and .NET (which are both themselves very expensive) are actually worth all that extra money to you.