Differences Between Unix and Windows Web Hosting

When you are trying to decide what web hosting company to go with you may see that one of the hosting companies is offering Unix web hosting and another is offering Windows web hosting. There will even be times when you can choose one or the other from the same web hosting company. So what are the differences between Unix and Windows and which should you be using?

First of all it is important to note that it does not matter which type of web hosting you decide to go with when creating your site as the actual code used to create your website is essentially the same. The differences between Unix and Windows are actually differences that are more behind closed doors if you will. Here are some major differences between the two:

•Software: This is the biggest difference between the two. Because Windows is a Microsoft product it will stand to reason that the Windows web hosting will run Microsoft software such as VBScript scripting languages and Microsoft Access databases. Unix on the other hand will not be compatible with these types of software. If your website will require specific Widows or Microsoft applications it will better for you to go with a Windows web hosting service.

•Reliability: While both Unix and Windows web hosting are indeed very reliable, Unix does hold the slight advantage in this category and tends to spend less time ‘down’.

•Cost: A Unix web host will use any of a number of ‘flavors’ of Unix like Linux or FreeBSD. These operating systems are free and help to keep costs down. Windows on the other hand sees their server software cost thousands of dollars and this can mean more money out of your pocket as well.

•Bug fixes: Because Unix is run on free servers that mean that anyone has access to the full source code. While that may not sound like a good thing, when it comes to getting a bug fixed it is indeed a good thing as many individuals spend a good deal of time writing new code for Unix to help make it better and fix bugs. Windows though is again owned by Microsoft and because of that only Microsoft people have access to the source code which leads you to rely solely on Microsoft to fix any problems that arise.

So which one is right for you?

Before you make your final decision on whether to go with Unix web hosting or Windows web hosting you first have to figure out what features you will be running on your website. If you are going to use a bunch of Microsoft applications and software then you will of course need to go with a Windows web hosting service. But if your website will not be utilizing those types of programs then going with a Unix web host is going to leave you with more options and more than likely a better price as well. So the correct answer to the questions it, it is all up to you and your website’s needs.

Cheap Web Hosting Vs. Free Web Hosting: Weigh The Differences

Being able to find a great cheap web hosting plan that offers a great price is such a good deal. But, what if you have found something that is offered for free? Definitely, you may be pretty attracted to it, and get it instead of the cheap web hosting plan. That is normally what happens. People who are searching for cheap web hosting plans end up getting a free plan. But, is it really worth using free services?
Of course you have to weigh the differences, and let your wise judgment do the job. If you are the type of person that makes a decision without thinking about the consequences, you may have grabbed the opportunity of a free web hosting. But, you will later realize and hoped that may have thought about it at first.
But, if you have weighed what the differences may be, you may even do some research regarding that cheap web hosting and free web hosting plans. Here is a little summary of what you are about to find out between the differences when it comes to features between cheap web hosting and free hosts.

• Free web hosting offers limited features. You may get a pre-saved template and won’t be able to change the template unless you have upgraded for the expensive plan. Cheap web hosting on the other hand lets you choose your own template, or sometimes, allows you to create your very own.

• Cheap web hosting plans may have unlimited storage space on disk. A free web hosting plan may have limited space that you may have some problems, not today, but it is possible in the future. Maybe as of this moment you won’t need much space – but who knows, in the weeks or months to come, you may have decided to upload more images and graphics, and it may be too late to realize that your free web hosting plan cannot support that storage space.

• Another important thing – and you should always take note of this. Most free web hosting plans have advertisements all over the web page. You would not want to have your home page flooded with different advertisements, right? And you cannot complain to the company itself because they are offering their services to you at no cost at all. However, with a decent cheap web hosting plan, you may be able to filter out those advertisements, and even get the chance to include your very own ads on your page.
 
Right now, it is up to you if you still want to pursue your free hosting, or think about it thoroughly and consider paying a reasonable price with a cheap web hosting plan. A cheap web hosting provider does not merely stop on providing excellent website features, but it continues by providing 24 hour support service. That way, you may easily contact then if you have noticed some errors or problems regarding your site. Do not settle with a cheap web hosting company that does not have this feature.