: Windows v Linux...Which
platform is for me?
:::
First, let's clear up a common
misconception. Simply because you
run a version of Windows on your
home computer, does not mean you
need to host your web site on
Windows. The operating system you
use to create your site has no
bearing on the platform you choose
to host your site. That said, you
may build a site that caters to
either a Windows or Linux operating
system.
WINDOWS
Windows is the operating system of
choice for many new users with a
reputation for ease of use and
administration. Windows allows those
with little or no experience in the
fields of web development and
hosting to get advanced features
working quickly. NT supports tools
and software such as Microsoft's
FrontPage, Active Server Pages
(ASP), Visual Interdev, Access
Database, MS SQL 2000, VBScript,
ColdFusion and MS Internet Studio.
You can create a powerful customized
site that includes dynamic content
and database integration. The
Windows environment also offers
flexibility and a user-friendly
graphical user interface (GUI).
Coupled with the numerous third
party tools being developed by
Microsoft partners, Windows is
quickly becoming a complete web
hosting environment.
Advantages:
-
Microsoft-specific applications
such as FrontPage, Access, IIS
and ASP. .Net Framework
-
Use of ODBC / DSN connections
-
Site Server
-
Scripting languages for dynamic
content such as ASP, ColdFusion,
Active Perl, Visual C++ and ASP.
Net
-
Other powerful database tools
ranging from Access to MS SQL
2000 Server Database
-
User-friendly
LINUX
The LINUX platform is widely
regarded as highly reliable, and a
more popular choice among
professional and advanced users.
LINUX has a proven track record of
performance, stability and security.
It has been in a state of constant
refinement since its inception 30
years ago, and is based on open
standards, allowing easy access to
operating system features and
applications. LINUX is by default,
text-based and does not use a
graphical user interface (GUI),
which means it can dedicate the full
power of the server to your web
site.
Advantages:
-
Most web creation tutorials and
documentation refer to this
platform
-
Long-standing - around for 30
years
-
Extremely stable, reliable,
functional, and flexible
-
Easy to upgrade and expand
-
Access to freeware
-
Scripting languages such as Perl
and PHP3
-
Shells such as csh, and ksh
-
Supports mySQL databases
-
Supports MS FrontPage extensions
|