| Products & Services |
 |
Web Site Hosting |
 |
Web Site Hosting
|
 |
Dedicated Servers |
 |
Dedicated Servers
|
 |
Colocation |
 |
Colocation
|
 |
Email Solutions |
 |
Email Solutions
|
 |
Domain Registration |
 |
Domain Registration
|
 |
|
| We are often asked which hosting platform one should choose, Linux or Windows®2003. Below, we've listed the major differences between the two that you should consider in making your final decision. In the process, we have also tried to dispel any common misconceptions regarding these platforms. |
| One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have
to run Linux on your own computer in order for you to host your site
on Linux platform. That is not true. Which operating system you run
on your computer is irrelevant in making your decision. This means
that if you are running Windows98 or Windows®2003 on your computer,
you can still choose Linux. |
Platform |
|
|
| Reliability |
 |
 |
| Ease of Use |
 |
 |
Speed |
|
|
Functionality |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Integrated with both Solutions |
|
|
Free / Open Source Software |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Over the years, many resources have been poured into both Linux and Windows®2003 platforms to make hosting as easy as possible. Today, there are no differences in terms of ease of use between these platforms. If you are an advanced user who prefers to work in shell environment, then Linux is your choice. However, if you are a beginner, you will find both platforms user friendly. |
| The industry consensus is that Linux is more reliable. However, Hostway has made sure that the reliability of the Windows®2003 platform closely matches that of Linux's. What this means is that you can make your decision based on the differences in features rather than on reliability. |
| This is where two platforms differ the most. There isn't much that can be achieved in one platform that can't be on the other one. The main difference is how the end is achieved. For example, if you need a database driven Web site, you can choose either PHP/MySQL combination under Linux or ASP/MS SQL combination under Windows®2003. |
| Here Linux holds a slight edge due to the fact that
the most of the software licenses are free and that it's easier to
maintain Linux servers than Windows®2003 servers for the same
level of reliability and performance. You will see that our hosting
prices reflect this. Unless you specifically plan to use Windows®2003
platform specific features (see below), it probably makes sense to
choose the Linux platform. |
| |
Linux |
Windows |
| Shared SSL |
|
|
| PHP |
|
|
| mySQL |
|
|
| Dedicated SSL |
|
|
| ASP.NET |
|
|
| mySQL Control Panel |
|
|
| Shock Wave |
|
|
| Pearl |
|
|
| Raw Log Files |
|
|
| ASP |
|
|
| SSH/SFTP Access |
|
|
| Password Protect Directories |
|
|
| Form Mail Gateway |
|
|
| FTP Access |
|
|
| MSSQL Enterprise Management |
|
|
| ASP Upload |
|
|
| ASP Email |
|
|
| Custom Error Pages |
|
|
| Real Audio Real Video |
|
|
| CGI Scripts |
|
|
| Microsoft Access |
|
|
| Flash |
|
|
| Local Web Server Control (.htaccess) |
|
|
| Microsoft FrontPage Extension Support |
|
|
| Webmin Control Panel |
|
|
| ODBC Drivers |
|
|
|
|