| As more and more people fire up web pages for | | | | email applications. Again, this software platform is |
| their businesses or their personal enjoyment, there | | | | much easier for the newer programmer than setting |
| are continuous questions about which hosting | | | | up ones own applications. |
| platform is the best choice. Most experts agree that | | | | Linux |
| when it comes to choosing between Linux and | | | | Price. The most commonly cited pro about Linux |
| Windows for your web server software, the final | | | | platforms is their price. Linux is open source |
| decision really depends on the preferences of the | | | | software, meaning that it has no intellectual property |
| individual. Here are some of the main differences | | | | restrictions and thus skips the expense of copyright. |
| between the two, and what that might mean for | | | | Many would say that the Linux platform is the |
| your web pages. | | | | perfect complement to the idea of the Internet. |
| Windows | | | | Reliability. Linux has proven to be reliable in almost all |
| Familiarity. Windows is the product of Microsoft, and | | | | areas a web master might be concerned about, from |
| Microsoft has proven that it is a force to be | | | | security against hackers to guards against memory |
| reckoned with when it comes to common usage. | | | | leaks over time. |
| This has come about largely due to ingenious | | | | Support options. As Linux itself is essentially free as |
| marketing strategies, but the end result is that the | | | | far as intellectual property, it should come as no |
| Windows operating system is the most used in the | | | | surprise that the platform supports some of the |
| world. It stands to reason, then, that the Windows | | | | most popular free systems out there, including PHP |
| server software would have a certain amount of | | | | and MySQL. |
| appeal as the functions are familiar to any computer | | | | Most of the weaker areas in either of the web |
| user. | | | | hosting platforms can be mitigated according to the |
| Usability. Aside from marketing, the straightforward | | | | hosting company a web master chooses for a site. |
| approach of the Windows system has also | | | | Price, your level of expertise in computer |
| contributed to its popularity. Wizards await to help at | | | | programming, and which features you want |
| any turn, tool bars are click-accessible, and you can | | | | supported on your site will ultimately be the criteria |
| have several programs running at once and easy to | | | | upon which your choice is made. |
| recall. Because of the ease of use, Windows | | | | If you are looking for affordable Canadian web |
| software is usually a better option for those new to | | | | hosting you must take into account your company's |
| programming. | | | | needs and budget, and the degree to which you |
| Built in software. Windows platforms come with | | | | want to "do it yourself". |
| everything you need to fire up a web site, including | | | | |