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