Linux web hosting Vs Windows web hosting

Posted under Web hosting by Tia on Thursday 6 November 2008 at 5:33 pm

When you are ready to search for a host for your web business online, there is a big dilemma that you need to seize by the horns: Linux or Windows?

In this context, it is easy to fall into the popular debate of which platform is better. Linux votaries may have a hundred brickbats to throw at Windows, and vice versa. Debates apart, what system is best for YOU? Many people take a decision depending on whatever platform is installed on their personal PC. This is rather short sighted. In short, there really is no need to take sides. Rather, the basic criterion for your selection should be based on what platform helps you the most. Real requirements of your site must be considered.

Windows web hosting:
If your website uses any components or technologies that are Windows compatible, then it is advisable to go for Windows hosting plans. That way, you can easily run ASP, ASP.Net, MS Sql and other Windows scripting applications. Of course, these days it is possible to get Windows applications that are compatible with Linux server, but, to garner the full power of Windows, it is recommended that you go for a Windows based platform. If you are using additional services like Microsoft’s Sharepoint or MS Access, Windows platform is the only choice.

Linux web hosting:
Linux servers are known to possess remarkable power and stability. If you use platform independent languages like PHP and MySql, you are better off with a Linux server. These servers are able to take the load of several simultaneous queries provided they are administered properly. Linux based databases like MySql and PostgreSql are relational databases. They are inexpensive and very efficient. Unless your server experiences very heavy load, these databases perform exceptionally well.

Linux servers have a reputation for dependability. This is because they often maintain a very high uptime of 99.9%. This is also one of the reasons for the compelling attraction of Linux website hosting servers.

Linux and its supporting technologies are open source technologies. Because of this, these are not expensive. On the other hand, Windows is developed by Microsoft at very high operative costs and Microsoft makes it mandatory to obtain their license before you can use the Windows server. This is why Windows systems are so expensive, while Linux is comparatively cheap. Additionally, Linux offers the greatest of ease when it comes to switching over to Windows system. Linux is also open to easy upgrades and can easily accommodate the changing requirements of the user.

To sum it up, Windows hosting plans are generally 20% costlier than Linux plans. So, if you do not need some unique features for your website like a searchable database or a chat facility, then Linux hosting servers perform beautifully and flawlessly. In the end, it all depends on what YOU want, not on the merits and demerits of the server.

Managed dedicated servers: are they for you

Posted under Web hosting by Tia on Thursday 6 November 2008 at 5:32 pm

Dedicated server hosting is where the service provider sets up an entire hosting service just for your company. Since the server is used only by one company running on it, the benefits of speed, security and continued support are obvious. Using dedicated servers ensures loading times that are twice as fast because your server is ‘dedicated’ to running your website.

Any company that deems its needs significantly big enough to go for dedicated servers has two options: managed and unmanaged dedicated servers. Unmanaged servers are servers where you are provided with little more than storage space and security. You will have to be responsible for technical issues that are bound to crop up from time to time.

On the other hand,managed dedicated servers are ‘managed’ for you. If you do not have the expertise or time to oversee and manage the running of the server, then, make use of managed hosting services. Everything you need will be there in the package your host offers. The list of services offered by various hosts differs and there are no industry standards when it comes to how much support you will get. Different hosts provide different services and price their services accordingly. However, the most common services include firewall and antivirus, administration, data back-up, security updates, system monitoring and disaster recovery.

Before you choose the right kind of managed dedicated hosting service, it is important to know the service provider, their technical capabilities, knowledge and integrity. Customer loyalty hinges on a reliable website and it is vital for your business that you are up and running at all times. So, what are the features you need to look for?

Installation: Choose a service provider that has the capability to cater to your specific requirements. By doing so, you can enjoy the scalability that your organization requires as you expand and grow.

Guarantees and support: Most reputed hosts offer continuous network and uptime, almost to the extent of 99.99%. Of course, only companies that have a dedicated team of monitoring staff and service personnel can offer this. It is equally important to look for a host who provides 24/7 support, 365 days a year. If your host does not have the ability to provide support as and when you require it, you will have to wait ages before your website issues can be resolved. The ideal web host will have enough software monitoring systems in place to prevent this. You will also have to take into account the time required for hardware replacement. Many companies offer replacements within the hour, with some even promising service within 15 minutes! Downtime and outages, for whatever reason, can affect your web performance and e-business drastically. One way to ensure that your service provider actually does live up to his promise is to go through testimonials, ask for references and visit forums. From these sources, you can get honest reviews and accounts of personal experiences.

Managed dedicated servers can make it easy for you to get your e-business online, with the least amount of time and trouble; at least, that is what every company promises. However, it is up to you to pick the service provider who actually translates these promises into reality.