Linux or Windows Server

Which and Why is the best choice?

[DeCal]

I'm about to purchase a virtual server - Reseller account.
Can someone please explain the difference between Linux and Windows servers.
Windows Server is £500
Linux Server is £500
Multi Server is £750 (Linux and Windows)

All i want the server for is to host my 120 domains and approx 6 simple websites for myself and a current customer.

Would it be worth spending the extra £250 for the multi and what are the pro's and con's for both windows and linux.

Thanks

Dean

[Slade]

I have never seen a "multi server", could you hint at where you're seeing this?

When you say virtual server, what do you mean? Are you getting a "virtual dedicated server" (which acts like a wholly seperate linux installation), or just a regular shared server?

~120 Parked domains? they don't need anything special

6 simple websites... sounds like you're shooting a little towards overkill

PS: If you're not a server person, you don't want to be managing it yourself. VDS boxes usually give you your own root you can trash.

[DeCal]

its at fasthosts.co.uk under the reseller section - full details

[fasthosts.co.uk...]

What would you recommend? I know the 120 domains dont need anything special but this way it would be easier for me to manage.
As for the sites, they are really basic sites and its cheap than paying someone else to host the lot!

Any thoughts would be great

Regards

Dean

[DeCal]

what are bottom feeders?

[jpjones]

From experience - I'd be wary of Fasthosts. I've used one of their NT4 accounts in the past and still have a few sites hosted there through lack of time to recode & move them to new servers. Their servers have a habbit of loosing the application status on your websites, so if you've got anything dynamic hosted there, you'll need to regularly check the site to make sure it's working! Also, their servers/network seem to loose connectivity on at random for a few hours.

If I had a pound for everytime a client called complaining that their site isn't working....

In summary - if your sites are mission critical, either choose another host, or be prepared to constantly check their availability and functionality.

Just my $0.02

[bcc1234]

I would say Linux is better if you are going to open your box for other people. Less chance some of your users is going to mess up other's stuff.
Besides, windows terminal services offer about 10% of flexibility of sshd and any shell. Unless you are going to use vns or pcanywhere.

[DeCal]

could you recommend a UK server provider?

Regards

Dean

[gingerbreadman]

I've been using Fasthosts for the last 2 years and although I have had reliability problems in the past they seem to offer the best shared hosting reseller accounts I've seen. They have recently done some work to the network which has improved things.

The control panel facility makes managing lots of domains a doddle.

I don't want to get in to the Linux/Windows debate but I would suggest choosing a host which best suits your requirements. I do lots of ASP coding and as such the Windows reseller account works for me.

I use a dedicated server (which comes with its own SLA)for anything that is mission critical.

[DeCal]

could anyone recommend the same sort of service that fasthosts offers?
The same usability would be nice aswell.

Regards

Dean

[bcc1234]

Get any dedicated box and hire a part-time admin. Check elance for both if you want lowest price.

[DeCal]

Arrr but i want to do (learn how to) the admin stuff myself, i know alittle to start on.
What/Who is elance?

Regards

Dean

[gingerbreadman]

You are very limited with what you can do on the server admin side even with something like the fasthosts control panel. In my experience your hands are tied as far as shared hosting is concerned. You get what your given.

Decal, you mention that you know a little bit about the admin but with what? Linux or Windows?

I would opt for a Linux managed server if you can afford it. This will allow you the freedom to do what you want but also backup help if you need it. It will also be far cheaper than the windows 2000 option.

Send me a mail if you want me to recommend the people that I use. I have had no problems with them at all and they sent me a bottle of whisky for Christmas which was a bonus.

Elance is a website where freelance types (and people submitting projects) pitch for work.

[wruk999]

DeCal,

Have stickyed you some good info - may be worth a read! :)

Regards,
William

[txbakers]

I think Windows is better because there is no question on how to pronounce it. Linux always confuses me. Is it "Lynn-uhx" or "Lie-nucks" or "Lynn-ooks".

Also, Bill Gates is easier to spell and pronounce than Linus Tors...... etc.

So for those reasons I like Windows.

But for more important reasons the debate will go on and on. Sort of like Methodists vs Presbyterians. Or Paper vs Plastic.

It all depends what your knowledge background is.