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Windows Vs Unix

Which is better

         

Radial

11:23 am on Dec 5, 2005 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



Hi,

Our current site is hosted on a windows server and I feel it restrictive with a dynamic website i was just wanting to know what most people prefer are windows servers as good as unix servers?

Thanks

txbakers

12:01 pm on Dec 5, 2005 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



This is a very subjective question, prone to arguments rather than discourse. It's like asking which are better, apples or oranges?

Both are fruit, both have high concentrations of Vitamin C. Both will satisfy the 5 a day fruit requirements.

Oranges are messier to eat. Apples are cleaner and can be eaten with the skin or without.

So as to your original question of W vs U, I've always used Windows servers and don't really have any complaints. Therefore, for me, Windows is better. I don't see or feel and restrictions on my dynamic sites.

Let's keep from ranting and raving on this topic.

graeme_p

12:09 pm on Dec 5, 2005 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member Top Contributors Of The Month



Your question is a bit vague. What are your specific circumstances?

I also think you need to start from what web server, database, scripting language etc, you prefer. For example, if you prefer Apache + My SQL you are much better off on a Unix type OS although they will run on Windows). On the other hand if you want to use IIS and SQL Server you have to use Windows.

Where is you site hosted? A shared host, a co-lo dedicated server, or on your premises? Linux also gives you the option of a virtual private server (your own instance of the OS on shared hardware).

I use Linux for desktops because it is easy to update software, however there is likely to be less software to update on a server to update (and the OS is fairly easy to update even with Windows) so I guess this may not be that significant.

Unix type OSes have a better security track record, however if you really know Windows well you might still be better off with it, because you will know how to secure it.

FreeBSD and Linux hosting packages (i.e. shared hosting, virtual private servers and dedicated servers you do not own) tend to be better value for money. If you are paying for the software, licensing costs are lower.