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We
are often asked which hosting platform one should choose,
Linux or Windows®2003. Below, we've listed the major
differences between the two that you should consider in
making your final decision. In the process, we have also
tried to dispel any common misconceptions regarding these
platforms. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you
have to run Linux on your own computer in order for you
to host your site on Linux platform. That is not true. Which
operating system you run on your computer is irrelevant
in making your decision. This means that if you are running
Windows98 or Windows®2003 on your computer, you can
still choose Linux. Choose your Operating System below to
view plan details :
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| Platform |
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| Ease
of Use |
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|
| Reliability |
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| Speed |
|
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| Functionality |
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| Price |
|
 |
| Integrated
with both Solutions |
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| Free
/ Open Source Software |
|
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Over
the years, many resources have been poured into
both Linux and Windows®2003 platforms to make hosting
as easy as possible. Today, there are no differences
in terms of ease of use between these platforms.
If you are an advanced user who prefers to work
in shell environment, then Linux is your choice.
However, if you are a beginner, you will find both
platforms user friendly, especially with a help
of TWA's control panel, SiteControl.
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The
industry consensus is that Linux is more reliable.
However, TWA has made sure that the reliability
of the Windows®2003 platform closely matches that
of Linux's. What this means is that you can make
your decision based on the differences in features
rather than on reliability.
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There
is no difference in terms of speed between the two
platforms.
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This
is where two platforms differ the most. There isn't
much that can be achieved in one platform that can't
be on the other one. The main difference is how
the end is achieved. For example, if you need a
database driven Web site, you can choose either
PHP/MySQL combination under Linux or ASP/MS SQL
combination under Windows®2003. The trend is for
solutions to be supported in both platforms. For
example, Microsoft FrontPage, one of the most popular
Web site editors out there, is supported on both
Linux and Windows®2003. Please see below for the
list of supported features.
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Here
Linux holds a slight edge due to the fact that the
most of the software licenses are free and that
it's easier to maintain Linux servers than Windows®2003
servers for the same level of reliability and performance.
You will see that our hosting prices reflect this.
Unless you specifically plan to use Windows®2003
platform specific features (see below), it probably
makes sense to choose the Linux platform.
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| Features
|
Linux |
Windows |
| MS
FrontPage 2000,2002 |
x |
x |
| Flash |
x |
x |
| Shockwave |
x |
x |
| RealAudio
/ Video |
x |
x |
| CGI-Script |
x |
x |
| Perl |
x |
x |
| PHP |
x |
x |
| SSH |
x |
|
| MySQL |
x |
|
| Miva |
x |
|
| ASP |
|
x |
| MS
Access |
|
x |
| MS
SQL |
|
x |
| Visual
Basic Scripts |
|
x |
| Windows
Media |
|
x |
|
| |
Linux |
Windows |
| Web
Server |
Apache |
IIS (Internet Information Server) |
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