Webserver - Windows vs Linux hosting
I just learned something new. There is a misonception that if you have Windows on your PC that you should get Windows web hosting. I thought that. But it turns out that Windows gives the advantage of running the MS database, ASP, and some other Microsoft specific applications. However, scripts, especially open source scripts (WordPress) run very well on Linux. I just switched my server over. A bit nerve wracking, and some extra work for my other websites uploading them again. But wow, was it worth it.
The cPanel interface to control your website is much easier to use and more comprehensive. You get more complete control of details like permissions for file access. These can seem like complicating details. But the first time you need to tweak it, and you can’t tweak it, then it is a roadblock. Linux is open source. WordPress is open source. Open source is good.
My FTP transfers are faster now. My stats package is even better. And my annual costs are lower. Anyone thinking of webhosting I recommend go Linux unless they have a specific need not too. If you want to blog, then definitely go Linux. WordPress will be much more likely to run. And if you want to try the other icon of Blogging, Movable Type, you may not be able to run it on Windows servers at all. I wasn’t able to.
- the Muse