Tag Archives: unix

Unix Hosting – Is it Right for You? (Page 1 of 2)

It is right that there is a variety of strong advantages as to why you should purchase a Unix platform package, but you will also have to be aware of several of the disadvantages before making up your mind as to which package to buy. Here are some common problems that face Unix hosting today.

Difficulty

For customers who are thinking about getting a website builder, they must find a server like Pace Technologies. They offer an online website builder called Site Studio. You do not need any skills or HTML knowledge. You don’t even need a script. The Site Studio provides an interface that is user friendly. You may want to use this company for your website building.

If you do not know much about the Linux/Unix language, it will mean learning a different programming language. Clients who have been so used to having Windows as their operating system will find going to Unix hosting may be a real bummer especially for a new computer user. You will have to get used to the fact that the slashes will go in the opposite direction from Windows, and the Unix commands are altogether different from the commands issued by Windows. For webmasters who seem to have limited time, it may be too much pressure for them to be learning a whole new programming language.

Additionally, you will be required to have knowledge of file permissions as well as the process of going about that with Unix hosting. You are going to have to learn to set certain file permissions up with files and folders included in the script. The process is known as CHMODING and is often quite difficult to catch on to at first. Your script won’t not run if you have not set your permissions up correctly; this results in new users finding it extremely frustrating.

Telnet is the usual vehicle that is used to administer Unix hosting processes and is like a totally strange application to a person who has not been accustomed to Unix hosting. While Telnet is not that hard to master, in order to use it, you will still have to learn a number of commands. Many webmasters choose not to make use of Telnet in order to administer their Unix hosting site; however, if you are planning to utilize advanced applications, you will definitely want Telnet in your corner.

Front Page Extensions

When you decide to build your website, if you are going to use Microsoft Front Page, you must ensure your Unix hosting service will offer Front Page to its maximum potential. Most Unix hosting platforms are now have these extensions available, but you have to just watch who you sign up with because some do not use it.

No ASP

Should you plan to incorporate Active Server Pages, known also as ASP, you are not going have the ability of using this kind of language on a Unix hosting service. Because the scripting language show that it is increasingly popular, this could be another real drawback if you decide you are going to go with Unix hosting to be your website builder.

Unix Hosting – Is it Right for You? (Page 1 of 2)

It is right that there is a variety of strong advantages as to why you should purchase a Unix platform package, but you will also have to be aware of several of the disadvantages before making up your mind as to which package to buy. Here are some common problems that face Unix hosting today.

Difficulty

For customers who are thinking about getting a website builder, they must find a server like Pace Technologies. They offer an online website builder called Site Studio. You do not need any skills or HTML knowledge. You don’t even need a script. The Site Studio provides an interface that is user friendly. You may want to use this company for your website building.

If you do not know much about the Linux/Unix language, it will mean learning a different programming language. Clients who have been so used to having Windows as their operating system will find going to Unix hosting may be a real bummer especially for a new computer user. You will have to get used to the fact that the slashes will go in the opposite direction from Windows, and the Unix commands are altogether different from the commands issued by Windows. For webmasters who seem to have limited time, it may be too much pressure for them to be learning a whole new programming language.

Additionally, you will be required to have knowledge of file permissions as well as the process of going about that with Unix hosting. You are going to have to learn to set certain file permissions up with files and folders included in the script. The process is known as CHMODING and is often quite difficult to catch on to at first. Your script won’t not run if you have not set your permissions up correctly; this results in new users finding it extremely frustrating.

Telnet is the usual vehicle that is used to administer Unix hosting processes and is like a totally strange application to a person who has not been accustomed to Unix hosting. While Telnet is not that hard to master, in order to use it, you will still have to learn a number of commands. Many webmasters choose not to make use of Telnet in order to administer their Unix hosting site; however, if you are planning to utilize advanced applications, you will definitely want Telnet in your corner.

Front Page Extensions

When you decide to build your website, if you are going to use Microsoft Front Page, you must ensure your Unix hosting service will offer Front Page to its maximum potential. Most Unix hosting platforms are now have these extensions available, but you have to just watch who you sign up with because some do not use it.

No ASP

Should you plan to incorporate Active Server Pages, known also as ASP, you are not going have the ability of using this kind of language on a Unix hosting service. Because the scripting language show that it is increasingly popular, this could be another real drawback if you decide you are going to go with Unix hosting to be your website builder.

The Disadvantages of Windows Hosting

Windows hosting certainly has its advantages; it’s easy to use, and is compatible with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Frontpage, .NET and Visual Basic. However, there are some disadvantages to Windows hosting, too. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use a Windows hosting package, there are significant drawbacks to using one that you will need to know about before you choose. Let’s take a look at some of the best advantages that come with using a Windows hosting package; then, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Instability

Unfortunately, Windows is not as stable as, for example, UNIX. Therefore, if you are planning on running Windows instead of UNIX, you can count on having some downtime, perhaps significant. Most Windows servers will have some issues, because the platform itself is not particularly stable. If at all possible, it’s much more desirable from a stability standpoint to go with UNIX.

Slow performance

UNIX servers run much more quickly than do Windows servers. Therefore, if you want your content to come up quickly, you’re better off using UNIX. The slowness of a Windows server relates to the programming, and it’s not something you can easily fix.

System resources hog

Unfortunately, most Windows servers use many more resources than servers running on UNIX do. This means you’ll need more RAM, more bandwidth, and more disk space, likely, which can cost you significantly more money than if you were to go with a UNIX server.

Frequent reboots

You’ll need to reboot your Windows server more often than you will your UNIX server, which can mean your site will be down significantly more than if it were run on UNIX.

Incompatibility with Perl and CGI

Perl or CGI applications can cause Windows compatibility issues. These were developed in UNIX, which means that many scripts are going to be incompatible as written and you’ll need to be able to work around them. Many Perl and CGI scripts do indeed function correctly on Windows, but you have to do some research to find them, and they’re not particularly common.

No SSH or Telnet administration

You won’t be able to administer your site using SSH or Telnet, since these are UNIX based. If you’re used to being able to do so, you’re out of luck if you decide to go with a Windows server.

No “free lunch”

Because Windows is not a platform that is free operating, your Windows hosting package will likely cost more than if it’s based in UNIX. Very few free applications will also run on Windows server, which means you’ll have significant out-of-pocket expenses, likely, because you’ll need to pay for applications you could get free with a UNIX server.

What do these disadvantages mean?

Do these disadvantages mean you shouldn’t use Windows hosting? Not necessarily, but you most certainly need to look at the drawbacks a Windows server will give you versus one that runs on UNIX — as well as the advantages.

If your website is relatively basic AND you use FrontPage and/or Microsoft Access on your website, then Windows hosting may indeed be your best fit. For anything more complicated than that, though (and if you don’t need the “perfect fit” that Windows hosting provides FrontPage or Microsoft Access users), consider going with UNIX instead. UNIX provides you so much more flexibility and stability that it’s well worth your time.