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Look for a web site hosting plan that offers all the services that you need to build the web site you want. Many website hosting plans will register your domain name for free, and take care of all the details of renewing and updating information so that you don't have to worry about it. When a managed hosting plan refers to operating system, they mean the operating system that their server uses. You do not need Windows hosting if you're using a Windows operating system on your machine. Unix web hosting companies are also available.
Let's look at a few features and offerings you might find with a Windows and Linux based hosting services.
Linux
- Cheaper than Windows in general
- Should offer PHP and MySQL (at least and PHP)
- May offer telnet accounts at little or no additional cost
Since the Linux operating system and all Linux based languages and databases are free to install and tender for the hosting company, prices are generally lower than Windows. Linux is the selection of mainly budget web designers and is as well much more secure than Windows. In common, more configuration preferences and advanced customizations are available with Linux based hosting services.
Windows
- Usually more expensive than Linux
- Should support ASP
- Could support Cold Fusion, Access, SQL Server at an additional cost
Windows based servers are flat out costly for the hosting company to buy, so prices are generally a bit higher. If you desire the extra features through a Windows host, be prepared to pay extra. |