Windows Web Hosting
Currently, the most popular type of operating system being used worldwide is Windows. It is probably the type that you’re most used to, and even if you have never used windows it will still be easier to adapt to than most. However, the operating system you are using is very different from the operating system used in your website. Since the majority of your interaction with the website would be through the use of FTP or your web interface, using Windows on your home computer wouldn’t affect it as much. But there are more advantages than disadvantages to using Windows, and here are the reasons why.
Windows
Windows is a group of operating systems developed by Microsoft. Much of the graphical user interface versions of the modern personal computers were taken from their design. Currently, Windows is the standard for most basic computer packages around the world. The continuous efforts in leading most web initiatives have allowed them to market Internet Explorer effectively, and it is still one of the most popular browsers worldwide.
The structure of Windows allows you to use several scripts and extensions only limited to Microsoft applications, and it gives these websites an edge in easier learning. Windows platforms also allow several dynamic databases, and they are the only operating system effectively allowing Active Server Pages. These are enough reasons for most to switch over to their services.
Database
The databases and programming scripts being used are ultimately crucial to the performance of your website. Most database servers like MSSQL, MSDE and MySQL are provided with the
Microsoft SQL has gained the reputation of being the best and most reliable database technology available for website creation. Most large companies rely on the Microsoft SQL database for most of their largest operations. While other platforms have some control over it, Windows is still the most compatible, so if you want a good database server it would be best to use Windows.
Also, another database system you can configure at home is Microsoft Access, which allows good control without the requirement of constantly being online. However, this requires that you purchase the desktop application before you can fully do most modifications using Microsoft Access. Also, it is optimized for smaller websites, meaning you should avoid huge scalable database operations.
Remote Administration
This is another deciding factor when it comes to choosing Windows hosting. While other platforms require some type of limited access to do tasks on their web sites, Windows allows Remote Desktop access, which allows you to perform more tasks on the server with ease. For simpler tasks, Cpanel and Plesk are also provided.
Benefits of Windows Hosting
While the biggest drawback to using Windows is the price tag that is attached to it, many still opt to favor most Windows applications due to these reasons:
- Easier use
While others might complain about the price of Microsoft, it is still one of the easiest to access and it avoids complicated scripting, thus giving less confusion for the users. It is also easier to adapt to, since most users are already familiar with using Windows on almost every other computer.
- Microsoft products
A lot of Microsoft products which give many benefits like Microsoft Exchange Server, Hyper-V and Microsoft SQL are easily accessible when you use Windows. You can also use many other products that are available for other platforms by using Windows.
- Constant updates
Windows has already gained so many versions, but it is still one of the well-updated services of today. They always find ways to apply newer technologies to their platform, and this assures you that your service won’t be out-of-date for a long time.
Which Hosting Providers use Windows Hosting?
Windows is one of the most well-known products that are available today, thus it is easier to find providers for the service than most. The Microsoft website itself allows people to create full Windows-based websites under their services. These are the most popular websites that allow Windows hosting:
- NetworkSolutions
- GoDaddy
- Arvixe
- HostGator
- LunarPages