When you buy your web hosting package you will usually have a choice between Windows or Linux as well has having options on the size and cost of the package. Windows and Linux are operating systems that run different technologies, both support websites equally well but the one you choose should depend on what you want the website to do and who’s going to develop it for you.
If you just a need a handful of “static” webpages, then either Windows or Linux will do. If you need your website to do things, such as send you information from a contact form or allow you edit your website content yourself then Linux is usually considered the better option to go for if you’re setting up a small business website and here’s why:
- it’s “open source” and free so Linux web hosting packages are usually cheaper than Windows
- it runs PHP/MYSQL, which many websites are built with – web designers are usually more familiar working with Linux/PHP/MYSQL based applications and you will find there is a wider pool of freelance help available when you need it
- it can run many different “open source” applications that might be needed, such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal for content management, also forums, wikis and e-commerce shopping carts
Windows runs Microsoft applications such as Access, MS SQL, ASP.NET or Sharepoint, all of which require paid licenses and may make a hosting package more expensive. You may have a good business reason for wanting to have a Windows hosting package, for example you may already have business systems set up in Microsoft applications that you need to integrate with your website. This is however unlikely to be the case for most small businesses or businesses starting out. You don’t need to choose Windows hosting just because you have Windows on your PC.
It’s always better to talk through your web hosting options with your web designer before making any decisions on which hosting provider and plan to choose.
