| Which operating system (OS) you want is one of | | | | In reality, your computer's operating system |
| the first decisions you must make when ordering | | | | shouldn't affect your Web hosting server choice. |
| a Web hosting plan for your Web site. This can | | | | You can design your Web site using |
| be a difficult decision if you're not sure what an | | | | Dreamweaver on a Microsoft Windows PC and |
| OS is or which one fits your needs. Read on for a | | | | upload it to a Linux server without any issues, for |
| general overview of factors that should guide | | | | example. |
| your plan selection. | | | | In most cases, either Windows or a Linux will |
| What's an OS? | | | | work. But there are real differences that may |
| An operating system is a system software | | | | make one or the other a better fit for your Web |
| program that manages and distributes the | | | | site. The biggest difference between Windows |
| server's resources. It prioritizes program and user | | | | and Linux Web hosting plans is the server-side |
| requests and ensures that users' content on the | | | | databases and scripts they support. |
| server doesn't interfere with other users. Without | | | | There also is usually a slight price difference |
| it, your server simply wouldn't work. It is the | | | | between the two. Windows hostings tends to be |
| backbone that enables the server to run | | | | more expensive because it's a proprietary |
| software and programs. | | | | system, and your Web host must pay Microsoft |
| Which One Should I Choose? | | | | a fee for the rights to use it. Linux, on the other |
| The two most common operating systems for | | | | hand, is open source, so there is no licensing fee |
| shared Web hosting plans are Windows and Linux. | | | | associated with it. |
| One common misconception about choosing a | | | | If you're using a particular database or script, you'll |
| Web hosting operating system is that if you | | | | want to choose the operating system that |
| design your Web site on, and generally use, a | | | | supports your needs. However, if you have a |
| Windows computer, you need a Windows Web | | | | simple, brochure Web site without plans to use |
| hosting plan. While both your personal computer | | | | more advanced features in the near future, go |
| and a Web server have an OS, they do not need | | | | for the plan that saves you money (usually Linux). |
| to run the same system to work together. | | | | |