About Windows Web Hosting
There is a common misconception that just because you use a Windows operating
system on your desktop, you must use a window hosting provider for your web presence. The
two are unrelated. Just as your personal computer requires an operating system, which is
more than likely a version of Microsoft Windows, so too does a web server. Microsoft just
so happens to produce one of those as well.Though
the OS on your desktop is not a determining factor, there are many instances where a
window webhosting company is necessitated. If, for example, you use .NET script to compose
your website, you will need a window web hosting provider. If you use MS SQL or Microsoft
Access databases, you will need a window hosting provider. If you use ASP or ASP.NET
scripts for server-side programming, you'll want a window hosting provider. If you use PHP
scripts and mySQL databases, you may want a Linux
host.
Window hosting offers ASP, ASP.NET, and Access Database
support, the MS SQL server database, a IIS server, and is PHP and mySQL compatible. Most
people using a Window web hosting server are running Active Server Pages (ASP) technology.
Linux, however, offers greater support
for Perl scripts and CGI programs.
If you use FrontPage to design and publish your website, you'll find better
support on a window hosting provider than a Linux
or Unix based provider. Likewise if you
plan to have Windows Streaming Media on your site, or use Visual Interdev. If, on the
other hand, you expect to use remote interactive access via SSH or telnet, you'll only
find support from Linux servers.
Linux is
also an Open Source code, rather than a proprietary code like Microsoft's Windows
products, which gives it a versatility and malleability that window hosting lacks. If you
enjoy programming custom applications, or scouring the net for innovative free web tools,
Linux may be just your thing. But if you'd rather rely on the expertise and experience of
a stalwart team in a highly competitive industry, if you'd prefer neatly interlocking,
integrated modules with point-and-click simplicity and minimal programming knowledge on
the part of the user, then window web hosting is probably for you.
Although a windows server can be quite expensive, it has one of the simplest
user-interfaces available and is therefore a server of choice for new and inexperienced
administrators. Window hosting is also incredibly convenient in that it is compatible with
most other Microsoft products, so SQL web site hosting often seems to be a good choice.
Providers with the newest window hosting version offer window hosting clients a
collection of third party applications called Web Site Starters custom designed for a
Windows environment.
If, heaven forbid, your database technology and web-building
tools are from different platforms (one Linux-based,
the other Windows-based) then your first step is probably to determine which you prefer,
and switch over any incompatible web software to the winning platform. Generic,
cross-platform technologies offer you the most versatility, but often with limited
functionality. It's worth doing a little extra research to find which software systems you
prefer, because you'll get more for your money with a fully integrated web-presence
package than doing it piecemeal with only SQL Hosting. And you'll have a far easier time
with the inevitable, constant updating involved in administering a website. You can
jump in, in a short time, and start using databases in a few hours, you just need the
right Windows Web Hosting package with ASP and SQL support..
Why take our recommendation?
Our group of web developers and business owners have been working on the Web and dealing
with windows hosting services for over 4 years. We want to help others avoid making a
costly mistake choosing the wrong web hosting. We test companies on the following
criteria: cost, reliability (uptime), customer support, free software, and more.
Are you searching for fast, reliable and affordable SQL
server hosting that really does what they say they are going to do?
We conduct research and our ratings change based on what we find. Ratings can change
depending on how well the hosting companies rate.
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Who should acquire one of these web
hosting packages?
Anyone who wants professional windows webhosting. Demanding individuals,
small and medium business will find a suitable hosting package here. |
Our Mission is to test, to select and inform you about the best web hosting
available.
There are lots of choices out there. We are a group of web professionals with extensive
knowledge of hosting companies.
We do the research, so you don't have to.
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