Hosting: Linux or Windows: personal/business website?

Question

Hey guys I asked this question recently and got some good answers. I followed up by ringing a provider who said I could go either windows or linux depending on what i am going to use to script.
Basically whatever i choose to i am learning PHP (Both) and eventually ASP (Windows).

From reading endless comparisons i am confused. The hosting provider told me the price is the same regardless. the forums say windows server is expensive? and linux is free?

So when purchasing a host i use their server? so i dont have to download windows or linux???

I have an XP machine, will have win7 soon. Can someone help me in what i have to do in order to go forward.

Answer 1

People say that Windows is more expensive because hosting providers that offer Windows hosting generally charge more than hosting providers that only have Linux offerings. You can get free Linux hosting at places like freehostia.com but you cannot get free Windows hosting anywhere.



I try to stay away from the Microsoft-centric languages. Here's why:



ASP and Dot Net technologies will run on:

Microsoft Servers with IIS



PHP will run on:

Microsoft Servers with IIS, Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

Linux with Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

Solaris with Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

FreeBSD with Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

OpenBSD with Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

NetBSD with Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

Apple MacIntosh with Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

HP-UX with Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

AIX with Apache, Nginx, or Lighttp

You get the idea.

Answer 2

Obtain perfect hosting services for shared windows hosting from Hosting Provider India. The regular online as well as offline backups, site builder, SSH access, shopping carts, auto responders and free migration make HPI stay ahead from others.

Answer 3

Yep, I'd go Linux. It's just far more flexible. I don't see nearly as many sites using ASP as I do PHP anyway.

Answer 4

The company will provide you with linux or windows. You don't have to do anything yourself. That's the best part haha.

http://www.infinitelyvirtual.com

Answer 5

That's not actually correct