I must admit, when I first started learning web design and signed on for a hosting package, I had no clue
about the differences between Windows and Unix hosting. I was very confused because I assumed that because I
used a Windows computer system, I would need "windows" hosting.  This would make sense to any beginner on
the Web, right?

Oddly enough, my host said a Unix package would be sufficient for my site.  Unix worked just fine for
my site, but I didn't know "why" at the time.  I designed my website using basic HTML and a free
program called Netscape Composer.  I still use these today to do my basic design work, they're great.

I published my pages using an FTP program called WS_FTP Pro, which I still use today.  Because of the type of
design I created and the way I transferred my pages to the Internet, Unix (a.k.a. Linux) hosting worked
great.

Now that I'm a little more Internet savvy, I understand why Unix was best for me.  It's not merely matter of which
platform is better.  Each platform has its advantages and disadvantages.  However, for most basic site designs,
Unix wins the comparison all around.  Unix has been tested to perform better under high volume traffic, be more
compatible with most design formats, and is normally more cost efficient.

Unix servers have proven to be more stable and seldom require reboots.  All in all, Unix hosting serves a
majority of the websites online today.  Windows hosting, however, appears to be on the incline as more
complicated formats of design are released.  More people are venturing into "fancy" formats or corporate-like
site designs which may require a Windows based server. Only time will tell as to how many designers will
continue to use these formats.  Some of the most popular, money-making sites use a simple HTML page
and a couple of graphics to make their presentation, and are finding that this works best when marketing
only one or a few products and services online. Obviously a Unix hosting plan would be sufficient
for these types of sites.  They're popping up everywhere!

WHEN WINDOWS BASED HOSTING IS NECESSARY

There is an advanced programming language from Microsoft called .NET, which pretty much requires Windows based
hosting.  Also, if you choose to design a database using MS SQL Server or Microsoft Access, you will use Windows
hosting.  There may be several other formats which require Windows hosting, but most can be Unix based.

Remember, the type of operating system you use on your desktop (most use Windows), has nothing to do
with the hosting plan you'll need for your site. This is strictly determined by which web design
program and/or programming language you use to design your site.

You can contact almost any host to learn more about the requirements for your particular site design.
When emailing a host, include the following information about your site to get the best answer...

1.  The name of the design program you are using.
2.  The file extension of your web pages (.html, .php,.NET, .asp, etc.)
3.  The functionality of your site such as database needs (if any), what you will need to accomplish with your design, etc.

If you have a web designer who will create your site for you, you can also address these concerns with him/her.
Find out which design will be the most cost efficient for your site's purpose BEFORE allowing anyone to design
your site.  Learn which design format he/she will use BEFORE getting started.  Agreeing on these things ahead
of time will save you from many headaches later on, and possibly money too.