We are often asked which hosting platform one should choose, Unix or Windows servers. Of course this depends greatly on the hosting company you choose, because each company sets up their servers differently. One of our goals as a hosting company is to provide the complicated in a simple manner without limiting the data you need to make an informed decision. Below, we've listed the major differences between the two platforms, based on our server configurations, that you should consider in making your final decision. In the process, we have also tried to dispel any common misconceptions regarding these platforms. If, after reviewing this section, you are still not sure which platform to choose, do not spend any more time, we will review your hosting sign up form and choose the appropriate platform for you based on key questions included in the form. If, after some time, a different platform is needed do not worry, you may switch without worry.

Functionality

This is where two platforms differ the most. There isn’t much that can be achieved in one platform that can’t be on the other one. The main difference is how the end is achieved. For example, if you need a database driven website, you can use a PHP/MySQL combination under Windows or UNIX, or use an ASP/SQL/ODBC/Access combination under Windows platform ONLY. The trend is for solutions to be supported in both platforms. For example, Microsoft FrontPage, one of the most popular website editors available, is supported on both UNIX and Windows software. Please see Table 1 below for the list of supported features.

 

Intergrow Hosting Supported Features by Platform (Table 1)
Features	UNIX	Windows
MS FrontPage 2002
Flash
Shockwave
RealAudio/Video
Cgi-script
Perl
PHP (very rarely offered in both platforms)
MySQL (very rarely offered in both platforms)
SSH (Secure Telnet)
DEDICATED SSL Certificate
SHARED SSL Certificate
SHARED Shopping Cart Software (very rarely offered in both platforms)
Cold Fusion
ODBC
ASP (active server pages)
MS Access
MS SQL
Visual Basic Scripts
Windows Media
The following Intergrow-specific features are supported in both Unix and Windows platforms
Control Panel– advanced web based hosting (server) control via browser Mailing List WebStats Website Statistics Web Based Email
Technical information for advanced users
	UNIX	Windows
Web Server	Apache	IIS (Internet Information Server)

 

Ease of use

Over the years, many resources have been poured into both UNIX and Windows platforms to make hosting as easy as possible. Today, there are no differences in terms of ease of use between these platforms. If you are an advanced user who prefers to work in shell environment, then UNIX is your choice. However, if you are a beginner, you will find both platforms user friendly, especially with a help of Intergrow's Hosting Control Panel.

Reliability

The industry consensus is that UNIX is more reliable. However, Intergrow has made sure that the reliability of the Windows platform closely matches that of UNIX's. What this means is that you can make your decision based on the differences in features rather than on reliability.

Speed

There is no difference in terms of speed between the two platforms.

Price

For most hosting companies UNIX holds a slight edge due to the fact that the most of the software licenses are free and that it’s easier to maintain UNIX servers than Windows servers for the same level of reliability and performance. However, we offer the same low prices for both platforms to promote simplicity and customer convenience. We opt for a diminished profit margin for Windows platform hosting so you can choose either platform without the complications of price differences. Regardless, unless you specifically plan to use Windows platform specific features (see below), it probably makes sense to choose the UNIX platform.

Intergrow's Worry Free Choice

Once again our hosting services are based on customer convenience, flexibility and dedicated support. If you choose a server platform and later decide you need functionality only available the other server platform, do not be concerned, we will move your website to the requested server at no cost, one time. If you decide to switch platforms any number of additional times there will be a minimal $20.00 charge per switch.

 

Important

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to run UNIX on your own computer in order for you to host your site on UNIX platform. That is not true. Which operating system you run on your computer is irrelevant in making your decision. This means that if you are running Windows98 or XP on your computer, you can still choose UNIX.