Linux vs Windows

[DDCSD]

I'm wondering what would be better for a web server. I'm looking at going with godaddy and I can't get my head around which would be the preferred web hosting server option.

Can anyone explain this in somewhat simple terms (Microsoft prejudices aside ;))

[TheHoff]

If you need to run .NET, ASP, or other Microsoft technologies with your site, choose the Windows box. Otherwise, go with Linux. There really won't be much difference to you as an end user if you're not sure which one you need right now, so either would likely be fine.

[DDCSD]

With no price difference, what would you personally default to? (again assuming no Microsoft prejudices).

[TheHoff]

Linux. From PHP scripting experience, it gives less headaches with file locations and permissions. As I said though, you probably won't notice a difference as almost all web scripts are fully compatible both ways these days.

[monty28428]

Linux all the way Derek! And if you need ASP .NET etc. check out Mono (http://mono-project.com/Main_Page)

[DDCSD]

Excellent, thanks guys. Sometimes I just need to be told what to do. I tend to over think things sometimes. :)

[tracknut]

I host most of my sites on Linux too, but let me toss in one more thing. GoDaddy has a whole bunch of software packages available to you, from blogs, photo galleries, message forums, etc, etc. These are all third party applications, that for whatever reason they've pre-installed. Some work on Windows, some work on Linux. Clearly if you plan to use any of these, you need to check which OS they run on, as that may influence your decision.

Dave

[DDCSD]

Good point. I'm not seeing anything so far that I would lose by going with Linux. Good thing to look out for though.

[Disassociation]

I also use godaddy for my hosting, and have used both the windows and linux options.

The nice part, if you chose one, and don't like it, they allow you to switch, for free. It just takes 72 hours or so to complete.

Personally, I go with Linux. This is only because I have programming knowledge in CGI/Perl scripting, which isn't compatible with Windows servers. Since I prefer CGI and Perl to ASP and .NET (since ive never tried to learn them :P) Linux is the best option for me :)

If you don't know how to program, it won't really matter either way. If you are planning on using web scripts however, find out what language they are written in, and use that to decide which option is better for you. Most of the really good scripts aimed at businesses, will offer options for either server type, but some smaller ones wont.

I hope this helps at least a little :) GoDaddy has been a good webhost for me, both in customer support afterwards, and ease of setup initially.

EDIT: And if all you're really looking for is someone to tell you which, go with Linux :P

[DDCSD]

Thanks for the input Dan. Sounds like I'll be geting Linux for now. :)

[DDCSD]

So, is it worth getting the "Deluxe" email package from Godaddy?

http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/email/group.asp?ci=9021

[tracknut]

If you actually want your mailbox at GoDaddy, then this is the way. Alternatively, for free, you can just forward mail from your domain name to whoever your ISP currently is.

Dave

[DDCSD]

Would I need to use Godaddy to send emails with my domain name in it? Like me@mydomain.com. I'd rather send out emails like that than send them out from gmail or yahoo.

[tracknut]

It depends on what you use as a mail client. I use Outlook, and it has a mechanism ("mail accounts") to define as many addresses you want, which will be the "from" address when you send mail. So certainly in Outlook you could define me@mydomain.com as a sending account, and then set godaddy to forward anything it receives addressed to me@mydomain.com over to your real mailbox. So the customer never knows you as anything but me@mydomain.com, basically.

Dave

[DDCSD]

It depends on what you use as a mail client. I use Outlook, and it has a mechanism ("mail accounts") to define as many addresses you want, which will be the "from" address when you send mail. So certainly in Outlook you could define me@mydomain.com as a sending account, and then set godaddy to forward anything it receives addressed to me@mydomain.com over to your real mailbox. So the customer never knows you as anything but me@mydomain.com, basically.

Dave

Interesting. I have outlook, so I'll probably just do it that way. I didn't think it would let you set whatever you want as the sending account.

Thanks again for your help.

[tracknut]

Interesting. I have outlook, so I'll probably just do it that way. I didn't think it would let you set whatever you want as the sending account.

All internet SMTP mail is "forged", if you want to look at it that way. What you put in the "from" address can be anything you want. :)

Dave

[DDCSD]

All internet SMTP mail is "forged", if you want to look at it that way. What you put in the "from" address can be anything you want. :)

Dave

Interesting, scary, but interesting. :)

[EnronRocks]

Well, I have used both multiple times. As for security I would lean more towards Linux. Linux is the leader in the hosting industry. Most software is written for linux now a days.

[Disassociation]

So, is it worth getting the "Deluxe" email package from Godaddy?

http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/email/group.asp?ci=9021

Personally I didn't bother :) I just have it forward to my ISP provided email address, and modify the from box like others have mentioned :P