What is Windows Web Hosting?

Is it time for you to find a web host? Have you already noticed all the many options that are available? There are many, and some are more important than others. One of the very important decisions you’ll have to make is what kind of platform you want to run your site from. The two main choices are Windows or Linux. With so many people already using a Windows operating system on their PCs, this is many times the one to first grab someone’s attention. But what is Windows web hosting? And is it the right type of web hosting for you?

Windows hosting is simply web hosting that uses a Windows-based server. Every web host has servers that they store their customers’ website information on. These servers are just like very large computers and just like your PC or laptop, they also use operating systems. When these servers use a Windows operating system, that host is considered to be a Windows web host.

Windows web hosting can be a bit more expensive than Linux web hosting, but it does also have certain benefits. If you want to use certain technologies on your site such as Active Server Pages, HyperText Markup language files, and PHP programming, you’ll need to use Windows web hosting to do it. Also, customers who are specifically looking for ASP support may also want to turn to a Windows web host that can provide them with it.

Another reason why Windows web hosting is very popular is because so many people are already using a Windows platform every day. Because of this, they simply feel more comfortable in that environment. For website owners that are going to be the ones actually building and maintaining the website, this can be a huge benefit.

Website owners that are going to be handing off their webpage creation and design to an IT consultant or firm may not worry too much about the platform their website is running off of. This is because web developers and IT consultants are very comfortable in both environments and can create dynamic web pages in each. Also, the website owner may not need Windows or Linux-specific features, further reducing the concern of the platform they’re running their website from. If this is the case, a website owner could in fact find that a Linux platform works better for them, simply because it’s more cost effective.

Whether you’re looking for Windows web hosting, or Linux-based hosting, it’s easy to find either. In fact, many web hosts will provide either type, no matter what you feel is best for you. But don’t let them, or the price, decide for you. Find out about all the different Windows hosting features that are available to you, and then consider whether or not you’ll need or use them. If not, you might be better off choosing the more affordable option that lies in Linux web hosting.