Wild Texas
06-01-2001, 02:59 AM
I've had a UNIX-based virtual server account with one host or another since 1995. Didn't get into a lot of CGI programming stuff until several years ago, and now I really want to take the jump into a more database-driven site. Currently have UBB 6 (low volume, with hopes for higher) and a dozen or more other scripts in use on the site with plans to add a Yahoo-type search index as well.
All of which brings on my first question:
*UNIX/Linux vs. Windows (NT/2k)?
I only got to play with a MySQL database and PHP script for a couple days, but I like what I saw. But I do light ASP coding at work (my site's my hobby), and thus have been mulling over the Windows-hosting options. However, I don't want to bog down my server with things I don't need (Cold Fusion, Front Page) or cause myself undue headaches if I can do all I need to with PHP/MySQL (or MS SQL). Right now, though, I'm on a learning curve either way so it's hard for me to judge.
I know UNIX (Linux/Apache) is the 'standard' for web hosts/web sites, and I know it's generally thought of as more stable than Windows. With Win2k being offered by some Windows hosts now, however, I've wondered if Windows hosts can edge a little closer to the stability I've come to expect on a good UNIX-based host?
Question 2 is:
* Any suggestions on a reliable web host?
- Reliability is KEY to me; I just went through an ordeal with a new provider and my site being offline a day due to their problems; I can't operate that way.
- Price is not a major factor; in fact, I shie away from the rock-bottom offers.
- My primary requirements are: at least 250 MB of storage (*maybe* a little less, if log files aren't included in the allotment), since I have a lot of images & 15-second MPEG video clips, with plans to add more, plus plans to migrate to a more database-driven site (all my parks content, for instance).
- PHP4/MySQL (or other DB) if UNIX; ASP 5/SQL Server if Windows
- Access to raw log files
- a solid control panel; give me the power to do most of the things I'd otherwise have to ask you to do for me
- Bandwidth not a major concern, but I typically look for 10 GB/mo. for "growing room".
- Support is also KEY, particularly since I don't require them often but when I do it's for a very important issue. I can't wait around for 3-5 days for a response and then, when I do get one, a half-hearted response at that.
Suggestions / Comments?
Thanks,
- Shannon Moore
Webmaster, wildtexas.com
All of which brings on my first question:
*UNIX/Linux vs. Windows (NT/2k)?
I only got to play with a MySQL database and PHP script for a couple days, but I like what I saw. But I do light ASP coding at work (my site's my hobby), and thus have been mulling over the Windows-hosting options. However, I don't want to bog down my server with things I don't need (Cold Fusion, Front Page) or cause myself undue headaches if I can do all I need to with PHP/MySQL (or MS SQL). Right now, though, I'm on a learning curve either way so it's hard for me to judge.
I know UNIX (Linux/Apache) is the 'standard' for web hosts/web sites, and I know it's generally thought of as more stable than Windows. With Win2k being offered by some Windows hosts now, however, I've wondered if Windows hosts can edge a little closer to the stability I've come to expect on a good UNIX-based host?
Question 2 is:
* Any suggestions on a reliable web host?
- Reliability is KEY to me; I just went through an ordeal with a new provider and my site being offline a day due to their problems; I can't operate that way.
- Price is not a major factor; in fact, I shie away from the rock-bottom offers.
- My primary requirements are: at least 250 MB of storage (*maybe* a little less, if log files aren't included in the allotment), since I have a lot of images & 15-second MPEG video clips, with plans to add more, plus plans to migrate to a more database-driven site (all my parks content, for instance).
- PHP4/MySQL (or other DB) if UNIX; ASP 5/SQL Server if Windows
- Access to raw log files
- a solid control panel; give me the power to do most of the things I'd otherwise have to ask you to do for me
- Bandwidth not a major concern, but I typically look for 10 GB/mo. for "growing room".
- Support is also KEY, particularly since I don't require them often but when I do it's for a very important issue. I can't wait around for 3-5 days for a response and then, when I do get one, a half-hearted response at that.
Suggestions / Comments?
Thanks,
- Shannon Moore
Webmaster, wildtexas.com