I'm currently using an NT host, and write all my pages without using an HTML editor or anything, just Notepad. And I use WS_FTP for uploading. If I decide to change hosts, would it matter whether they're a Unix or NT host?

Thanks,
Buff

To me there's really only one answer to it...UNIX/Linux.

Since you don't use Frontpage and probably not ASP go with UNIX/Linux. You can do everything and more with a Linux box compared to NT, and it's more stable too.

Anyway, just my two cents...

[Edited by Viking on 01-03-2001 at 06:22 AM]

I disagree, as you are not doing nothing special (no mention of server side scripting at all).

Window2000 vs Linux is only applicable when talking server side scripting, and then it is more down to your preference of technology tools, as they are both as reliable and scalable as each other.

With basic HTML pages, they are both good at it, as it is a bit of a no-brainer for the server to do. Therefore, your choice should come down to what you want to do in future (e.g. are u going to implement server side scripting, and what technologies do you have experience in) and simply cost. Win2k hosts tend to be more expensive (but should be marginal), as they have to include software licensing into the equation.

Originally posted by Viking
To me there's really only one answer to it...UNIX/Linux.

Since you don't use Frontpage and probably not ASP go with UNIX/Linux. You can do everything and more with a Linux box compared to NT, and it's more stable too.

Anyway, just my two cents...


Peder L.

Nope, don't use Frontpage or ASP, and have no plans to use them in the future.

Thanks!

Originally posted by inwks
I disagree, as you are not doing nothing special (no mention of server side scripting at all).

Window2000 vs Linux is only applicable when talking server side scripting, and then it is more down to your preference of technology tools, as they are both as reliable and scalable as each other.

With basic HTML pages, they are both good at it, as it is a bit of a no-brainer for the server to do. Therefore, your choice should come down to what you want to do in future (e.g. are u going to implement server side scripting, and what technologies do you have experience in) and simply cost. Win2k hosts tend to be more expensive (but should be marginal), as they have to include software licensing into the equation.

No need for server side scripting now or in future. Thanks.

The simple answer is "no, it won't matter". A more profound answer is "indeed it may", even if your site will consist only of HTML pages in the future.

Linux and Unix are more stable than Windows NT. Win 2000 is still new and hasn't proven itself. However, given the truism about not using brand new software products until they prove themselves and get the major bugs worked out (which usually requires at least one bug fix edition), I wouldn' rely on Win 2000 either.

As regards security, Linux beats Unix and all Windows. There are so many people using it that patches for exploits are available within 24-48 hours at the latest. Some are available in a matter of minutes. Unix and Windows are both closed source, licensed products, and are outclassed in the speed with which exploits are fixed.

There are hosts using NT that readlly don't know what they are doing. A friend of mine was using such a host and they had to reboot their servers every 4-6 hosts because they didn't know what to do about Window's tendency to retain too much in memory, resulting in a hogging of resources. One if my customers was on an NT host (different one) prior to moving to my server. They couldn't get his cgi programs to work. They also lied and told him that they would be building a Linux box. About 3 weeks later, they admitted they had no plans to add Linux.

There are other reasons why Linux is the preferred choice. Unless someone has a specific need for Windows (including being a masochist), Linux is a far better choice.

Let me first say, congratulations on coding everything in notepad, I personally wish I could do that but I'm lazy and use Dreamweaver.

Now to answer your question, UNIX/Linux is very stable and simple to use espescially for someone that does not use editors such as FrontPage or Dreamweaver. You did not mention if you are using or plan to use CGI, Perl, PHP, or ASP scripting on any of your pages. If you plan on using CGI, Perl, or PHP you will be most happy with UNIX. I used to be a big NT guy until I started using UNIX. Now I'm hooked, I've been amazed at how easy it is to telnet in and change things. And it seams much faster to me for some reason. I'm sure someone here knows why but nonetheless.

I personally would recommend UNIX if you don't plan on using ASP coding or using MSACCESS databases which are more of an NT thing.

Unix/Linux, simply the best choice. :) I'm biased...

To the original question:

No, it doesn't matter. Get whatever that suits your budget and gives you the features you require.

Originally posted by BlueZebra
Let me first say, congratulations on coding everything in notepad, I personally wish I could do that but I'm lazy and use Dreamweaver.

If you *could* design a site with notepad, but don't since there is there are plenty of reasons to use a html editor (even a simple one), then that's one thing. Personally, once you know how that ' ' is a space, I think you should use a program that allows you to be faster. I've never been paid any more by doing it the 'real way'. The program I use allows me to quickly hold CTRL+SPACEBAR.

I type pretty fast, but not as fast as that. :)

edit
Sorry, just realized what a COMPLETE tangent that was!
Carry on... carry on...
/edit

I didn't read any of the threads. I only read the subject of the thread and all I have to say is:

Linux/Unix

Thanks for all the info!

I've used both, but I remain a strong proponent of UNIX/LINUX for most purposes.

NT tends to be a handful at times. When you need what this platform can do, absolutely, go for it... but for the vast majority of sites, a standard UNIX or LINUX box is probably still the best solution.

If your editing in Notepad and uploading in WS_FTP then you should probably stick with Unix, NT is only good if your running ASP, frontpage, Access, SQL server etc... no point in putting up with the overhead unless you really need to.

I really hate to see people who have tunel vision and only say things based on what THEY know. Tabernack you response speaks for itself. I for one have worked with both platforms and have chosen to work with NT more. However, when it comes to evaluating a customers need, couple of things come into play. What are you developing, who is developing it, what your future plans are and of course money. Win2K is expensive to use. NT 4.0 had it's problems and wasn't the choice of many. Linux is just a flavor of unix and in fact many people whom I've seen that are all about Linux don't know what they're doing that's why majority of hacks happen through linux machines. Because people don't really know how to use it and secure it well.

When doing web development, you have to look at who's going to actually code the site. What tools they're going to use and what development techniques of tools they will use in order to choose a platform. If you are a windows developer you're not going to choose Linux over NT etc. Also Windows 2000 is VERY stable and robust. I know, I've been working with it since the BETA1. I currently host a site with it as well as Linux. It's very powerfull and can handle a larger site than before. Major companies, larger ones are using it. You will be surprise at the sites that use them. Microsoft's .NET technology is going to give Unix/Linux a run for it's money. Technology such as clustering, web enable software (databases etc) and live upgrades to clusters are going to drive the market. Also the price for the system is droping. Microsoft is focusing more on the larger enterprises now and data centers.

So in a nutshell, please do not speak down on something unless you have hands-on experience about the subject and have worked with both environment in a production stage not playing around with down your basement. That doesn't count. I for one have designed many systems using both Linux/Unix and NT and I think they both have their place.

That's all....

[Edited by cahostnet on 11-15-2000 at 11:19 PM]