I am very new to the web hosting world and would appreciate it if some one could explain to me the difference between Linux and Windows hosting. Does the OS of the system I am using to upload the site files matter as to which type of host I choose?

On your end, the OS you use should not matter. THere are several systems you can choose from: Unix and WIndows being the most popular that I know. There are also Mac, Sun, and several others, I believe there is some sort of .NET system from MS now, but I'm not too keen in MS hosting.

Your best bet is Win2k or Linux. My personal preference is Linux. No matter what system you go with, you'll have no problems uploadiing downloading, email, etc. (assuming there aren't any problems with the system) because they are all based on standards (i.e. HTTP, FTP, POP3, etc.)

As far as you're concerned, you'll need to make the decision based on features you'll need.

If you use Linux, you'll have several features that are harder to get on Win2k, or don't work as well/at all. However, Win2k has features that don't work on Linux, or are harder to get.

I wouldn't be able to tell you what the best option for you is. If you're going with a simple web page (HTML, images, maybe sonme flash, javascript, etc.) I'd guess that your best bet is Linux for security and stability.

Yeah, unless u plan to use ASP, you're better off with Linux.

i am a newbie to this as well and have just signed up with webaxxs to host my first website but i did a lot of research before i did and the vast consensus was to go with a linux/unix based server. only a few people suggested a windows based server and i think that was if you needed certain features

as far as for any average website stability is most important and that is what you get wiht linux/unix

in fact not too long ago Microsoft put up a website basically sending out the message that 'you dont need to run your website on a unix machine win2000 will do it better!'

turns out that the server that microsoft was running that website on was.....you guessed it......a unix machine :)

Thanks for the quick replies. You all were very helpful.

Thanks again

BM

Unless you need .ASP I highly suggest a Linux service provider not only will you most likley see less downtime but the servers are usually alot more secure in my experience ALOT MORE SECURE If you do require .ASP I would suggest a windows host because although there are some Linux options to support .ASP alot of them are known to be buggy.