Best UNIX Web Hosting by HostMonster: High-Power Web Hosting at a Fraction of the Cost

November 2, 2010 by Garen
Filed under: Choosing The Best Web Host

( The Best Web Hosting Service )- Once you decide to build a website and take your business online, your primary purpose is, of course, to make your mark on the World Wide Web as a business owner. Needless to say, your first requirement is to find a suitable web hosting solution. There are many factors to consider, as has been discussed in many guides (that you’ve probably read by now) when choosing the perfect web hosting service to match your particular web hosting needs; of which, one of the most critical is the platform of the site your business is hosted on.

In web hosting, the term platform simply refers to the operating system – very much like the OS that runs your PC – and is responsible for almost all the basic operations and coordination among software and hardware to keep your website running smoothly. The OS essentially provides basic commands that tell the server how to interact with applications, while it simultaneously handles storage of vital files.

Back in the old days of web hosting, most servers run on UNIX platform/OS (thus, earned the reputation for being the “granddaddy” of all web hosting Operating Systems), especially among larger and more complex computer systems with server hardware manufactured by such giant vendors as IBM, Sun Microsystems and HP – which are consequently more expensive. Web hosting platforms have evolved in recent years, and customers now have a wider variety of server platform options to choose from – among them Windows and the two variations of UNIX: Linux and FreeBSD.

Your Web Hosting Platform/OS Choice – Does It Matter?
The truth is it doesn’t really make that much difference what OS you use to create your website on your own computer. Whether your web hosting server is running UNIX or Windows, the actual codes that comprise your website is all the same. In fact, Windows users will be able to see websites that run on UNIX servers and vice versa. This is possible because websites send out information utilizing HTML and XML standard languages that browsers (Internet Explorer or Firefox, for example) can easily read.

Where the Real Differences Lie
The difference between Windows and UNIX server operating systems is not as overt and obvious as one would think, primarily because the distinction is only on the software that each can run. Windows servers run Windows-based products such as VBScript and ASP scripting languages, and Microsoft Access databases; UNIX on the other hand, uses PostgreSQL and MySQL databases, and PHP and Perl software for scripting. The latter features are also often offered by Windows web host servers, but are not 100% compatible and as reliable as when being run on UNIX operating system.

Why UNIX Web Hosting OS/Platform Is the Better Option
Before deciding which OS will work for you best, you have to first consider how you want to present your website, as this usually dictates the features you need. Will your website provide streaming audio and video; are you going to use scripting language? If your website does not require any scripting or media formats, it may be a better idea to go for UNIX web hosting platform. Choosing UNIX platform, more often than not, offers cheaper hosting options; generally provides you with more choices; and gives you the edge of being more reliable most of the time. Here are specific reasons why UNIX platform is better:

• Time-tested. Admittedly, other systems have done some noteworthy improvements through the years; but UNIX is a time-tested platform that has been firmly integrated with the Internet and the web hosting industry since its inception. Having flourished for over three decades, UNIX is by far the most dependable operating system, specifically built for network servers and adapted to web hosting environment, which offers flexibility and supremacy to power an extensive range of web hosting requirements.

• User-friendly and Affordable. Many people have the mistaken notion that UNIX is an open source operating system, which is not quite accurate. The fact is, it is a licensed source code under several vendors and much of its hub has remained proprietary to date. Its definite advantage, however, is its integration with affordable, low-priced (and/or often free) open-source products, which are as user-friendly as any OS in typical shared web hosting environment. Whether you are a newbie or an expert, UNIX web hosting can provide easy and simple yet powerful tools to make your website a huge success.

• Remarkable Compatibility. As an old hand server Operating System, the UNIX platform has always been supported by software developers; thus it can integrate with PHP, MySQL, Apache, Perl and most other Internet technologies (that are normally only used with Linux) without any glitches. UNIX also provides full support for Microsoft FrontPage that used to be available and accessible only with Windows-based hosting plans. With high technology compatibility advancements and enhancements, the FrontPage web design and management tool can now seamlessly run on both UNIX and Windows servers.

• Unparalleled Reliability. Unlike Windows platform that offers graphical icon-based interface – purportedly for added simplicity, UNIX does not utilize GUI (Graphical User Interface) at all; thus, spectacularly reduces – if not totally eliminates – the high risk of possible server crashes and other faults that may result from administrative errors. It is practically impenetrable in terms of its internal functions and performance because of the system’s user-level permission structure that prevents damaging processes. As a platform, UNIX avoids any useless add-ons for it to function properly; it totally devotes the full power of the hardware to efficiently and quickly serve the requirements of web pages and enable your website to consistently run smoothly. This very simplicity is also the primary reason why UNIX is conspicuously faster than any other server platforms.

• Incomparable Security and Stability. UNIX was basically created with security as its utmost consideration and has proven to be less vulnerable to security threats and flaws; earning quite a reputation for its ability to create the most secure web hosting environment possible. Its greatest advantage is its high level of performance and stability, which makes UNIX a stronghold in corporate online business and Ecommerce. Website owners are known to prefer UNIX because of its unshakeable, rock-solid foundation and unsurpassed processing supremacy – whether the requirement is for simple web pages or complex applications.

HostMonster- The Perfect Choice for Best UNIX Web Hosting

HostMonster is noted as one of the hottest and most reliable web hosting providers in the industry, since it was launched on the market in 1996. It’s undeniable that with experience comes knowledge and skills and the significant 14 years that the company has been in business has naturally made HostMonster one of the reputed leaders of the pack. It offers (and can definitely deliver its promise) to provide complete web hosting solution that are feature-rich yet reasonably-priced to every business owner and individual who requires full functionality on a small budget. HostMonster’s singular web hosting plan is so designed to meet virtually all customers’ needs and wants, making it a one-size-fits-all web hosting provider with features and services that are among the best and strongest in the web hosting industry.

For $5.95 (which can even go as low as $3.95 with discount coupons) per month, you actually get a world-class customer service, from completing your website set-up to the inclusion of all the features you require – HostMonster has made everything as easy and simple as A-B-C. HostMonster’s feature package makes the company’s web hosting services shine with unlimited web hosting space, unlimited transfers, unlimited sub-domains, full range of scripts, multimedia and Ecommerce features, and so much more.

Customer support is astounding through 24/7 toll-free phone with unbeatable response-time (average hold time is less than two minutes) from U.S.-based call centers that are staffed with extremely helpful, knowledgeable technicians, which further proves that HostMonster takes customer satisfaction very seriously indeed.

If, for any reason, you become dissatisfied with the services or wish to change web hosts, you can simply request for the cancellation of your account at any time and you won’t be charged any extra fees at all. That’s the beauty of it all – no long term contracts to tie you down to their services and no cancellation fees, to boot! Now isn’t that just awesome?

Still unconvinced and a bit wary? Check out my full HostMonster Review and explore the many features and services that truly make it the Best UNIX Web Hosting. Better still, sign up now and you’d swear you never want to leave HostMonster as your web hosting provider – ever!

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