Windows control panel V cPanel (Linux) Packages

[Andy D.]

Hi,

Warning: Dumb question alert

A bit of background...
My current web web site hosting is just hosted on the small amount of free space that comes with my ISP connection and consists of static pages I created using MS FrontPage 2000 (hi tech or what!). I have run out of space as most of my website hosting consists of images (mostly of stamps as I am a Philatelists).

Looking to move to here but confused by the Windows web hosting and cPanel (Linux) hosting package options and not sure which to go for.

Initially I will just be moving my existing web web site hosting over pretty much "as is" but later will want to make it more dynamic and have a search facility into a back end database (MySQL or whatever - as I don't know enough about the options yet to make an informed decision). The ability to have a guestbook would also be useful.

Now to my dumb question...

I know Windows but I don't know (much) Linux. Is that an issue at all if I go for the Linux hosting option or is all that hidden from me?

Also which is better Windows Control panel or Linux control Panel

Also, based on my limited requiremements, is there anything that makes one of the options a better choice than the other?

Thanks,

Andy D.

[247h]

Andy, those are not dumb questions!

There's plenty of feedback in these forums to suggest that in any shape or form, from the lowest-cost shared hosting up to semi-dedicated server packages, Windows webservers are inherently less reliable and for most people, that's a clincher.

Additionally, unless you have a need to use specific Windows-only features like ASP.NET Scripting & Ajax extensions, MSSQL or MS-Access databases etc., I suggest you avoid taking on a Windows-based package ...

Of course you'll have to give up relying on FrontPage extensions as per this thread but that's a good thing for your own personal development.

You will find that cPanel + Fantastico provides you with easy control of your website hosting, along with lots of useful free PHP scripts that are ultra-easy to install/uninstall, all from your browser. Additionally you would be wise to download a free FTP client like FileZilla and use it for uploading/downloading content to/from your web account (although the same can be achieved using cPanel). Don't forget that most anything that's beyond your scope of understanding can be answered by eUKhost support in an Online Chat session, by email or here.

And Linux control panel is better than Windows control Panel

Let's see how many Windows server supporters answer with an opposite opinion ...

[jc8654]

Hi Andy,
For stability, I would say choose Linux. Don't worry about being scared by it all. If you go for the shared hosting plan, you get to do everything through a graphical interface like the windows control panel. You can install guestbooks, forums and many other things easily that way.

If you work out how much space you need for your images etc. you can then purchase the right plan for your needs.

Anything else you want to know, just post back on here.

[jc8654]

Originally Posted by 247h

Of course you'll have to give up relying on FrontPage extensions as per this thread but that's a good thing for your own personal development.

Just because you're using Frontpage to design doesn't mean you need to use the extensions. You can simply upload your web site hosting using the FTP option in Frontpage.

[247h]

Originally Posted by jc8654

Just because you're using Frontpage to design doesn't mean you need to use the extensions. You can simply upload your web site hosting using the FTP option in Frontpage.

And where is the personal development in that 'solution'?

[Andy D.]

Thanks for the advice/suggestions so far, very helpful.

The lack of Frontpage Extensions under the Linux option isn't such a big deal as I have been living without these from my current provider anyway.

As to web space, the Copper (200MB) will be fine for the time being and I can always upgrade should the need arise later.

Thanks again,

Andy D.