Running a Dedicated Web Server

[Letty Price]

I have a web server with Windows XP on it. Thing is that, I am much familiar with Microsoft technologies and don't want to opt something else. However, my current server is getting slower day-by-day. I want to know that shall I stick with Windows and run IIS or shall I switch to Linux ?

Also, since I don't have any knowledge about Linux, and there are several versions of Linux operating systems I am unable to decide which to choose ? It would be great if a Linux expert can reply...

[LinSys]

Hi, as you have mentioned that you are running IIS on your windows dedicated server, instead you can run Apache and PHP on your windows dedicated hosting server. Since, you lack the ability to know the Linux platform I would not suggest you to opt Linux.

[domturup]

I think you have already answered your own question. If you like and/are familiar with Microsoft technologies, then don't go for other technologies until it become mandatory. The more you know the better you do. Stick to the Windows and make changes as mentioned by LinSys.

[jack0074]

Go which one is suitable don't go for any other os that u don't know.
or contact your system admin.

[harry]

It's not recommended to switch the server OS from Windows to Linux since both linux & Windows have their own file structure hence it's would be cumbersome task for you if you decide to have a changeover. If your current server is responding slower then it's a time to upgrade it's resources or you can take help of server admin to get your server issue resolved.

[eUKhost.com]

Hi Letty,

If you are running a website with PHP / HTML web pages and MySQL Database, then you should switch to Linux and choose a control panel like cPanel or DirectAdmin on your server. If you choose a control panel with the Linux Server, then you don't need to do anything from the console / SSH. You can manage your website(s) from the control panel and you will never need to do anything from the command line.

Windows servers slow down after some time and you need to remove system clutter and unwanted cached temporary files. You can clean your windows server using "System Mechanic" a product of iolo technologies - The PC Tune-Up Experts and improve the performance of your server.

[PizzaBoy]

There are plenty of programs for cleaning up Windows servers. Just take a look at the top ten:

Registry Repair Software Review 2011 - TopTenREVIEWS

I don't know if things will improve by installing Apache. One of my colleagues used to have a dedicated Windows 2003 server that became slow, but running Apache not IIS.

[ChristyHeden]

My firm has hired a hosted Windows Dedicated Server from an experienced application hosting and cloud computing service provider(Real Time Data Services). Their hosting service is fast and very satisfactory. Their prices are very low and reasonable. They provide high bandwidth. You will also get 24/7 free tech support and robust rolling data backup.

[Ben Stones]

Hi Letty,

If you are running a website with PHP / HTML web pages and MySQL Database, then you should switch to Linux and choose a control panel like cPanel or DirectAdmin on your server. If you choose a control panel with the Linux Server, then you don't need to do anything from the console / SSH. You can manage your website(s) from the control panel and you will never need to do anything from the command line.

Windows servers slow down after some time and you need to remove system clutter and unwanted cached temporary files. You can clean your windows server using "System Mechanic" a product of iolo technologies - The PC Tune-Up Experts and improve the performance of your server.

I absolutely agree with Mark here. Windows servers are also generally more expensive than Linux servers, so it could be another reason to switch to a Linux server if you can. You don't need any technical experience to run a Linux server if you have cPanel or DirectAdmin installed as Mark has said. All of our dedicated servers are managed, so you can contact our technicians to install any necessary software or services as required if you choose to buy with us specifically.