Windows web hosting implies the use of the Windows server operating system by the hosting company. As compared with the Linux operating system, the Windows OS is relatively a little less reliable. However, because of its ease of use and because it is used on more than 80% of the computers across the globe, many people would prefer a hosting company that uses the Windows operating system. We at AWHD can also make a random guess about you who is currently reading this webpage, that the operating system on your PC is also Microsoft Windows and there is an 80% probability that our guess is going to be correct. However, if you're planning to use a web host that offers the Windows operating system installed on its servers, then there must be some reason behind it since Windows web hosting is generally expensive than Linux web hosting.

Apart from the ease of use and your familiarity with the Windows OS, another reason for choosing to go with a Windows web hosting company may be that the scripting technologies you're planning to use or are currently using on your website require the Windows operating system. If the pages on your site use the ASP (active server pages) scripting language for example, then it is indeed a rational decision to prefer Windows OS over the Linux OS. Although there are commercial applications available that can be used to run ASP on the Linux operating system, ASP is generally unstable on Linux. Furthermore, since it is a proprietary Microsoft technology, ASP is custom tailored to run on the Windows operating system. Likewise, if you intend to use the MS SQL databases instead of the typically used MySQL databases, the use of the Windows OS is preferable.

As opposed to the Linux operating system which requires the Apache server, the Windows operating system requires Microsoft's IIS (Internet information server). However, you do not need to worry about this aspect because your web hosting company will be managing this for you. The web hosting company purchases licenses in bulk in order to install a copy of the Windows server operating system on each and every single server housed in their data center. This significantly reduces their costs and in turn results in some savings for you as well. Because of using licensed software on their servers, the hosting company is also able to get the patches and updates for the Windows OS as and when they are released. This gives you maximum protection against any security threats while increasing system reliability.

The history of the Windows operating system is quite old. Contrary to Linux which is open source and consequently free, the Windows operating system is a commercial product and a flagship of the Microsoft company. Starting from Windows 3.0 in 1990 to releasing Windows 7 in the fall of 2009, Microsoft has adopted an aggressive development pace and marketing strategy in order to make the Windows family a part and parcel of every household with a PC. A couple of years ago, Windows web hosting used to be at least 1.5 times more expensive than Linux web hosting mainly because of its commercial nature. Also, there were fewer web host that offered the Windows OS. Today however there are many companies that offer a choice of the operating system to their clients at no additional cost, thanks to the intense competition among the hosting companies. Best of luck in your search for the right Windows hosting company!