Any REAL difference in what server I should use?

[hankfrid]

If I want to set up a site and use osCommerce, then I need a server that supports MySQL and PHP, true? Is PHPAdmin something they have to list that they support, or as long as they support PHP, I can put in and use PHPAdmin?

 

Also, I have always been a Microsoft-type person. But in looking at the reseller programs that are out there, there is a big difference in price between Windows2000 servers and Linux servers. What difference will this really make for me? Does it matter?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Hank :?

[sgflowers]

phpmyadmin is just a php script you install on your server same as oscommerce

 

1) your provider will set you up with username/pass/db for mysql

2) make sure you protect the directory you put phpmyadmin into otherwize others can change or delete your database

 

3) servers go linux no advantage to windows hosting and usually linux/unix is cheaper

[Guest]

Hank, being an IT professional myself, I have had a lot of exposure to Microsoft products and UNIX. I think you are going to find that the vast majority of open-source products are UNIX-based (LINUX, POSIX, UNIX, etc, different flavors of bread), and are widely supported, cheap (many are free), and flexible. Microsoft has their place in the software realm, but where web backends are concerned, UNIX offers the best options and flexibility. You can always find someone to help you with UNIX. Just my $.02.

[hankfrid]

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I picked a company and I'm jumping into the Linux world. Wish me luck.

 

Thanks again.

Hank