Choosing A Web Server Software
Most of the times, people gets confused when picking up a web server software to run on their dedicated server. Selecting a web server software depends on various factors, in fact, you should consider the same factors you used when selecting an operating system for your server.
There are several web server softwares available for use, two of them are:
Apache: It is an HTTP server, the project of Apache HTTP Server, whose main purpose is to maintain an open source HTTP server for all the latest operating systems.
Microsoft’s IIS: IIS also known as Internet Information Server is a web server application developed by Microsoft compatible with Windows. It is the second most widely used server after the Apache HTTP Server.
Both of the applications are offered as a part of web hosting packages most of the times. Mostly, they differ in the Server-Side Scripting features like authentication and access control mechanisms, CGI support and API.
Here, we have discussed numerous factors, which you need to consider when selecting a web server:
- Should be able to handle the server-side scripting;
- Security features;
- Operating system compatibility;
- Website building software;
- Web application you are going to run;
- Your budget;
Server-Side Scripting: The web server you choose should be compatible with the server-side languages.
Security Features: Make sure the web server you choose, should be secured so that your data will be safe.
Operating System Compatibility: Analyze which web server would run much better with your choice of OS. Microsoft IIS web server can be run only on Windows based OS, whereas, web server like Apache could run on different operating systems. Apache is the best and robust web server having lots of options and modules to use.
Website Building Software: The web server should support the website building software you are going to install on it.
Web Applications: If you are going to use the Java-Server Pages, then probably you will have to opt for Apache Tomcat or any other software like it. For PHP based web applications, there are a options available. But, if you want to run an ASP.NET based web application, then certainly you will require Windows.
Your Budget: The big web servers like Apache and IIS has their own server operating systems, however, other may have their own additional cost on it.
Server Management: You should have some technical knowledge about managing the web server of your own. Many of the uk web hosting providers will install the web server for you. All of these factors should be considered before choosing the software.
