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Decoding Web Hosting Reviews, Part II: From Java to Windows

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In an earlier article, we explained how web hosting reviews identify web hosting companies by the services they offer. So if a web host offers ASP technology, they say it's an ASP hosting company. With that in mind, in this two-part series we've laid out many of the most common types of web hosting services you'll read about in the web hosting reviews you peruse. Last time we started at ASP and got as far as FrontPage. Now we'll finish the alphabet.

If the web hosting review mentions Java Hosting, it refers to one of the most widely used and widely recognized programming languages, the use of which practically assures you that your website will be understood by any computer in the world. Java is a simple, versatile, cross-platform, tag-based language that lets you build all sorts of things: bit maps and vector graphics; server-side applications for forums and forms, online polls and stores; improved database, email, PDF, XML, and Microsoft Office functionality and more. Using Java opens you up to libraries upon libraries of prewritten code for every imaginable use you could have for your website. You may also see web hosting reviews mentioning JSP or Java Server Pages, which allow you to create entire websites that are platform independent.

If the web hosting review mentions MySQL Hosting, it's referring to one of the most widely used and recognized databases on the internet. If your web presence is going to be a database-heavy operation, consider a MySQL hosting provider. You'll get extra support for adding, accessing, editing, and processing data in your many MySQL databases. Web hosting reviews for MySQL hosting providers should mention the number of databases offered, the ease-of-use of the interface you'll be using day in and day out, CRON support for automating routine tasks, and PHP support since PHP and MySQL go hand in hand. Read on!

If the web hosting review mentions PHP Hosting, it refers to a server-side scripting language that is commonly used in conjunction with MySQL databases. It is an open-source language and as such can be altered and amended in any way you see fit. As such, there are tons of free, prewritten PHP scripts all over the internet for your convenience. Because PHP is a server-side language, it is cross-platform (meaning Unix, Linux, and Windows computers can see your site the same). And since PHP is a server-side language, if you plan to use it in running your dynamic, interactive, database driven website, you must go with a PHP hosting provider.

If the web hosting review mentions SSH Hosting, it refers to Secure Shell, a Linux-based protocol that gives users remote terminal access to their computer systems, meaning that administrators can perform private, confidential administrative tasks on their server -- tasks that ordinarily must be done directly on the server itself -- from a different computer in a completely different location -- securely.

If the web hosting review mentions Windows Hosting it just means that, like a computer might run Microsoft Windows as its operating system, your web server too will be running Microsoft Windows. That's all. A windows hosting company might very well offer PHP hosting, MySQL hosting, FrontPage hosting, Java hosting, ASP hosting, and more. Which brings us to our final point...

We closed Part I of this series with this note and we'll close Part II the same way. One web hosting provider alone quite likely will offer a great many of the hosting services we've described and more. Make sure you read each web hosting review carefully to be clear on exactly what types of hosting each company offers.