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Introduction

As we all know there are a myriad of hosting companies out there all vying for our business, but there is one question that a lot of people take for granted. 'Do I go with a Linux service or a Windows service?'

Background

Before we get to the nitty gritty of what each service can offer you,t's a good a idea to have a bit of background knowledge on the respective platforms so you can at least sound like you know what you're talking about.

For the uninitiated, Linux (pronounced with a short 'i' and the 'ux' as in 'tuxedo') began life in 1991 at the hands of a young Finn named Linus Torsvald who released Linux as an extension to Minix, an open source operating system that was being used in many US universities. The functionality of Linux soon surpassed that of Minix and it was soon available with a General Public License that allowed free distribution. As a hosting service, Linux has grown in popularity due to the number of programming and script languages it supports and the nature of what it stands for to the more 'old school' users out there.

I hardly need to document the history of the Windows platform in detail for most to have an understanding of how it got to where it is now. It was first introduced as an add-on for MS-DOS in response to the growing demand for graphical user interfaces. As various subsequent releases hit the market they were met with varying levels of praise and popularity. The most commercially successful server software available is Windows Server 2003, which as I write this article is being usurped by Server 2008. '2003' offers similar functionality to XP, making it familiar to millions of users.

Choosing Between the Two

To compare the two platforms I have decided to base their respective performance on a number of factors, namely, price, stability, ease of use, and functionality.

Price

Most articles might leave this factor until last, maybe in order to build some sort of tension. Some might consider this the most important aspect of your choice but I beg to differ. Obviously the price you pay is highly dependent on the hosting company you go with but traditionally Linux is seen as the cheaper option mainly due to the free licensing that Microsoft products do not enjoy. Expect to pay around 4.00/month for good quality, basic hosting services on the Linux platform and a touch more for a similar level of service on Windows servers.

WINNER: Linux by knockout

Stability

With Linux having being developed for the multi-user environment since the 1960's, developers have had more time to make it more stable than the Windows environment. That said, I cannot comment on the 2008 edition of Windows server having not had a chance to test it. Included in the factor of stability, is security. With Linux having been developed over the years by a number of 'hackers' and not having the stigma of being a big corporation it does tend to be more secure and have the advantage of being targeted less by hackers. It is generally agreed that the Linux platform is more stable and secure.

WINNER: Linux by points

Ease of Use

Both formats of hosting are almost as easy to use as the other. Those more familiar with the Windows processes will find Windows naturally easier to use, although with Windows generally not being as reliable you may regard a lack of reliability as an overriding influence on ease of use. As long as your Linux host server has enabled FrontPage extensions (for easy uploading of content to your site) then there really isn't much difference in ease of use. Considering Linux has been around longer, it is more popular and therefore has higher levels of support available.

WINNER: A dead heat

Functionality

The major attraction of the Windows Server system is that of its Access database support (and MySQL by association), and the ease of integrating online and offline systems with ASP.net, such as a bank might need for example. Windows Servers also support Windows Media files and Visual Basic scripts. In contrast Linux supports the RealPlayer media software line. Both platforms offer pretty much the same script support (PHP, CGI, XML, etc) and you would be hard pushed to find anything you needed on one platform that the other did not have.

WINNER: Windows on points

Summary

If one were to purely judge each platform on the above factors then Linux would be my hosting standard of choice. It offers almost identical functionality at a lower cost with a slightly more stable environment. We are beginning to see a more concerted effort by hackers to target the Linux platform so it will be interesting to see how the developers respond.

The best piece of advice I can give is to list what you realistically need from your host and then choose the best hosting company you can. They will hold the key to you having a secure and reliable service and should be able to offer advice on which platform best suits your pre-determined requirements. However don't let them bully you into upgrading to services you can not envisage ever using.

Having investigated a number of hosting options I can personally recommend the service and support offered by UKHost4u.com, a London based hosting company offering a range of both Windows and Linux plans at affordable prices.

Thanks for reading my article - Matthew Whitehead.

For web hosting I recommend UKHost4U, a reliable web host with great service that is good value for money. They also offer very attractive reseller hosting packages.

The Tanzanian currency is the Shilling it cannot be imported into the country and so it is necessary to bring foreign currency with you on safari. US$ Dollars are the best currency to take to Tanzania with the Euro or GB Pounds coming in second and third. US$ Dollars are bar far the safest option with larger notes US$50 and US$100 offering a better rate of exchange. The lower denominations are not popular with the US$1 being difficult to get rid of except as a tip. If you intend to pay for a safari with cash then pay in large dominations to avoid a possible penalty.

Travellers checks are accepted by banks and bureaus, they attract a lower rate of exchange and can be a bit of a hassle; it is better to keep them to a minimum or to avoid them totally. Credit cards [Master and Visa] are more widely accepted now than they were in five years ago. However, if you wish to draw cash against a credit card then try to do this from the banks as many hotels with change heavy commission for the privilege. More importantly let your bank know where and when you travel otherwise you may hit problems once you start using your card in Tanzania.

Visas are available in advance from Tanzanian Embassies or they can be obtained on arrival at border posts or airports. There is a departure tax for Tanzania if you leave by air but this should be included in the price of your ticket.

It can be expensive to fly into Kilimanjaro airport especially in high season. It is usually a cheaper option to fly into Nairobi airport and transfer countries via the bus-shuttles that travel to Arusha via the Namanga border post. At Nairobi airport purchase a transit visa this costs US$20 and will last between five and seven days. All visas obtained on arrival in Kenya and Tanzania must be paid in US Dollars and in cash. Have the correct amount ready. The Tanzania holiday visa costs vary according to nationality.

The shuttles are 25 seat coaster buses that travel from Central Nairobi to Arusha town and then off to Moshi Town which is nestled against Kilimanjaro.

The shuttle bus companies are Riverside, Davanu, Bobbies and Impala. The price should be about US$ 25 per person and an extra US$10 to Moshi. They will all pick up and drop off passengers at city centre hotels in Nairobi or Arusha by special arrangement. They all set off from Parkside hotel in Nairobi and end at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha.

The shuttle from Nairobi can be taken either from the city centre or from the airport. If you have a late arrival then an overnight in Nairobi will be necessary. It is best to overnight at the Parkside Hotel in Nairobi as it is clean and inexpensive no more that US$20 per person. All the shuttles for Tanzania leave from outside this hotel.

The journey should take about five hours including Immigration and Customs at the border post town of Namanga. The driver will show you where to go to get the necessary stamps for your passport. The shuttle will give out immigration cards for you to fill in whilst you travel. To do this in advance will save time at the border post remember to travel with a pen to save on unnecessary stress.

If you travel in the midst of high season mid July to October I would advise you to make all your bookings for accommodation and safaris in advance. All other months and especially low season [March through to the end of June] it is possible to arrive in Tanzania and Zanzibar and shop around for cheap accommodation and bargain safaris.

Arusha Tourist Board Office is on Boma Road and they can advise where to start your search for a safari. The office has a small notice board on the left hand-side wall with special offers displayed by reputable tour operators. The tourist Board offers a safer bet to start a search for a bargain safari. Be warned that as you enter and leave the Tourist Board the Safari Street hawkers will hassle you and try to sell a safari. Remember all that glitters is not gold so beware making deals on the street, however good the sales pitch. Be good natured but firm and do not be tempted by offers that sound to good to be true, because that what they are

Travelling from Arusha to Zanzibar the cheap way is by bus to Dar es Salaam and then high speed ferry from Dar to Stone Town. Scandinavia, Royal or Dar Express have luxury coaches [about US$18 to US$25 per person] these three companies offer the best and safest road transport to Dar es Salaam. To travel from Arusha to Stone Town in one day means an early departure 6.30 to 7h30 getting to Dar by 14h30.

There are many cheaper alternatives to travel to Dar es Salaam - US$6 to US$10. The two best companies being Amazon or Fresh Coaches as they travel at a slower speed and have fewer seats squashed inside. The fast coaches are not safe and should be avoided at all costs.

The last ferry to Zanzibar departs about 16h30. There is an overnight ferry but this is from Zanzibar into Dar only - it is slow but cheap.

For more information on travel to Tanzania http://wwwbetheladventure.co.uk and for a non-tourist information and Tanzania tourism links see http://www.tanzaia-info.co.uk support responsible tourism and change lives