| Linux (and its close relation Unix) and Windows 2000 (and its close cousin Windows NT) are types of software (known as operating systems) that web servers use to do the kind of things that web servers do. You do not need to know any real detail of either to make a decision as to which you need but here a few guidelines. By and large Linux/Unix servers are a bit "less heavily loaded" so a bit more efficient, run faster and so cost less than Windows 2000 or NT web servers for an equivalent configuration. Windows 2000 or NT servers generally offer more sophisticated features than Linux and Unix servers and make it easier to develop advanced web site functionality, especially where online database applications are concerned. If your site, like most web sites, is what might be termed "brochure-ware" then Linux servers are ideal. By brochure-ware I mean a site that offers the kind of information that in the past might have been provided on paper in the form of brochures, newsletters or data sheets. Brochure-ware sites will offer some interaction through enquiry forms and can certainly incorporate online purchasing and other routine e-commerce functions. If however your site incorporates an online searchable database or interactive chat facilities then Windows 2000 or NT will be a better bet in most cases. It will cost a bit more but you'll get that back in reduced development time and simply better functionality. However if you are not sure then email us or call us on 01386 792972 and we'll help you decide by talking through the issues. However little you know about the technicalities of the internet don't worry, you probably know more than we do about your speciality. So we will explain without jargon and we'll get to the right answer together! | 
