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Operating system for a dedicated server |
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Servers hosting, clusters installation, dedicated servers, managed servers and high availability platforms. Services are guaranteed by contract and quality is ensured by ISO 9001 and 27001 certifications. |
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Platform and security for a dedicated server
The dedicated server platform as a complete hardware and software system is a complex enviroment where numerous components coexist and each one has its own characteristics of use and performance. The operating system is the one that we can consider as the critical component in a dedicated server and its selection by the client is perhaps one of the most important decisions that we must take. The main ones are Linux (RedHat, Debian,...), UNIX (FreeBSD, Solaris,...) and Windows (2000 Server, 2003 Server).
Windows and Linux/UNIX are comparable operating systems in many aspects and they even provide similar functionalities. One of the main areas in debate between them is security. These systems fulfill the security specifications of the "Orange Book" by the National Department of Security Computer Science the United States that is considered as the standard for the evaluation of the computer security science. The most common classification is C2, initial requirement to the product commercialization in most of the governmental facilities in the United States.
The differences in protection and security between Linux/UNIX and Windows can be attributed partly to the relative age of each one of these operating systems. UNIX has been providing network services for a longer time and therefore it has more experience in the handling of security violations. On the other hand, Windows does not agglutinate such a long experience in these enviroments. Anyways, it continuously appears new security failures in both platforms and patches must be applied on a regular basis by their respective people in charge. |
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Networking and applications
UNIX and UNIX developers have been working for years in the servers enviroment. As for Windows, it is a field in which Microsoft does not want to loose market, but is relatively new in it. Due to the experience acquired by the users with the much more popular Windows workstations, the access and learning of a dedicated server based on Windows could be an easier task. On the other hand, Linux/UNIX continues improving to offer more friendly administrative tools.
An area where the differences can be more pronounced between the different operating systems is the applications field. There is an enormous and increasing number of web application developers for both platforms, but it is also true that some applications are just available for one operating system.
Since it is a common practice using existing data and applications when migrating to a new dedicated servant it is important to consider the way we will be able to integrate them and to select the operating system in agreement to necessities. For example, if we have a data base under UNIX, it will probably be easier to connect to a Linux or UNIX dedicated server, even if it is just a matter of maintenance and support. However, if we work with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets or Microsoft Access databases, a Windows dedicated server will make our daily work easier. |
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