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The main difference is what operating system the server uses. Microsoft means the OS is Windows based. Linux means some version of Linux is the OS.
The main difference is if you do "dynamic" web pages, different programming languages are used to provide the brains that drive the site. Dynamic pages are ones that can change automatically. Usually, Linux uses PHP and Microsoft uses ASP.
Windows/ASP is easier to learn but can be limiting in what you can do. Linux/PHP has more flexibility but has a steeper learning curve.
For basic static pages (those that change only because you uploaded a new version), it really doesn't matter too much.
Some Windows servers allow Front Page extensions, some don't. From what I understand, 1&1 just dropped extensions within the past week or so. Without them, uploading the finished product from your computer to the server requires using FTP.
(the countdown ornament in my signature is created by a PHP script on my personal site)
____________________ -Dave
It's "Merry Christmas" not "Happy Holidays"
Thanks for the imput. As I understand it for someone like myself that is programming challanged it won't matter. Looks like I'm going to need to find someone to design it for me. My My My! Whydid I cut class so many years ago and go play pinball! NAW it wouldn't have mattered I still couldn't have done this.. LOL
____________________ The Benham Family Tim & Hope of Bardstown,KY
I have been using and recommending 1and1 for several years. In every case, for an inexperienced user, I recommend the Windows server, not Linux. It is just easier for them.
One of my first websites for my niece (http://www.mystace.net) is Linux based. I had trouble with some pages not being found. Turns out that Linux, like all *nix systems, is case sensitive and I was sloppy.
Every site since then has been Windows. I am able to FTP into them from my web browser as well as using an FTP program. Very handy.
Also, Linux does NOT allow directory browsing, but Windows will. Considering the huge amount of space 1and1 gives you, it is great for storing lots of photos and letting my relatives and friends just browse down a directory listing.
Good luck.
Last edited on Monday March 3rd, 2008 01:35 am by JonB256
of AC and 
of DC from D-Light