linux or windows for ecommerce site?

nursallie · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2006, 10:21 PM

My web designer will use Flash MX to create the website on a Windows XP platform. I will have a programmer incoporate OsCommerce and Paypal Payments Pro. When I obtain hosting, should I go with windows or linux?

sub_kovert · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 02:24 PM

Flash combined with OsCommerce?.....Good luck!!

OsCommerce uses PHP scripts & MySQL database so the obvious choice would be a linux box. Saying that I am running PHP & MySQL on a windows server 2003 box with no problems, so it doesn't really matter. I use ASP with either access or MSSQL so windows in the way for me.

jestep · #3 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nursallie

My web designer will use Flash MX to create the website on a Windows XP platform. I will have a programmer incoporate OsCommerce and Paypal Payments Pro. When I obtain hosting, should I go with windows or linux?

I'm curious as to what the flash is being used for in the overall picture. Flash presents a lot of usability barriers especially for newer, less established websites.

As far as hosting, it's hard to recommend a platform without knowing exactly what you are doing. If it is a standard oscommerce site, that needs PHP and mysql then I have to recommend Linux. If you are running ASP or another windows based program, then a Windows server would be more appropriate.

oklahomawebhost · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 03:09 PM

It doesn't really matter which host. Windows hosting can support OSCommerce with mysql and php, as can linux. We utilize many open source sites on our windows 2003 servers, but at the same time we optimize our servers to run php apps along side asp and .net apps. Often times it just depends on what you're comfortable with.

On another note, I don't believe your site being designed in flash mx will be an issue, unless you want oscommerce integrated completed into your site. but a flash header added into oscommerece is completely do-able. Also have you considered Zen Cart in comparision to Oscommerce?

nursallie · #5 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 08:40 PM

Hi all,
Just checking back and realized it had been some time since i posted my question.
The website is a childrens cartoon like website design with a character who is animated. She and her dog are animated on the site. the site will be an "ecommerce" site becuase it is primarily to SELL my products. That is why I want to use Oscommerce. BUT the site is being completely designed first and then I will hire a programmer to put the "ecommerce" part in, with the click to add to shopping cart and purchasing (with paypal payments pro)

Is this feasible???
Thanks.

oklahomawebhost · #6 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 08:47 PM

Certainly, all of what you're doing can be designed, and oscommerce integrated into it.

I honestly still think you can use windows or linux, I think you're mainly just going to want a host with good support especially for open source and ecommerce apps.

Let me know if you have any other hosting questions.

nursallie · #7 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 09:03 PM

Hi there,
Thanks for your quick response. what do you mean by having flash completely integrated in the site vs a flash header?

The header will be static.
the animated character will be on the middle of the page.

Also, my webmaster said the hosting linux or windows are both ok, but he hinted toward Windows/. I know windows is more user friendly since i work on windows (as do most people) every day. But everyone keeps telling me to go with Linux. Will the linux vs the windows hosting alter how I view my website? Will i even know the difference?
thanks

oklahomawebhost · #8 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 09:13 PM

Well there are some sites that are built pretty much completely in flash. the menu's, pages, etc.. are all built through flash. My question was is your entire site going to be built in flash,or were you just going to use a flash header.

But you're going with a static header, and animated character in the middle, so most likely once your designer sets up oscommerce they can just take your static header, create a theme, and integrate that into oscommerce.

I don't think there's going to be a user friendly issue when it comes to hosting. There is mainly a difference when you want something specific, such as if your programmer designs your site with asp.net or sql server, things specific like that require windows, although there are ways to get technologies like that to run on linux.

Something you may want to look at though is the control panel most linux hosts use cpanel, cpanel isn't available for windows, so hosts like us use Helm, which our customers love. I think it's extremely user friendly. So to answer your question, I think you won't really notice the difference as a user, and no it won't alter how you view your site.

Thanks :)