UNIX or NT? Perl or ASP?
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By By Benny A

Compare Unix (Perl/CGI scripts) Vs Windows NT (ASP scripts)

Introduction
Everyone in the world is looking for the best of everything. They want the best and keep searching for it. One way to find it is to ask your friend; another way is to ask the friendly web. If you are one of those seekers, I believe you have found a good place to find out about servers and scripts.

If you are planning to launch a web site, then it is a good idea to consider the kind of webserver to use before you begin. You basically have two big options Windows NT and UNIX In this article we want you to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each server in relation to the different component scripts (ASP and CGI). This is a critical decision that will send web site development work in one of two very different directions. The server you choose will cause you to use ASP script (NT) or CGI/Perl scripts (UNIX).

In simple words, scripts are programs that can add usefulness to a website. For example, getting feedback from a visitor or carrying out a survey are things that are done by scripts. Because of their usefulness many people are enthusiastic about learning how to get scripts working on a web site. But don't let this zeal get the better of you. First you need to carefully look at which scripts are compatible with which servers.

You need to keep one important thing in mind: CGI scripts are meant mainly for UNIX servers while ASP scripts (Active server Pages) for Windows NT. Let us discuss them in detail so that at the end of this tutorial, you will be equipped to choose the best server that will fit your needs. I cannot not say which one is best, but I am providing you with the pros and cons so that you can arrive at a decision yourself.

Information used in this comparison is derived from a variety of sources; white papers, technical journals, and observations made by my friends who have years of industry experience in implementing and administering both Windows NT and various UNIX operating systems.

Definitions
A "Server" is a computer connected to the Internet where the websites reside. Your server can be anywhere in the world. It really does not matter if it is next door or on the other side of the globe. Here is where all your information is documented as "files". The World Wide Web accepted format for an Internet file is called an HTML document. Your server will be given a domain name (e.g.: www.xyz.com) and we can call it to access your server.

"Scripts" are small software programs that can enable a web page to do a variety of different things. A script can be added to your site to carry out this function. Scripts can run either from your browser (client side**) or from your server (server side**)

We intend to add new chapters to this tutorial. Bookmark this page so that you can come back easily. >>

Chapter 1: UNIX Vs Windows NT
Chapter 2: CGI Vs ASP
Chapter 3: Conclusion - Look for the best

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