When looking to run a Web server, you have to make sure that either you have the required software (if running in-house), or that the hosting site you are looking to use runs the software that is needed. Some server software can run on only one OS, but some are multi-platform.
When looking at the choices in operating systems used for running a server, there are two main choices: Microsoft Windows and UNIX. Some people like the integration and ease of the Micrsoft OS, while others rather use UNIX since it is open-source, and also is believed to be more secure of the two. Some of the processes performed by an OS include:
- Running programs,
- Allocating computer resources (memory & disk space) to programs,
- Provide input and output services to devices used on the computer.
- Keep track of multiple usesrs on a network (for larger systems)
There are three main server software programs that are regularly used: Apache HTTP software, Microsoft Internet Information System, and Sun Java System Web Server. Below you will find a graph showing the Web server software used by active sites.
The way in which the Apache Web server software got its name is quite interesting, but here is a quick overview. A group of Webmasters around the world were working on a program that was constantly being updated. Each time there was a change, they used a 'patch' to update it, hence it was known as "a patchy" software, which is where the name Apache came from. It is the most used software since it is free and is a multi-platform program.
Microsoft IIS is a popular choice with smaller companies that mainly use the Microsoft Windows Server operating system, since it is bundled with the OS. The inclusion of multiple features allows for the creation of dynamic Web sites.
The third most popular option is the Sun JSWS, which is not a free choice, but is considered to be priced reasonably. It is also available on multiple OS. It makes up only about 1 percent of all Web servers, but is in use on about 30 percent of all public Web sites.
Finding Web Server Software Information
Out of curiousity, you can find out what Web server software option any Web site is running by using a tool on the Netcraft site. It shows the following information for any site chosen:
- Operating system being used;
- Web server software chosen;
- Server software run in past.