I got this post under a diffrent forum and would like to know what you guys think.
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I am certified by Microsoft and have worked with Windows NT quite extensively, so I think I have just a little experience to rely on in making this post:
Windows NT is a great OS for running an internal network on -- I've used it extensively when I worked for other organizations as an employee and later as a networking consultant. From fairly nice security, to the ability to easily customize it to our needs with simple scripts, to the ability to build a machine within only minutes by using a stored copy of a drive. I've built a LOT of public workstations, staff workstations, among other things under an NT network, and overall it worked VERY well. For day-to-day tasks NT offers all the features most business individuals would want, and the security as well. If you're looking for an OS to run within your business, and you need security and stability, Windows NT /2000 is by far your best bet, both cost-wise, and performance-wise.
However, I will strongly advise anyone who can against hosting under NT. The reasons are simple:
a. Security
b. Reliability and uptime
Security: In an internal network environment, as a systems administrator I have the power to set up a firewall to COMPLETELY block Internet Access to servers, and machines as necessary. Ports can be filtered, proxies installed, etc., and the threat of any outside security break-in can be taken to a minimum. In a closed-door environment where the systems administrator has access to the routers and firewalls, and there is no content being served through the Internet, NT is perfect. Even with separate locations, a VPN can be set up rather easily to do encrypted transmissions.
However, the moment you start working with the general public on the Internet, you're suddenly in a whole new boat. When you go out and put up a web server, you're suddenly placed into a very new environment, for which NT was *never* designed for. Microsoft threw up the IIS web server when they realized that the internet was suddenly growing, and it was and still is by no means ready for general use. Immediately, you got to have a systems administrator which knows EVERY in and out of NT, which VERY FEW hosting firms actually have -- you REALLY need to know NT to be able to secure it for this kind of use.
I find security of most NT servers highly questionable -- one of the key points in securing any server is constant monitoring which is next to impossible in NT because there is no feature like Telnet which allows you to see EVERYTHING on your server. Sure there are tools -- but nothing close to whats available under Telnet. The level of monitoring doesn't even come close to that which is available under Unix, no matter WHAT you use.
Microsoft software in general is extremely buggy and requires constant patches -- even with all the security set, NT needs to be patched VERY often, which is where the reliability factor comes in. Under Unix I can do most patches without rebooting the server, but under NT -- nono, you gotta reboot after you do every little thing! What kind of uptime is that?
Folks, the fact of the matter is that Microsoft itself uses FreeBSD [a flavor of unix we also happen to use] for HotMail because their NT couldn't handle the load, nor be properly secured! So why would you choose their OS for your site, when they themselves can't use it?
I don't have time right now to go into any more detail than I have mentioned, but I strongly advise you to stay away from NT at all costs for hosting -- its just not up to the task.
Have a great day, and good luck! I hope this little tidbit helps!
Sincerely,
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