IX Web Hosting giving incorrect information about developing programs?

[Butch1]

Hi read on for my crisis, I was really interested in IX Webhosting but they told me today that Linux anywhere is the same as Unix now. It will take all Unix programming. Does this sound right to those of you who develop special Unix programs?

The problem is I just got a email from Go Daddy tonight, easter special, 15 percent off if I purchase a hosting plan through them by sunday night. I would prefer to go with IX web hosting, they offer a lot more space for the price but I need to know the answer to this IX unix question. Because if IX is wrong about Unix, I will go with Go Daddy instead. IX doesn't have Unix. Please get back to me. Thanks, Butch.

[ray326]

That's essentially true but it depends on the kind of programming and the specific Unix vendor. Applications programming is very similar on all Unix and Linux flavors but systems programming brings out the differences.

[Butch1]

Thanks, thats just what I am worried about. I have a couple of programs that I need to run on my website but they say they need Unix. So that is why the answer to this question is so important. Keep your opinions coming and then I will just have to make a big judgement call because I don't have time to research this thoroughly. My decision will mainly be based on the answers I get from this forum.

[ray326]

Normally "needs Unix" will mean "needs something not available on Windows." If there's going to be a real problem it will not say "Unix", it will say Solaris, HP-UX, AIX or some other specific vendor's version.

[Butch1]

OK just found out from another host that there are some things you cannot do on Linux that you can on Unix on vice versa. Thats kind of what I thought so solves that question. Thanks for the help Ray. Now I could use more insight on who any of you reading this prefer before my deadline, Go Daddy, or IX webhosting and why please. Thanks, Butch.

[felgall]

There are a number of different "flavours" of Unix. Four of them have been mentioned in this thread so far.

Solaris, HP-UX, AIX and Linux.

So what you need to find out is which Unix it is that they are using for the hosting. Most Unix based web hosting runs on Linux.

[ray326]

Linux isn't even a variant of one of the Unix bases. That's why it's called generically called GNU Linux. It implements most Unix APIs like Posix and it has functional equivalents of all the generic Unix utilities so it looks like a Unix but it isn't Unix.

(I know. You bloody logical Aussies will now quote me the "looks like a duck" sermon.) :D