With a unique name as Ruby on Rails, users can expect a programming framework that delivers extraordinary performance.  The elusive creature was created by David Heinemeier Hannson launched in 2007.   Ruby on Rails is best known as an easy to use programming language tool used to develop web applications.  The popular tool, also referred to as simply Rails or shorten to RoR, is best known among web developers as being among the best open-source web frameworks for developing an array of applications.  The integral framework is best comparable to the Model-View-Controller (MVC).  With its increasing popularity, many web hosting providers are still not equipped to support Ruby on Rail; however, several other hosts accommodate the programming language.

Ruby on Rails aims to make the task of developing web applications less daunting and time-consuming.  Tens of thousands of users and developers find that the application is simple and provides for real-world solutions utilizing meta-programming with minimal code and configuration required.  Ruby on Rails strives to promote convention versus configuration; successfully succeeding in its mission.

Ruby on Rail Web Hosting Options

While Ruby on Rails is relatively a new programming tool, several web hosts provide support to both seasoned and novice users.  Among the leading web hosts to offer such support is Site5.  The web hosting service provides Ruby-friendly features such as FastCGI, EdgeRails and Switchtower/Capistrano ready.  Basic web hosting packages start at an affordable $4.95 per month.

Lunarpages is also a top pick among developers for Ruby on Rail.  Offering FastCGI on every server, shell access, excellent customer support, forum guides and money-saving coupons with business plans starting at $19.95 per month, it’s a popular reliable and affordable option.

BlueHost is another favorite among users.  The web hosting provider accommodates Ruby on Rails with remarkable uptime rates, shell access, quick and easy development of new applications, and a vast wealth of installed Gems.  Basic professional hosting packages begin at $5.95.  HostMonster, a product of BlueHost, is also a good option for those looking for hosting providers that offer Ruby on Rails support.  HostMonster provides useful reference material to get started using the programming tool, as well as efficient servers, secure shell access and quality customer support.  Basic hosting packages start at $5.95.

FatCow is also considered to be one of the best web hosting providers to offer Ruby on Rails support at an extremely affordable price of $3.67 per month or $51.00 per year.  Users also take advantage of such features as load-balanced architecture, vast script barn and SSL secure server.

Conclusion

While there are numerous other web hosts that offer Ruby on Rails support, it’s important to realize that not all are capable of supporting the framework.  If your web applications demand that you use Ruby on Rails, before choosing a web hosting provider, inquire as to whether or not the provider is able to accommodate all of your hosting needs.

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Original: Making Tracks with Ruby on Rails

The Apache vs IIS debate is just as old and intriguing as Linux vs. Windows.  Because these are two of the most widely used web server applications on the market, making a choice is often difficult.  If you have been struggling on which software to run on your server, the details in this article should be able to help you make a more informed decision.

Reliability and Performance

If you are worried about the reliability IIS offers vs. Apache, then your concerns are a bit outdated.  IIS 6.0 offered a process model able to reliably host applications and monitor them for health and responsiveness.  The main draw of this feature was its ability to proactively detect and recycle unhealthy applications.  IIS 7.0 took the process model one step further by creating a dynamic architecture for the Windows platform, making it a high-performance, multi-threaded server that enables secure isolation of websites by default.  With IIS, the Windows platform is agile enough to quickly respond to poor health conditions and recycle applications in a more efficient manner.

The Issue of PHP

If you are worried about IIS performance when running PHP vs Apache, then your concerns are definitely warranted.  Until recently, there where two ways to run PHP in the Windows environment: the slow way with CGI, and the unreliable way with ISAPI.  Because many PHP scripts are specifically written for Apache and Linux, running them on the Windows platform with ISAPI may cause them to crash and strip the IIS process serving the applications.  On the brighter side of things, Microsoft’s partnership with Zend has brought forth answers to many of these issues in the form of compatibility and performance fixes.  One of the most notable improvements is achieved through FastCGI, a feature that enables an IIS web server to deliver fast and reliable PHP hosting.

Ease of Use

One area in which IIS has always shined in comparison to Apache is user-friendly administrative tools.  IIS 7 keeps up the tradition by providing a new management tool that is extremely powerful yet simple and very ease to use.  Now feature-focused, the tool allows you to simply click on a web server, website or application to individually manage each element.  It supports remote administration via HTTP, making it possible to maintain the server locally or over the internet.  It also has configuration settings that make it easy to delegate administrators to specific websites and applications.  The new IIS administrative tool is completely module and built on a highly extensible framework that allows it be enhanced with ease.

IIS 7.0 is a breath of fresh air in comparison to previous Microsoft web server applications.  It offers rock-solid security along with the exceptional performance and reliability needed to run in demanding hosting environments.  In addition, it delivers some powerful management and extensibility capabilities that exceed Apache.  Both make an excellent choice, but IIS is growing more popular by the day.  Even if you already have Apache installed on your server, you can check out what IIS has to offer as it integrated into versions of Windows Vista as a desktop application.  If you are like most users, you will surely appreciate its power.

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Original: Apache vs. IIS Web Server