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My current website is too slow - what should I use now?
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2003 12:52 pm
by Swede78
My current web site uses an Access 97 database, and I use ASP web pages. It's unbelievebly slow. I know that MySQL is probably the way to go as far as the database itself. (If not, let me know) But, what should I write the pages in? ASP or PHP? I think it would be quicker to redo my site in ASP using a MySQL database, but I'm having a tough time finding any support on it.
If I use PHP, can I still use ASP on other pages? Also, I have IIS installed. If I continue using ASP, but want to switch to MySQL, is it possible to continue using IIS, or do I need to install Apache or some other server software?
Sorry for any bad questions, but I only consider myself a web designer, not a developer. I can't afford to hire an IT, and my host doesn't exactly want to help more than they have to. That's why I'm posting my questions here, hopefully someone will respond.
Thanks
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2003 6:26 pm
by m3mn0n
what should I write the pages in? ASP or PHP?
No questions asked, PHP.
I think it would be quicker to redo my site in ASP using a MySQL database, but I'm having a tough time finding any support on it.
Google Search.
MSN Search.
Yahoo Search. Enjoy.
If I use PHP, can I still use ASP on other pages? Also, I have IIS installed.
You sure can, as long as PHP is also enabled on the server. But i don't suggest it because it can affect the execution time.
Here is a search done with google on installing php on IIS.
Sorry i'd answer the rest but duty calls...
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2003 3:12 am
by volka
but before turning everything upside down you should clearly identify the part(s) that slow down your application. A profiler would be of great help but unfortunatly I don't know a good one for asp. Anyhow there are some components (i would consider toys

) that might help you.
e.g.
http://www.4guysfromrolla.com/webtech/122700-1.shtml
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2003 11:10 am
by Swede78
Thanks Oromian,
I think I'll install PHP in IIS. I didn't know that was possible. I thought PHP could only be installed with Apache.
I'd rather do that for now, because I've heard that Apache's security features are quite advanced and you really need to know what you're doing.
Eventually, I'd like to use Apache. I had downloaded some pre-configured PHP/Apache/MySQL packages, but haven't installed them yet. Wanted to do a little more research first. I've heard Apache is much better than IIS, but I've never heard the reasons why.
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2003 11:19 am
by Swede78
volka wrote:but before turning everything upside down you should clearly identify the part(s) that slow down your application.
Volka,
I'm pretty sure that it's the Access 97 database. It's just not meant for web usage. It takes forever to do a simple search. I'm not sure, but I don't think that speed my pages load is affected by ASP. My database queries are very simple, and I don't do very complex code at all. If all my ASP pages were rewritten in PHP, but still used Access 97 DB, would there really be much of a difference in speed?
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2003 11:25 am
by Swede78
Oromian wrote:
If I use PHP, can I still use ASP on other pages? Also, I have IIS installed.
You sure can, as long as PHP is also enabled on the server. But i don't suggest it because it can affect the execution time.
Oromian,
Are you saying that having both ASP and PHP installed on IIS can affect execution time? Do you suggest only having PHP enabled on the server? Not quite catching what you mean by that.
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2003 3:16 pm
by volka
I'm not sure, but I don't think that speed my pages load is affected by ASP
That may be a conclusion of the testing results as well if your checkpoints are placed well

Measuring the execution time of certain parts of the script (including the database-querries) is easy. Converting the script might be not.
Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2003 5:12 am
by m3mn0n
Swede78 wrote:Oromian wrote:
If I use PHP, can I still use ASP on other pages? Also, I have IIS installed.
You sure can, as long as PHP is also enabled on the server. But i don't suggest it because it can affect the execution time.
Oromian,
Are you saying that having both ASP and PHP installed on IIS can affect execution time? Do you suggest only having PHP enabled on the server? Not quite catching what you mean by that.
Well what i mean't was both installed and both being used on the same web application. But then again it all really boils down to how fast the server is and how extensive the code/query is.
