There is a lot of discussion in the web hosting world over which operating system makes a better server: Linux or Windows. There are a number of differences between Linux hosting and Windows hosting that could have an impact on how your website is delivered over the Internet, and what, exactly your website will be capable of. Careful consideration is required to make the right decision.
The most popular choice for website hosting has been for a long time now Linux hosting. Traditionally, Linux hosting is a reliable and efficient OS for servers and viewed as a very stable and reliable system. Windows hosting is quickly gaining in popularity and has made a lot of progress in the area of web hosting. No matter which operation system you choose to use, they each have their specific drawbacks and advantages.
The most obvious benefit of Linux hosting is the price. Because it is an open source operating system, it is free to the public which makes it the more affordable option. Many of the most popular applications used in web development are also open source, such as PHP, MySQL, and Python, and these programs run especially well on a Linux machine.
Windows hosting, on the other hand, costs more because of its proprietary nature, but it allows you to host any kind of application on the same server. You could use an ASP.Net application backed up by an MS-SQL database behind it, and simultaneously host a PHP blog with a MySQL database to power it on the same server.
One major advantage that Linux has over Windows hosting is the fact that Linux development is an ongoing process. There are a huge community of users who are constantly working on improving the platform. Because it is open source, there isn’t the greatest support for the platform, but thanks to this growing community, a user can generally find the help they need and answers to their questions for almost anything.
Windows hosting started off with a smaller user base, but it continues to grow in popularity. Despite being the more expensive option, many users are choosing it for its familiar interface and compatibility with other Microsoft products. If your site is going to use ASP or .Net applications, a Windows server is the only way to go.
Both Linux hosting and Windows hosting platforms continue to grow and evolve, and they are becoming more advanced and more convenient to use. At the same time, they are becoming more specialized in how they can be most effectively used.
In the end, that is the largest difference between the operating systems: what they are going to be used for. If you are planning a traditional website (graphics, text, ecommerce functions, etc) then you are probably okay using a Linux hosting platform. If, on the other hand, you are using a few more complex, interactive features, then Windows just might be the way to go.
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