In just about any industry there are always huge debates regarding different products and services. It is exactly the same in the web hosting industry. The debate is simple, which operating system makes a better server: Windows or Linux? There are dozens of differences between Linux web hosting and Windows web hosting. Understanding the differences and taking time to consider them will help you make the right decision concerning your web hosting package.
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.
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.
Since both the Linux hosting and Windows hosting platforms are still growing and evolving, they are both becoming more advanced and more user friendly. One the other hand, each of them are starting to become more specialized in how they are meant to be 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.
Are you confused with the extreme differences between Linux hosting and Windows hosting? Don’t worry your little heart, most people are as confused or more confused than you! I am hoping that now you can make an educated decision on which one is right for you.
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