Linux and Microsoft Windows are the two main web-hosting services on the market. Linux is an open source software server, which makes it cheaper and easier to use than a Windows server. Windows is a commercial product that Microsoft sells for profit. For many companies, the profit is worth the price. A Windows server generally offers more range and more support than Linux servers.
Linux is generally the choice for start-up companies while Microsoft is typically the choice of large existing companies. Companies in the middle between start-up and big companies should look to using a VPS (Virtual Private Server). Both Linux and Windows offer VPS hosting servers. A VPS runs its own copy of an operating system. That makes it easy for the customer to install any software built for that server type.
Advantages of a Linux server or a Windows server
There is a wide variety of benefits to using Linux servers. They may be less user friendly than Windows, but they are far more versatile and offer stronger security. For servers that hold sensitive data and need maximum efficiency, Linux is far and away the best fit.
In addition to security and efficiency, Linux servers have several other advantages over Windows. Because Linux is open source, you don’t pay for a license, which lowers costs. With the right redundancy in place, they’re also more reliable. They can ride out maintenance and hardware failures without shutting down. Other benefits include:
Cost savings
Open-source systems such as Linux are free to the public. The hosting company only pays for the technical support to install and maintain it. Hosts normally spread that support cost across all their clients, so each client company pays relatively little. With Windows, the company usually either buys the operating system or pays for a recurring software license.
When you’re not paying for the license for your server operating system, you’re saving time and money. Linux’s license-free model cuts the cost of keeping your server up and running. It also makes upgrading to the newest version an easy choice.
Access to open source applications
As with most technology, though, applications work better with similarly designed applications. This means a company using a Linux server should be able to seamlessly use open-source software. You can run Windows applications with a Linux server, but it takes extra work to connect the two technologies.
More reliable
Linux and open-source software generally use fewer resources, making the system more efficient. Lower resource consumption means improved performance, lower infrastructure requirements, and lower costs when it comes to implementing redundancy measures. All of this contributes to improved reliability, which is an invaluable asset in this context.
Since Linux is open source, a skilled system administrator can also tune the software and its environment for better performance. Linux gives a proactive admin deep backend access, so they can optimize the system with almost no limits.
Easier to modify
Admins can modify Linux servers and software on the fly. Changes to Windows products usually mean waiting for Microsoft to release a new version. That speed matters when your team spots a security breach or finds a vulnerability in the server setup.
This open ended environment improves versatility substantially, adding an extra layer of security. You can adjust system parameters and functionality immediately, without taking the server offline. If your company relies on its servers to reach its goals, this versatility is a crucial advantage.
Benefits of Windows servers over Linux servers
In general, Windows servers are more robust systems. They take a more cohesive, polished approach than Linux, so they are usually easier to use and maintain. IT staff can stay on top of technical issues without spending excessive time on monitoring and maintenance. Here are the main areas where Windows servers pull ahead.
Better support
While Windows servers and Windows applications come with a cost, they also both usually come with paid support. With open-source software, the client and the hosting company usually have to pay outside experts who know the platform. The alternative is community support, which can take time. Often, too, community members can’t answer your particular questions.
Better integration with Microsoft products
Microsoft designs Windows applications to integrate with Windows servers. That makes Windows the better value if your business already relies on Windows software. For companies that run Microsoft SQL Server or Microsoft Access, a Windows server may be the only option. Teams typically run Access in desktop environments, while SQL Server normally runs in a cluster hosting environment.
More complete
Windows servers and software generally have more features, bells, and whistles than open-source software. As a whole, Windows Server OS is far more user friendly than Linux, with greatly enhanced user experience functionality. This enables less technologically proficient users to work efficiently without learning an entirely new UI.
While the versatility of Linux is one of its great advantages, it’s also something of a double edged sword. To get that flexibility, an admin must set up every component and tune nearly everything by hand. For admins without the time or experience for that, the out-of-the-box setup of Windows Server is highly convenient.
Remote desktop access
Linux servers are command-line based. Windows servers come with Remote Desktop, which makes management easier because it has a graphical user interface. Linux does have GUIs, but an administrator has to set them up and needs some experience with the OS.
Remote Desktop also helps administrators because they can access the network and handle basic tasks from anywhere. In a crisis, an administrator can shut down the entire system remotely until the team finds a better fix. Situations like these call for fast, decisive action, and Remote Desktop lets admins take it.
Scripting frameworks
Microsoft frameworks such as ASP and ASP.NET are easier to install and manage than Linux scripting frameworks. They also have better support. ASP is the predecessor to ASP.NET. Scripts and web pages developed using one of these two Microsoft frameworks will normally only work on a Windows server.
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