Understanding the Difference Between Linux Hosting and Windows Hosting

When it comes to which operating system between Windows or Linux is better for making a server, there is a lot of discussion in the web hosting world. Some of the big arguments on which between Windows hosting and Linux hosting are sprung from exactly what your website is capable of on each OS and the way a website is delivered over the internet. To make the right decision, careful consideration should be taken.

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.

Linux development is an ongoing process by a huge community of users. Some people have been hesitant in the past to use an open source operating system because of a perceived lack of support, but now, thanks to the growing community of Linux developers, a user can quickly and easily find the help and support they need, or an application for almost any situation.

Because Windows hosting has been less popular in the past, it started with a smaller user base, but today it is continually growing in popularity. Even though Windows web hosting is more expensive, more users are starting to migrate over the a Windows server due to the ability to integrate easily with other Microsoft products.

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.

Linux development is an ongoing process by a huge community of users. Some people have been hesitant in the past to use an open source operating system because of a perceived lack of support, but now, thanks to the growing community of Linux developers, a user can quickly and easily find the help and support they need, or an application for almost any situation.