What’s The Big Difference Between Windows Hosting And Linux Hosting?
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.
Linux hosting has, for some time now, been the most popular choice for hosting websites. It is traditionally viewed as the most stable, reliable and efficient operating system for servers, though Windows hosting has begun to make a lot of progress in this area. Both systems have specific advantages and drawbacks that should help determine which server OS you eventually choose.
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.
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.
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.
At the end of the day, the biggest difference between the operating systems is the purpose of use. If you are going to be hosting a more traditional website or blog, Linux hosting is probably best for you. If you want a more complex solution with great interactive features, Windows hosting just might be the best way for you to go.
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