When you set out to buy your first web hosting package, you will not only need to choose the type of hosting package for your website but (in some cases) also the infrastructure-namely, a Linux or Windows server.
Linux Hosting
As you probably know, Linux is an open-source OS that is widely used by developers. It also happens to be the top choice for hosting platforms.
It’s not a coincidence that Linux has made its way to the top of the hosting world, but it can’t compete with Windows or macOS when it comes to home PCs. Here’s why Linux has the edge when it comes to servers:- More stability. Linux is renowned for its stability as an OS. Since it’s an open-source platform, it can be adapted to almost any environment, and it’s under constant development.
- Increased security. to be safer than Windows, thanks to its open-source nature.
- Lower cost. Linux is free, whereas you’ll need to pay for a license if you want to set up Windows on one of your servers. That means that hosting providers can pass on savings to you with cheaper plans.
As a matter of fact, one of the only downsides of choosing Linux as your server’s OS is its learning curve. Anyone can learn how to use the system, but to get the most out of it, you’ll have to get comfortable with its command line.
With that in mind, if you have experience as a developer or a system administrator, then Linux is probably the best option for you. Even if you don’t, you can still opt for it if you don’t mind learning how to use the system.
The Key Information About Linux Hosting
Before we delve deeper into the practical benefits of Linux web hosting, let’s start with arguably its biggest selling point: Linux is a free open source system. This allows web hosting providers to utilize the benefits of Linux without worrying about licensing costs. That freedom of use means that those web hosting providers relying on Linux will usually offer much lower costs for their services compared to Windows equivalents.
If you’re operating within strict budget constraints, Linux web hosting would appear to have the edge. While Linux is more accessible on a financial level, it is perhaps less accessible on a technical level. Performing essential functions on Linux must be done via the command line, a task which requires plenty of specialist knowledge if the user doesn’t want to upset their system.
You can hire a Linux administrator to integrate software on your behalf, although this negates the bargain of the initial web hosting costs, or install a graphical user interface (GUI), which can diminish the speed of Linux. However, if you can master Linux then you’ll have full access to an extremely powerful and flexible OS, plus you’ll be able to modify servers and software much easier than on Windows.
Linux can support pretty much any type of website that you can imagine, whether you’re setting up a simplistic personal blog or a complex e-commerce site. If you’re looking to use applications such as WordPress, Python, or Perl, then Linux will be your best bet, while this OS is also particularly adept at running PHP and MySQL as a combination. Windows can handle PHP and MySQL as well, but Linux was devised with these two formats in mind, so it is more suited to running both at once.
A Linux hosting package is perfect for :
Individuals who want access to a large stock of ready-to-use, free , open-source applications.
Windows Hosting
Windows needs no introduction. It’s the most popular OS on the planet, and while you might be most familiar with its use on PCs, it’s also available for servers under the Windows Server moniker.
In years past, the idea of comparing Windows to Linux from a hosting perspective would’ve been ludicrous. The latter was simply a much more mature system as far as customization and security, but Windows has managed to somewhat close that gap. In fact, it even has a few advantages over its open-source alternative, including:
- It’s easier to set up. If you’ve used both platforms, then you’re probably nodding right now. Windows is much easier to configure and set up than Linux.
- It’s easier to use the .NET framework . Developing web applications using the .NET framework is much easier in a Windows-based environment.
You might have noticed that we haven’t mentioned stability or security yet. While Windows isn’t inherently unreliable, it’s still not quite at the level of Linux when it comes to those aspects (yet).
With that in mind, there are three types of users who would benefit from using Windows as their server’s OS. First of all, if ease of use is the aspect you care most about, go for it. The same goes if you plan to use the .NET framework to develop your web applications – Windows is simply the most logical choice. Finally, if you don’t want to deal with a ton of customization options and would just like to use an OS that works out of the box, Windows is probably the right choice for you.
The Key Information About Windows Hosting
One of Linux’s biggest advantages is its cost, so you might be able to tell where this is going. Windows web hosting packages will generally be more expensive than their Linux counterparts, as the Windows OS is not open source and is therefore subject to licensing fees. Many consider the price of a Windows OS worth paying in order to access a familiar brand, plus you might find that the price of Windows web hosting comes with a more comprehensive support system to help you get up and running.
If you asked a group of 100 people to name an OS, you wouldn’t be surprised if 95 of them came back with Windows as their first answer. Because Windows is commonly adopted by businesses, it might make sense to opt for Windows servers in order to be more compatible with Microsoft products. One of the biggest advantages of a Windows-based server package is its accessibility; the intuitive and powerful GUI on its Remote Desktop system allows even rookie admins to confidently perform tasks.
Those tasks would be virtually impossible for a total beginner on a Linux OS, so it is clear that Windows has the edge when it comes to ease of use. However, a confident programmer may find that the Windows command line is less flexible and responsive than the Linux equivalent, while Linux offers a much smoother process when hosting on an application like WordPress.
There are some situations where the decision is taken out of your hands and you’ll have to choose Windows web hosting. If you plan on working with, MS-SQL, or .NET Core, then you’ll require a Windows server. ASP.NET is a powerful scripting framework, so being forced to choose Windows is no bad thing in this case. ASP.NET’s high performance and low development times, plus its server-side nature, has many people turning to the trusted combination of this framework and a Windows OS to meet their needs.
A Windows hosting package is perfect for :
Individuals who want to build/have more complex websites usually require languages like Perl, ASP, PHP, etc. which would be better suited to a Windows server.
Which hosting is best for WordPress: Linux or Windows?
When it comes to WordPress hosting , Linux is the better OS. WordPress runs on PHP, which is much harder to configure on Windows. The Microsoft Access database is not as robust as MySQL, and it may slow down your website.
As there are no licensing costs associated with Linux, you can easily find affordable, managed WordPress hosting that uses this OS. Also, most popular hosts will provide an intuitive dashboard, making Linux easier to use than it otherwise would be.
Linux also benefits from being an open-source platform. Like WordPress, many developers contribute to the system to ensure it’s stable and secure.
Finally, Linux is flexible enough for custom code and application development. However, if you’re planning to set up the .NET framework or use applications like ColdFusion, ASP Classic, or Microsoft SQL Server, you should opt for Windows hosting.
Why Windows Web Hosting?
In order to have a successful web presence one needs to take help from a web hosting provider. We all know that website hosting is a service that provides users with an online system for storing information, images, video or any file that can be easily accessed via the internet. So in order to gain from your website, quality hosting services is what you actually require. Obviously, we all want to select a web hosting service provider who offers high-quality hosting solutions, but most people tend to fumble on choosing a platform; i.e. Windows web hosting or Linux web hosting. Here is a small brief on Windows hosting solution.
Windows is a solution designed by Microsoft, and usually comes with a licensing cost. We also know the fact that most web applications being used today are Windows-based and hence this is most recommended. Windows server hosting allows any Microsoft applications to integrate easily and efficiently. Windows hosting is generally recommended to those users who wish to create a website using ASP.NET framework. This web hosting service allows the developer to host a website along with other applications very easily on ASP.NET environment.
Although it is known to be an expensive hosting service, the benefits it brings along with it are certainly worth the extra money. Smooth integration, high level of security, application compatibility and single point of control are some of its most renowned advantages. Windows website hosting is considered Ideal for ASP.NET applications, which allows the users to build a dynamic website and also make it user-friendly. Compatibility with Microsoft applications is another benefit of windows hosting. When it comes to database support, Windows hosting has proved to be much better than other options. For database servers like MSDE, MySQL or MSSQL, Windows platform provides complete integration. Windows hosting also provides better performance in comparison to other platforms. Even at high server loads the servers remain stable.
Now that we’ve elaborated the difference between Linux and Windows Hosting, it’s clear that there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Your choice really depends on the kind of requirements you have. It is important to note however, that in recent years, with the rise of the cloud, web developers are moving away from focusing on infrastructure and more on the applications they wish to build. The type of OS may cease to matter in the future. In an indication of this, Microsoft is increasingly focusing more on its cloud offering, Microsoft Azure, than on pushing its Windows servers.
Conclusion :
Knowing your way around the pros and cons of Linux and Windows when it comes to hosting is crucial if you’re thinking about configuring your own server, be it a virtual or a dedicated one. Your choice of OS will impact almost every aspect of how you interact with it, so it isn’t to be taken lightly.
In most cases, people will recommend Linux as the default option for your server. After all, it’s open-source, highly customizable, and (technically)more secure. However, gone are the days when Windows couldn’t compete at all in the realm of hosting. Nowadays, Windows servers may still not be as popular as their counterparts, but they have benefits of their own, such as their ease of use.
You can also read this article about 6 Best WordPress Hosting Services 2020