Linux vs Windows – Which Is Better For You?

Comparison Linux World Windows Hosting March 9th 2022

Linux vs Windows – choosing between the two popular types of web hosting is hard. Jam-packed with features and pros, both these are a great options for those who need good hosting. But here we are to help you make the right decision. Read on to know more.

From the robust stability of Linux to the user-friendly familiarity of Windows, the choice between these two operating systems can significantly impact the performance, security, and scalability of your web hosting environment. In this exploration, we will delve into the fundamental differences between Linux vs Windows hosting, shedding light on their distinctive features and helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique hosting requirements.

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What is Windows Hosting? 

As the name suggests, it is a type of hosting that uses Windows operating system and its variants. Websites that use windows operating uses can access the web development and programming aspects that Windows OS supports.

Since Windows is the most popular (with over 1.5 billion active users), it’s no surprise that its hosting services enjoy huge popularity as well among developers and webmasters.

If you ask who should opt for Windows hosting, our reply would be: Window is absolutely essential for some web languages and scripts like ASP and ASP.net. With respect to databases supported by Windows hosting system, MS SQL and MS Access are a major plus. Lastly, C# and Visual Basic are developer languages that Windows hosting greatly supports. If you are considering these technologies specifically when choosing a web hosting service, Windows hosting is the best bet.

Pros & Cons of Windows Hosting

Below we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of Windows hosting:

Pros	Cons
Widely popular OS with over 1 billion user base	Slightly more expensive than Linux OS
Compatible with other Windows tools, hence the popularity	Less Server Stability
Work with many legacy applications	Prone to malicious attacks
No risk to performance in case the OS and related apps are updated	Requires basic protection measures to safeguard your site from intruders
Operates using the classic Windows OS

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What is Linux Hosting? 

Linux hosting is just another type of hosting with LAMP being the main point of difference.  idea. LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP.  Typically, Linux hosting is all about these aspects.

 

Linux operating system is free and open-source based on Unix standards. It provides a programming interface and user interface compatibility. Linux also contains several separately developed elements, which are free from proprietary code.

Linux when first released contained only a few lines of code. And today, with over 23.3 million lines of source code, it has grown considerably.

Pros & Cons of Linux Hosting

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of hosting with the Linux operating system:  

Pros	Cons
More functionalities for programmers & developers	Higher cost for upgrades & additional app installations
Free & open-source	Less advanced than Windows
Access to plenty of free tools,  information, & software packages	Relocating from Linux hosting to Windows can be difficult
Low set up and maintenance cost	Require some technical knowledge

In the next section, we will discuss Linux versus Windows server – the major differences. So, let’s get started. 

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Linux vs Windows: Which Is Better?

 The prime factors when it comes to Linux vs Windows server include:

• Server Stability
• Usage
• Security
• Licensing and Cost
• Technology

Let’s compare both server hosting options based on these factors. 

1. Linux vs Windows – Server Stability 

The first difference any server administrator will identify when it comes to Windows server vs Linux is stability. In comparison with Windows, Linux servers are considered more secure. You need to reboot them rarely and can configure most changes without a restart. 

On the other hand, Windows servers can become unstable when multiple tasks are running and utilizing databases, file servers, and the web. The problem can get worse when adding lots of scheduled tasks and separate applications. 

So if you want a server that ensures 100% uptime, go for Linux hosting. 

2. Linux vs Windows – Usage 

Working with a Linux server is more complex than a Windows server. Only if you know how to navigate a complex server can you work with Linux. Also, if you have responsibilities other than IT and development, it might be daunting for you to configure or manage such an environment.

On the other hand, the user interface of Microsoft is quite simple and one can easily find solutions to many problems, in case they are stuck. So, if you looking for simplicity, Windows is your best bet. 

3. Linux vs Windows – Security

When it comes to security, Linux is the clear winner. Most BitLocker attacks target Windows machines, domination of desktop systems being the top reason. This is not the case with Linux. The rights management feature available in Unix makes Linux servers secure. This feature only lets the administrators make changes to certain applications and directories. It also prevents access to the operating system kernel. 

So, Linux servers are more secure than Windows servers. 

4. Windows vs Linux – Licensing and Cost

Linux is open-source while Windows is owned by a for-profit organization, Microsoft. This means, hosting companies that run Windows servers need to purchase a license, which is then passed on to you as service fees. On the other hand, with Linux hosting, you just have to pay for the hardware and services. This makes Windows hosting costlier than Linux hosting.

However, the difference in both pricing is not huge. 

5. Linux vs Windows – Technology 

A major difference between Windows hosting vs Linux hosting is the technology they use. Windows uses Microsoft software specifically to run and manage servers whereas Linux uses custom software. 

Windows supports ASP.NET programming language which needs to be mastered considerably while Linux supports many programming languages. The Windows uses MSSQL while Linux uses MySQL data management system. Also, Linux supports plenty of development languages including PEARL and PYTHON which are quite popular among developers. 

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Windows vs Linux: Advantages of Each

Pros of Linux Hosting	Pros of Windows Hosting
Cheaper hosting plans	Well Supported
Generally more reliable server	Integrates easily with plenty of other windows applications
Basic features of FrontPage can be used (excluding ASP and database generated pages)	Can use all features of FrontPage (including database generated pages and ASP)
Control Panel	Classic windows interface
Plenty of free scripts and programs available	Easier to get a website started
Greater control and access of files and permissions	Comprehensive customer support

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Bottom Line: Which Hosting Should You Choose?

In the ongoing debate between Linux and Windows hosting, the question of which is better ultimately hinges on your specific needs and priorities. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, catering to different user profiles and scenarios. Well, if you still need assistance in deciding between Linux and Windows or want to buy cheap web hosting plans from reliable & trustworthy hosting service providers, Contact us Today!

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Q 1. Linux vs Windows – Is Linux or Windows Better? 

Ans. When it comes to choosing the right OS between Windows & Linux, the latter offers great security and speed. Alternatively, users enjoy great ease of use with Windows that even non-technical users can easily work on their PCs. So, based on your specific requirements, you can decide on Windows vs Linux. 

Q 2. Does Linux Use Less RAM than Windows? 

Ans. Yes, Linux operating system uses less RAM than Windows.

Q 3. Which is better Windows Server vs Linux Server? 

Ans. In comparison, windows server vs Linux server, windows server offer more features and tools than the open-source Linux server does. Also, the Windows server is more user-friendly than the Linux server as it offers an enhanced user experience. 

Q 4. Do most servers run Linux or Windows?

Ans. According to 2019 analysis, Windows OS accounted for 72.1% of servers globally, while the Linux OS was used on 13.6 percent of servers.

Q 5. Is Windows Server Slower Than The Linux Server? 

Ans. Yes, windows servers are slower than Linux servers, which is a major drawback. The server network performance in Windows can be 3 times slower than that of Linux.