Windows Vs. Linux Hosting

I came across this article, Windows Hosting Vs Linux Hosting: How To Make The Right Choice, it talks about Linux Hosting verse Windows hosting and how to choose the right one for your website. At first I was confused because I did not think that operating systems had anything to do with web hosting servers. I do not know why I would think this considering everything has an operating system, phones computers, gaming consoles, etc. As I was reading about the differences and similarities I came to realize they have more in common but the differences can make or break a website.

Linux, the cheaper of the two, offers a great deal more than windows. You do not have to use an FTP server to upload and update your site. Linux also offers SSH and Telnet, programs that open the window and allow you to manipulate the site in real time. It is also compatible with more popular scripting languages like PHP and MySQL. Above all this is the fact that Linux is open source, which allows anyone with the usernames and passwords to maintain the site. Linux is the better choice for new or small businesses launching their first site. This allows them to choose who they want to maintain and update the site without investing excessive amounts of money.

Windows on the other hand use only Microsoft created and approved software. They have created their own scripting languages ASP and  ASP.NET. Also instead of using PHP and MySQL, you use a SQL with Microsoft Access. They do not offer software like SSH and Telnet to directly manipulate sites. You can use Telnet with windows but it is much more difficult than in Linux. The main issue with windows is the price tag. It would cost your company thousands of dollars to use Windows hosting because all of their products are bought and have to be licensed.

Some may be asking about Security but their security is the same as long as you have someone who knows what they are doing. If you have a poor administrator running your site you are likely to have poor security. They also are both compatible web languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Flash.

Basically if you choose a hosting company that meets all of your requirements for the website, it will run smoothly and you do not have to worry about the operating system behind the server.

Written by: Amanda Walkenhorst