When choosing a hosting operating system, the most common choices are Linux and Microsoft Windows available. This choice, however, raises the question of the better OS for hosting. To make an appropriate decision, the advantages and disadvantages of the candidates should be discussed.
Linux hosting
Linux is the most popular hosting platform with about 70 percent penetration in the server industry. It comprises several hundred different variations, which offer the right foundation for every purpose. The most popular variants, so-called distributions, are Red Hat, Debian and Suse Linux. However, the choice of distribution usually plays a minor role, as all variations support the subsequent installation of programs and packages. The free operating system combines several advantages over the Windows platform:
Since Linux is free, there are no Costs for the acquisition. The hosting operator can pass on these savings directly to the customers and thus reduce fixed costs. Furthermore, the support of scripting languages plays an important role. No matter whether PHPRuby, Perl or Python, Linux provides the support by default.
Despite these advantages, Linux also has a serious weakness. The support of Microsoft services such as ASP and .NET. Although there are free implementations, these are less common and more difficult to use compared to the original Microsoft implementations.
Windows hosting
Many users think that if their home PC is running Windows, dealing with a Windows hosting server is less problematic. Unfortunately this is not the case. A Windows server is very different from a home PC. The interaction with the server does not take place in a classic desktop environment, but is usually handled via a web interface or services such as FTP and SSH. Therefore only real advantages should be mentioned. These mainly concern the native support of ASP and .NET. These very programming languages are becoming more and more popular due to their performance.
The biggest disadvantage is the significantly lower spread of Windows in the hosting world. This can make it difficult to find a suitable Windows hosting system with the desired range of functions.
Furthermore, Windows is not free and license costs are incurred for the purchase or use. These fees usually increase the price of use for the end customer.
Windows vs. Linux: Similarities
Despite the differences there are also similarities or comparable characteristics. Here Linux was ahead in some points just a few years ago and some aspects would have been considered advantages of Linux. Although there are still many subjective assessments, the two operating systems differ only marginally in performance, for example. The experiences of administrators in dealing with both systems hardly show any differences in performance and stability.
Furthermore, the handling in the majority of cases is almost identical. No matter if Windows or Linux: The hosting server is mainly administered via FTP, SSH or web interface.
One point not to be sneezed at is security. Both operating systems are about equally secure and offer excellent security mechanisms.
Conclusion
There can be no clear winner for operating systems. There are only marginal differences in handling, performance and security. Rather, the choice depends on the intended use and the services required. If ASP or .NET is required, Windows should be considered. Otherwise, the user can fall back on the free, free and more widespread operating system Linux.
