What’s the best operating system for web hosts?
Windows and Linux both have their benefits. Windows is great if you want a faster machine that can handle heavier workloads or may need more security with programmable viruses, while Linux provides better stability thanks in part due to its ports being decentralized across thousands upon millions servers making them harder target than one giant supercomputers owners would be able get rid off entire countries’ worth attack instances without serious consequences!
There are many web hosting elements to consider before building a website, including price, bandwidth, storage and software compatibility. In this article, I have compared Linux vs Windows to help you pick one.
The most important decisions is whether you should go with Linux or Windows Server as your server’s operating system.
For most people Linux is common. But Windows Server needs Microsoft services such as business websites who have specific backend needs like sharing information between different programs running on their computers simultaneously.
The Operating System Basics
Some web hosting services may not offer you a choice between the Linux and Windows operating systems. For example if one chooses shared hosting plan. This is likely because they use their default operating system which in most cases is Linux.
To access this service tier however, consumers must upgrade to VPS or dedicated servers. This is because users are stuck with whatever OS that’s available on their servers by default. Usually it’s Linux-based ones only.
Hosting companies who have been awarded editor’s choice such as GoDaddy, 1&1, Ionos etc offers windows based servers but many others do not.
There are several reasons why you may want to choose a Linux or Windows-based server for your website. Regardless of what operating system is installed on the user’s side, the backend does not matter.
Servers run independently from users’ computers. However, there can be significant benefits in choosing either Linux or Windows as your web server’s platform.
For example, websites running on Microsoft Azure must use IIS (Microsoft Internet Information Services). However sites hosted with AWS do not have this restriction and can host other types of software such as Node.Js applications.
Regardless of which OS one chooses to install, it will ultimately depend upon their needs and requirements when building out their site.
Decide How Much Money You Want to Spend
Linux is a free, open-source operating system that comes in many flavors. It’s also less complicated to maintain and requires fewer man hours than Windows Server which is owned by Microsoft.
So, web hosting services license it from Redmond. Hosting providers tend to pass those additional costs onto users when licensing the software for their servers.
In the end, whether you choose Windows or Linux comes down to your needs. If you need a more robust product with multiple servers and higher-end support options, go for Windows Server hosting from SiteGround.
But if cost is a primary concern or all of your sites are on shared plans that don’t require much in terms of resources (CPU/RAM). Consider going with one of Ionos’s VPS M plans instead.
Know the Software You Want to Use
A website is easier to build and update if you choose the right operating system, because it determines your software. For example, WordPress runs on Linux servers with PHP scripting language and MySQL database service that is easy to install.
You can use cPanel too as a server backend that also runs on Linux servers. Making it more convenient for users who want their own WordPress hosting space!
If you are interested in developing web applications, then the .NET framework that is only available on Windows Server will be needed.
You also need to use a Windows server if your website uses ASP.NET or Microsoft’s version of SQL because both technologies cannot run on other operating systems.
Other programs exclusive for Window Servers include C#, Microsoft Access and SharePoint. Also, remote desktop which can all be useful depending upon what kind of application needs creating!
If you’re a beginner, Linux is recommended because Windows Server works best for experienced developers and large companies.
Learn the OS Security and Management Differences
Linux is a veteran when it comes to overall stability. It’s been used as a web server foundation for many years, and its open-source nature means that talented individuals from the community contribute to it frequently.
Its greater ability to handle functions without issue makes Linux more dependable than Windows Server in this sense. You only need an OS reboot if there’s kernel update required.
Not because of memory leaks like on Windows servers which require regular reboots due faulty architecture design. It causes them leak system resources over time until they crash with disastrous results .
Finding security fixes for Linux websites is easier than Microsoft due to their open-source nature. However, there are no live support or extensive documentation available. So it might take more research compared to what’s offered by other platforms.
Windows Server allows for a more intuitive graphical user interface, Microsoft-backed customer support and quick release of drivers.
For Linux, new hardware driver releases can take some time to appear depending on the specific one you’re using.
However, it’s also flexible enough that if willing to use command line programming work then servers can be shaped into any form desired.
Also Read: Best Data Recovery Tools for Mac
FAQ’s on Linux vs. Windows: How to Pick the Best Server OS for Your Website?
Which server is best Linux or Windows?
Windows servers and software generally have more features, more bells, and whistles, than open-source software does. As a whole, Windows Server OS is far more user friendly than Linux, with greatly enhanced user experience functionality.
Is Linux server more secure than Windows Server?
Linux is secure by design i.e. Linux is inherently more secure than Windows. ... Linux designed as a multi-use, network operating system from day one. For example IE / FF bug can take down entire windows computer.
Is Linux more stable than Windows?
Linux on the Desktop is less “stable” than Windows 10. It is a function partly of popularity , partly due to the fact that Microsoft is a for-profit company and Linux is free. Depending on where you look Windows has 90% of the market whist Mac has 8% and Other which includes Linux Desktop has 2%.
Does Linux use less RAM than Windows?
It depends. Windows and Linux may not use RAM in exactly the same way, but they are ultimately doing the same thing. ... Because most Linux distributions have lower system requirements than Windows, the operating system found on most PCs sold in stores.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that there is no “one-size fits all” answers for this question. If you’re creating a blog, Linux is the best option with low cost web hosting tier options available.
However if it’s good enough for Facebook and Google, then it might also work well on your site as well. However, Windows server would better suite large organizations.
Also, Windows works better for those who use Microsoft services such as Exchange or SharePoint.
So, what did you conclude after comparing Linux vs Windows.
After Linux vs Windows comparison, we can conclude that Linux is best for bloggers and newbies. While Windows is for large organizations.