Compare Linux and Windows web hosting

Which is better? Windows or Linux?

We are often asked which hosting platform one should choose: Linux or Windows.

Below, we've listed the major differences between the two that you should consider in making your decision. In the process, we have also tried to dispel any common misconceptions regarding these platforms. Generally, we recommend our customers use Linux, unless they need specific features/applications only available on the Windows platform.

Important: One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to run UNIX on your computer in order for you to host your site on the Linux platform. This statement is not true. Which operating system you run on your computer is irrelevant in making your decision. This means that if you are running Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows® 2000 or using an Apple Macintosh, you can still choose Linux as your hosting platform.

Security

Both systems are secure, although it is common knowledge that Windows is more of a target for hackers and other miscreants.

We have spent a huge amount of time and effort installing all the necessary updates, fixes and other protections for our Windows Servers, so there should be little concern for the safety of your website.

Our Windows servers have been just as reliable and dependable as our Linux Servers

Features and Functionality

This is where these two systems are the most different.

Nearly anything that can be done in Windows can be done on Linux with the exception of ASP scripting which is not supported under Linux. The main difference are the technologies.

For example, if you need a database driven web site, you can choose either PHP/MySQL, PostgreSQL or MSSQL or a combination under Linux or PHP/MySQL, Postgre-SQL, MSSQL or ASP/MS SQL combination under Windows®2000.

Reliability

Linux is considered to be the more trouble-free and reliable system requiring far less maintenance and re-booting.

Windows 2000 has become far more reliable in recent years, but still requires the occasional re-boot.

Price

In the matter of price, Linux hosting is far less expensive.

The reasons for this are that the software is virtually free and Linux requires far less support, upgrading, and maintenance than does Windows.

Summary LINUX

Linux is cheaper, more reliable, easier to manage and many say more secure than Windows, but it does not support ASP scripting.

It does support nearly all other scripting such as .cgi, .html, .htm, .pl, .php, .shtml, .xml, and many others.

Summary Windows

Windows integrates better with other Microsoft applications like Expression Web or .NET and adds support for ASP scripting in addition to these scripting languages found on Linux servers. All features of FrontPage can be used (Including ASP and database generated pages)

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