When starting an online business you need to look for a web hosting platform so that you can make your website live on Internet. There are mainly two platforms to host your site namely Linux and Windows Server they both are for hosting the website and they both have their own features and benefits like usability and functionality that are different from each other hence selecting the right platform can be confusing in case you are looking for long term business growth.
Which one is better Windows or Linux Server?
The choice for buying Windows or Linux server wholly depends on the needs of your business
Linux is considered an open source and free operating system introduced by Linux kernel this helps in management of resources related to software and other things.
Whereas Windows Server was launched by Microsoft having collection of operating system server by Microsoft layered in kernel and the user mode.
Advantages of Windows Server
Stability
Windows server comes with simple and easy installations also there are only few servers running on main installations of server which drives higher stability when it comes to windows server.
No high maintenance
This server does not require high cost maintenance as there are few binaries with reference to full installation which needs less time and effort for performing maintenance task.
Decrease in Attack Base
Windows server comes with lesser system services as compared to complete installation which decreases attack base installation of server is much safer then complete installation.
Simple and Quick
This server has limited number of things which are needed to handle the installations of Server core. Configuration of this server is also easy and simple this is based on Microsoft OS, Supporting data storage, Communication and Application.
Advantage of Linux Server
Pocket Friendly Solution
Linux Server is one of the most cost effective servers available in the market if you are having this server you need not to install any other software. Linux is the only open source software server for which you need not to buy any license.
Security
Various operating system demands high amount of user data but in case of Linux operating system you need not to provide any additional information and with the normal privacy level you can get better usability.
Flexibility
Linux is flexible software which can work with both the system either new or old.
Linux OS is easily supported by the old system and this versatility makes it one of the most preferred choices among buyers.
Fast Speed
If you have Linux system you will not face much issue which relate to your system slowing down when many resources are utilized at a same time. Linux is capable of handling various tasks with fewer system resources which makes it multi-tasking and fast.
Safety and Security
There is no OS which guarantees your complete security against malicious attacks. These attacks can be easily detected and repaired. The fixing mechanism totally depends upon the caliber of your team which will be fixing the security patches.
Customization
Linux OS comes with various customizable features which provide you full access of system resources you can choose the best application from pool of application which are needed by your online business.
Comparison between Linux and windows server
Performance
Linux OS is designed to be used along with Secure Remote Login. Management of server is totally handled by using command line on the other hand windows uses lesser resources and in case your website gets high loads then you won’t get any reboot request. In windows you have to reboot even after a single patch is performed. Windows hosting leads in high resource consumption when compared with Linux hosting.
Cost
Windows OS is a product of Microsoft which demands high licensing fees and its server are designed for specialized purpose which comes with high price on the other hand Linux is an Open Source Software which doesn’t charge any licensing fees which makes it more cost effective than Windows OS.
Convenience
File transfer protocol is accessible on both the types of server. But you can enjoy SSH or telnet server accessibility only on Linux here you get complete server access on contrary on windows hosting you won’t get SSH or telnet server accessibility.
Control Panel
With Linux OS you get the cPanel or WHM and with a Windows OS you only get a plesk control which is quite user friendly.
Ease of Use
Linux have cPanel management tool that needs some technical knowledge and windows hosting deploys the use of GUI so people find it easier to operate as compared to Linux OS.
Easier to Alter
Linux is a very good platform when it comes to changing the OS or some of its components as it can be done by anyone and is 100% Legal. But on the contrary if you want some changes in windows you likely have to wait for Microsoft to release its new updates or patches, which can sometimes take as long as a year to arrive and can be used by you.
User Friendliness
Linux servers use GUI as do windows servers but the level of GUI coverage to all of its application software in Linux is far lower than that of windows servers. And moreover a lot of people have used windows when compared to Linux as an OS. A lot more people are familiar with windows than that of Linux. Linux still tend to use terminal for a lot of purposes, and not knowing the command to run for your desired work is not a good sign at all, but in windows you can always figure out what you want to do by reading and clicking anything you want.
Conclusion
As a conclusion we can say that Linux is more suitable than Windows, but that won’t be totally true as windows have some perks as well such as better support by manufacturer, whereas Linux has a huge community waiting to help you out. Windows has better integration with Microsoft products and some other feature as well such as remote desktop access and scripting framework and a more complete package as a whole.
But you should prefer to choose the option which suits you well according your current as well as future business needs.