Setting up a website is not the most difficult thing in today’s world, however, before venturing into the unknown, one must be aware of the Knick knacks of the trade. One of the many dilemmas a first timer faces is choosing the best server for hosting. Whether to choose a Linux Server, which is currently most popular, or a Windows Server for web hosting, depends upon the specific user demand. Let’s see a brief comparison between the two server hosting options, which might help you with the choice.
Stability
While looking for a hosting service, this is the most important characteristics to seek. Linux servers are more stable as compared to the Windows Servers. It has been seen that websites hosted on Linux Servers have experienced an uptime of almost hundred percent, in fact, Linux Servers are rarely rebooted. Also, Linux Servers are known to be comparatively stable with running a wide range of web applications.
Security
There has been a rise in BitLocker hacks which are mostly targeted towards windows machine putting Windows Servers at more risk as compared to the Linux Servers.
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, Linux being an open source system is way cheaper than Windows Servers for web hosting. While, Windows Servers cost more, the fact that there are constant updates available, can’t be overlooked.
Ease of Use
Configuring and deploying a Windows Server is comparatively easier than Linux Server. For a beginner Windows Server might not seem too daunting whereas Linux might be a bit overwhelming. But, if a user is well acquainted with Linux command line and can configure a web server like Apache or NGINX, then it might be a good choice to deploy a Linux Server. If one seeks to install a third party application, then on a Linux Server, it can only be done by a system administrator. From a system updates, in a Windows Server, the updates are easy and can also be automatized whereas updates for a Linux Server might be a little trickier some times.
Compatibility
It is ideal to choose a Linux Server hosting if a developer uses PHP, Perl, Python, or MYSQL. Say, if a user seeks to setup a blog using WordPress, then Linux Server is the way to go. Windows Server might be a good choice if the user needs specific Microsoft Windows based technologies such as MSSQL. Since, applications like Exchange and SharePoint belongs to Microsoft, they are exclusively for Windows Server. A belief that, one can only use a server that is analogous to the operating system they are using, has no ground. A user working with Windows operating software can still use a Linux Server for web hosting.
I hope that you might at least have a faint idea of which server to choose for web hosting, but, it still is largely defined by the user’s needs. One must closely analyse their necessities and the expectations before buying or renting a web hosting server, be it the Linux Server or the Windows Server.
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