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There are many web hosting elements to consider before building a website, including price, bandwidth, storage, and software compatibility. However, one of the most important decisions you need to make is whether to choose Linux or Windows Server as the server’s operating system. For most people, Linux is the common server choice; Windows Server is intended for server administrators and businesses that require Microsoft’s services. The average blogger won’t notice significant differences between operating systems when writing a hot take, but the stakes are higher for companies with specific backend needs. If you are unsure about the operating system powering your site, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
The basics of the operating system
Not all web hosting services or their service levels offer a choice between the Linux and Windows Server operating systems. For example, if you decide to go with a shared hosting plan, you are likely to get stuck with the operating system the web host uses by default – usually Linux. Generally speaking, to find a Windows Server option, you’ll need to sign up for the more expensive and more robust Virtual Private Server (VPS) or dedicated hosting plans. Editors’ Choice award-winning web hosts like GoDaddy, HostGator and 1 & 1 Ionos offer Windows-based servers, but many do not.
Please note that your choice of Linux or Windows based server will do so Not depends on the operating system of your PC. If you have a Windows PC, you can easily use Linux servers and vice versa. It’s the same situation with MacOS. Server operating systems are in the backend, so it doesn’t matter how you connect to them from the user side. However, there are important reasons why you should choose Linux or Windows as the foundation of your website. Let’s explore them.
Decide how much money you want to spend
Linux is a free, open source operating system that comes in many flavors. It’s also easier to maintain, requires less maintenance, and fewer man hours. Windows Server, on the other hand, is owned by Microsoft, so web hosting services license it from Redmond. Hosting providers tend to pass these additional costs on to users.
Take GoDaddy as an example. The self-managed, Linux-based VPS tier starts at $ 29.99 per month (for a monthly plan), while the Windows-based counterpart costs $ 34.99 per month. Ionos’ Tier 2 VPS M plan costs $ 7 per month, but switching to a Windows Server plan adds $ 20 to the price. That markup can go away on the most expensive dedicated hosting services, but that extra money per month can add up in the lower and middle tiers. If you want to save money, your best bet is Linux. However, the additional cost may be required if you plan to take advantage of Windows Server-specific features.
Do you know the software you want to use
As mentioned earlier, your operating system choices determine the software you use to create and update a website. WordPress is much easier to install and use on Linux servers, for example, as it is supported by the PHP scripting language and the MySQL database service (you can run them on Windows servers, but most service providers don’t care). The popular server backend cPanel, which you may know if you’ve created a website, also runs on Linux. In addition, Linux hosting usually provides easier access to site building tools such as the Apache HTTP web server, the Python and Perl programming languages, and the Node.JS JavaScript environments.
In contrast, Windows Server runs services that are created and managed by Microsoft. When developing web applications, you should use the .NET framework, which is only available on Windows Server. If your website is built using ASP.NET or the Microsoft version of SQL, you will also need Windows servers. Other Windows Server-only programs you may come across include C #, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SharePoint, and Remote Desktop.
If you are just starting out with your web hosting, it would be wise to stick with Linux. Windows Server is a good option for experienced developers and large organizations.
Learn more about the differences in operating system security and management
When it comes to overall stability, Linux is the older statesman. It has long been used as a web server foundation and its open source nature means lots of talented people are contributing to it. Compared to Windows Server, Linux easily handles more functions and requires less frequent reboots. This is because Linux does not suffer from memory leaks like Windows Server and only needs to be restarted during a kernel update.
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If you collect financial or other business-critical data through your website, security should be high on your list. Fortunately, the open source nature of Linux also means that a lot of people are working on security fixes. However, finding the fix might take more research compared to Microsoft’s extensive documentation and live technical support, but it certainly is there.
With Windows Server you can immediately enjoy an easy-to-understand graphical user interface and Microsoft-supported customer support. Also, Microsoft is generally quick to release Windows Server drivers for new hardware. It may take a while for new Linux drivers to appear, depending on the distribution you’re using (researching distributions is a separate article). However, Linux is extremely flexible. When you’re ready to take on the command line programming, Linux servers can be fashioned into any shape you want.
Make the big decision
Should you go with Linux? Should you go with Windows Server? There are no one-size-fits-all answers as the decision must be based on your needs. If you are blogging, you will be fine with a Linux-based server. In fact, this will likely be yours just Option with a low-cost web hosting plan. If it’s good enough for Facebook and Google, it’s probably good enough for your website. If you are part of a large organization or plan to use Microsoft-specific services like Exchange or SharePoint, you should look for Windows Server. Windows Server is also much easier to maintain for Green Server administrators.
Are you just starting out with web hosting? Check out our introduction to building a website. On the other hand, if you’re ready to start your own web hosting business, check out our guide to reseller hosting. The Best Courses for Learning Website Building also provides great guidance.
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