Linux Vs. Windows: The Two Web Server Solutions In Comparison

If you operate a web server privately or want to rent one from a provider as part of a Web Hosting package, the question arises right at the beginning: Linux or Windows? The two operating systems have dominated the web hosting market for years and compete for supremacy – with Linux still having the edge as a server veteran. Deciding on one of the two systems is still difficult, especially since the differences in use and functionality are minimal. Suppose one subjects Linux and Windows to a comparison. However, we can get the advantages and disadvantages of these operating systems when we compare them.

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Contents

• Comparing Linux and Windows as a hosting operating system
• The good and bad of Linux as a web server operating system
• The good and bad of Windows as a web server operating system
• Linux and Windows in direct comparison
• The crucial question: Linux or Windows?

Comparison Of Linux and Windows as A Hosting Operating System

Linux is widely regarded as the best operating system for web servers in web hosting. The system has been available to everyone as free software since 1992 and can be adapted to your ideas thanks to its simple modular structure with the appropriate knowledge. Costs only apply if you use distributions with a paid support offer. Linux has proven itself in even the most demanding web and mail server environments with its reliability, stability, and efficiency.

Linux is an excellent choice if you intend to use PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, or MySQL. Suppose you are looking for blogs, content management systems, or discussion forums. In that case, various open-source applications are available in the Linux hosting area, while the software for Windows hosting is usually chargeable.

Since 1993, Microsoft has also been competing with Windows Server, an operating system for server use. It is paid software, including support and updates for the advertised period. A major advantage that Windows hosting has had over a Linux variant is support for the powerful ASP.NET framework, the latest version of which is also compatible with Linux. However, applications such as SharePoint or Exchange, with the help of which communication and working together on projects are considerably simplified, remain exclusive. The following are the less popular open-source applications for Linux for this in the corporate environment.

 

	Windows-Webhosting	Linux-Webhosting
software type	proprietary	Open Source
Webserver	Microsoft IIS	Apache, Nginx
scripting languages	VBScript, ASP.NET	Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby
databases	MSSQL, Microsoft Access	MySQL, MariaDB
management software	Plesk	cPanel, Plesk, Confixx
Other	Exchange, .NET applications, SharePoint	WordPress, Joomla etc.

The Good and Bad of Linux as A Web Server Operating System

Compared to Windows, the basic Linux philosophy is to keep the structure of the operating system as simple as possible. All components, even devices, and processes are one file, and adjustments to the system core can implement at any time. Many simple tools help with the configuration and administration of the system – by default, via the command line. But also, via GUIs, if required, available for almost all applications. Navicosoft is providing VPS Server Australia. However, great freedom is also linked to a high degree of personal responsibility, which can quickly overwhelm an untested user. The following table illustrates the advantages and weaknesses of Linux distributions as a server operating system:

 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Use free of charge	Complex operation
Administrators benefit from the freedom to manage the system	The default language of the command line and system messages is English
Supports cooperative work without the ordinary user being able to damage the program core	Some third-party programs can only be installed by the administrator
Rarely the focus of cybercrime	Many hardware and software developers do not focus on ports for Linux distributions
Rarely security-related errors, which are then usually fixed quickly	Update process sometimes very complex
Low demands on the hardware	Not all versions receive long-term support
Integrated remote function for remote management	Some professional programs do not work on Linux

The Good and Bad of Windows As A Web Server Operating System

The fact that Windows, unlike Linux, is characterized by a very complex structure is mainly because Microsoft has always primarily strived for ease of use for its operating system. All programs are available in the form of intuitive, graphical user interfaces, which is why administration via the command line, which is possible in principle, is unnecessary. The user usually has sole control over all hardware resources, receives regular feedback from the system, and can install software independently. However, this also harbors a certain potential for error. Navicosoft is providing VPS in Australia. For example, security-threatening applications are installed when system settings are changed or downloaded. The following table summarizes the basic advantages and disadvantages of Windows servers in a nutshell:

 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Beginner-friendly, intuitive operation via graphical user interfaces	High license costs that increase with each user
Drivers for current hardware are readily available	Common security related errors
Supports a large number of third-party applications	Vulnerable to malware
Simple and optionally automated system update	Resource-intensive (particularly due to the mandatory GUI)
Technical problems can be solved via system restore	High user error potential
Assured long-term support	Unsuitable as a multi-user system
Exclusive, popular Microsoft programs such as SharePoint or Exchange can be used	How the proprietary system works is not fully disclosed

Linux And Windows in Direct Comparison

The previous sections show the small differences that Windows and Linux have as server systems. Aside from technical and administrative criteria, it should also mention that personal experience often plays a decisive role in whether a user gets along with the operating system or not. The same applies, of course, to the demands that the user has of the software. While experienced system administrators rightly appreciate the freedoms of Linux, these are often not relevant for the simple website operator who wants to choose an operating system. Conversely, command line advocates see Windows administration via Guinto without reason as an extra feature that consumes resources and offers a point of attack for malware. Navicosoft is providing Cheap VPS Australia.

 

Finally, at this point, we present the most important criteria for evaluating Linux and Windows in comparison:

	Windows	Linux
Cost	License cost per user	license free; Depending on the distribution, costs for support
standard operation	Graphical user interface	command line
remote access	Terminal server/client must be installed and configured	Integrated solution (terminal and shell)
Software & Features	Supports popular programs; Use of Microsoft applications possible	Ports do not exist for all programs; large arsenal of included applications
hardware support	New hardware designed for Windows systems by default	Hardware drivers for Linux distributions can usually only be used a little later
security	High user error potential; integrated interface as a potential point of attack	Ordinary users do not have access to basic system settings; Known security gaps are quickly closed
Support	Long term support for all versions	Support offering varies by distribution and version
Documentation	System and system applications well documented; API components and data formats rather less	Full source code of system, API, libraries and applications exposed; Man and info pages (mostly in English)

The crucial question: Linux or Windows?

When you assemble your server modules, you cannot avoid the decision for an operating system – which many users make for the wrong reasons. For example, it is often assumed that the server system and the platform used on one’s computer must be identical. Your operating system doesn’t matter at all since administrators can manage the server using management tools such as Plesk that are compatible with both Linux and Windows and can be controlled remotely. If the costs are decisive, it is reasonable to assume that Linux, principally available as open-source software, is always the cheaper server solution. In practice, however, this sometimes proves to be a fallacy: Depending on the distribution, there are costs for the usually expensive support or specialists with the necessary know-how.

Ultimately, no winner can be chosen in the Linux vs. Windows server duel because different web projects can implement with both operating systems. While Windows offers more complex communication and work structuring functions, Linux has some advantages if you want to use web applications such as a content management system.

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