Technically speaking, Linux and Windows web hosting servers do not
really differ much in their performance as they both use very different
technologies and software. Hence, it's almost impossible to do a
head-to-head comparison between them. However, there still are some
apparent differences between the 2 operating systems (OS) that you ought
to know in order to help you find the best hosting solution for your
web business.
Linux-Windows Difference #1 - Windows Hosting is More Expensive than Linux Hosting?
Not exactly. In dedicated server hosting, you can generally find them charging the same price for the same plan. It's the hardware difference that makes their price the same. But in shared hosting, Windows server tends to cost higher. Simply because Microsoft develops and owns Windows operating system, whereas Linux is an open source Unix-like operating system that is generally free. Also, Windows uses more resources, hence you pay more for Windows hosting in a shared server.
Linux-Windows Difference #2 - Why Windows Hosting?
Good question. Windows hosting is more for websites that use specific applications like ASP.NET, MSSQL, MS Access, Expression Web, Plesk, FrontPage, Windows Streaming Media, or any of the other Microsoft proprietary technologies.
If those terms look Greek to you, then Windows hosting is not for you. Linux hosting suits you best as you basically do not need to be tech savvy just to host your website with it. That explains why most people (even tech savvy) go with Linux.
Linux-Windows Difference #3 - Major Advantage of Linux Hosting
When you change web host, it's easier for you to focus on the quality of the hosting company rather than having to focus on the specifics of whether that hosting service can provide you with what you need for your Windows requirements.
Let's say you're hosting your site on Linux server with web hosting service. But overall, you don't quite like their service. So you go look for a better web host. Your prime concern will probably be how fast the new hosting service can load your site, its bandwidth, price, control panel, uptime etc. Hundreds of web hosts out there for you to choose from and compare against until you find one you like.
Let's now look at what you'll face if you're moving your Windows-specific site to another web hosting service.
Other than the loading speed of site, its bandwidth, price, control panel, uptime and other features the new hosting company should provide, you must also make sure the new web hosting service can support your Windows-specific site that only Windows operating system can host.
You might find a web host of very good review, however, it doesn't support Windows hosting. You might find another web host that supports Windows hosting, but it's blasted with hundreds of bullet holes shot through by unhappy users.
You'll face hard time looking for a reliable, reasonably priced web host that supports Windows hosting because right now only a small number comes with Windows hosting plan.
Some people also believe that Windows platform is less secure than Linux due to it being a popular operating system that hackers favor. But that shouldn't stop you from using Windows hosting if you do really need to work with Windows OS.
So now, what's your decision? If you don't know anything about Windows applications running on a Windows server, you'd better not go with that. Linux web hosting is what I'd suggest to most people.
Tip: Whether you choose Linux or Windows as your web business platform, it's crucial to learn how to pick a service that helps you earn the most profits. That's the key to any successful online business.
Linux-Windows Difference #1 - Windows Hosting is More Expensive than Linux Hosting?
Not exactly. In dedicated server hosting, you can generally find them charging the same price for the same plan. It's the hardware difference that makes their price the same. But in shared hosting, Windows server tends to cost higher. Simply because Microsoft develops and owns Windows operating system, whereas Linux is an open source Unix-like operating system that is generally free. Also, Windows uses more resources, hence you pay more for Windows hosting in a shared server.
Linux-Windows Difference #2 - Why Windows Hosting?
Good question. Windows hosting is more for websites that use specific applications like ASP.NET, MSSQL, MS Access, Expression Web, Plesk, FrontPage, Windows Streaming Media, or any of the other Microsoft proprietary technologies.
If those terms look Greek to you, then Windows hosting is not for you. Linux hosting suits you best as you basically do not need to be tech savvy just to host your website with it. That explains why most people (even tech savvy) go with Linux.
Linux-Windows Difference #3 - Major Advantage of Linux Hosting
When you change web host, it's easier for you to focus on the quality of the hosting company rather than having to focus on the specifics of whether that hosting service can provide you with what you need for your Windows requirements.
Let's say you're hosting your site on Linux server with web hosting service. But overall, you don't quite like their service. So you go look for a better web host. Your prime concern will probably be how fast the new hosting service can load your site, its bandwidth, price, control panel, uptime etc. Hundreds of web hosts out there for you to choose from and compare against until you find one you like.
Let's now look at what you'll face if you're moving your Windows-specific site to another web hosting service.
Other than the loading speed of site, its bandwidth, price, control panel, uptime and other features the new hosting company should provide, you must also make sure the new web hosting service can support your Windows-specific site that only Windows operating system can host.
You might find a web host of very good review, however, it doesn't support Windows hosting. You might find another web host that supports Windows hosting, but it's blasted with hundreds of bullet holes shot through by unhappy users.
You'll face hard time looking for a reliable, reasonably priced web host that supports Windows hosting because right now only a small number comes with Windows hosting plan.
Some people also believe that Windows platform is less secure than Linux due to it being a popular operating system that hackers favor. But that shouldn't stop you from using Windows hosting if you do really need to work with Windows OS.
So now, what's your decision? If you don't know anything about Windows applications running on a Windows server, you'd better not go with that. Linux web hosting is what I'd suggest to most people.
Tip: Whether you choose Linux or Windows as your web business platform, it's crucial to learn how to pick a service that helps you earn the most profits. That's the key to any successful online business.
