In the web hosting industry, there are two operating systems that you will most likely host on — Linux vs Windows web hosting servers. Before coming to a web hosting decision of which operating system to choose, there are things you need to consider. Between Linux vs Windows, a report has shown where Linux is favored by market shared over Microsoft. But which one should you really choose? Let’s take a look at their differences.
Linux vs Windows: Differences
If your website only has standard HTML pages, well, it does not really matter which operating system you would go for. Both of the OS will be able to fulfill your website’s needs. If you have a plan on designing dynamic websites, working with forms, and even executing web applications, both OS will also cover it. Most of the time, both OS will serve your needs. They work with a number of front-end programming languages, and as well as frameworks. Both have exquisite features, especially when it comes to hosting. Linux and Windows have the same approach when it comes to data management. Moreover, they have convenient, easy, and fast FTL tools that can serve a wide range set of file management functions. Though Linux vs Windows has quite a number of similarities, they still have their own differences.
Performance and Security
Most of the web hosting providers nowadays are already able to secure their client’s website from the administrative end. However, Windows servers are recently receiving online attacks than Linux servers. This shows how vulnerable Windows server is than the latter. But it does not really mean that Linux does not have any security issues as well. The most important security to possess is actually depending on the use of passwords. If you were able to use a very good password, it is not easily attacked by hackers. In addition, you should be able to apply necessary patches, use a good rack, and good support to help you fight against security vulnerability. Good thing cPanel is able to keep the Linux and Windows web applications and as well as the software packages up to date automatically.
On the other hand, Linux server’s reliability and stability seems to be superior to Windows. Unlike the latter, Linux rarely needs reboot and when it comes to configuration changes, it does not usually need a restart. If you start running multiple file servers and databases on Windows, it makes everything unstable. Another plus for Linux is how the files of Linux are case-sensitive while the Windows files are not.
Software Support
Before you choose the particular OS for your web host, you should also consider the database applications and the script languages as well. If you have a website that needs Windows-based database application or script to be able to display properly, then you really should go for the Windows web hosting platform. Even those websites which are developed with ASP Classic, Microsoft ASP.NET, MS Access, MSSSQL, and SharedPoint technologies also need Windows servers.
However, if you have a website which clearly requires Linux-based database software or script, then choose the Linux based web hosting platform. This is applicable especially if you are likely to use NGINX, Apache modules, PHP, Python, Pern with a MySQL database, then Linux has a massive support structure ready for these formats.
Control Panel
Among the differences between Linux and Windows is the control panels. Linux uses cPanel or WHM while Windows uses Plesk. Most web administrators prefer cPanel compared to Plesk. The former has a simple user-friendly interface where users are able to download applications like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and more thru one-click installs. Creating and managing MySQL databases and configuration of PHP with cPanel is also easy. Aside from that, it automatically updates the software packages too. Setting up a new email address, or even pointing a mail client to the correct ports are surely hassle-free. If you are not a technical person or you do not have any coding knowledge. cPanel helps you get through with it easily. You get to finish tasks faster.
On the other hand, Plesk is able to help you run Linux, MySQL, Apache, and even PHP stack in the Windows version. It also supports Git, Docker, and other security extensions. When it comes to unique tools, it is also available in the Windows server. They have Microsoft Web Platform Installer (Web PI) which greatly helps in installing Internet Information System (IIS) server), ASP.NET stack, and MSSQL simultaneously and quickly.
Another highlight difference between Linux vs Windows is how there are a lot of open-source Linux applications available online compared to the latter. Though Windows has fewer apps, most are from vetted licensed providers which also helps entirely to streamline database deployment.
Price
One thing you would most likely consider also before deciding which web host platform is the price. Linux is known to be an open-source OS which typically uses some Linux kernel forms which is free. However, it also has paid distributions like Red Hat which includes special features which certainly serve better. Now if we talk about Windows, they come with a licensing fee. This is due to how Microsoft develops and owns this particular OS which needs software licenses and upgrades for the hardware as well. Overall, Linux servers surely cost less compared to those Windows-based one.
Final Thoughts: Linux vs Windows
Overall, the decision of which web host server you should choose really depends on the features or even the database applications for your website project needs. If you are looking for flexibility which comes with stability as well, you should go for Linux due to having the easy-function cPanel. If you happen to work in a complex IT environment with all those existing databases, then Windows is the best choice. Finally, what actually is important between Linux and Windows is having a backup that can support you in time for server failure. This is what Bluehost offers.