Dev’s Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between Linux and Windows Server Web Hosting

Greetings, Dev! If you’re in the market for web hosting, you’ve probably come across two popular options: Linux and Windows servers. Making a decision between these two can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the technicalities. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

What is Linux and Windows Server Web Hosting?

Before we dive into the differences between Linux and Windows server web hosting, it’s important to understand what the two are.

Linux is an open-source operating system that is primarily used for web servers. It is known for its stability, security, and flexibility. Linux hosting uses Apache as its web server software and supports PHP, Perl, and MySQL.

On the other hand, Windows server web hosting runs on the Windows operating system. It supports Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET, MSSQL, and C#.

Price

One of the biggest differences between Linux and Windows server web hosting is the price.

Hosting Provider	Linux Hosting (Per Month)	Windows Hosting (Per Month)
Bluehost	$2.95	$5.45
HostGator	$2.75	$4.76
SiteGround	$6.99	$14.99

Linux Hosting

Linux hosting is generally cheaper than Windows hosting. This is because Linux is an open-source operating system, which means it’s free to use. Hosting providers don’t have to pay licensing fees, so they can pass on the savings to their customers.

Furthermore, Linux is known for its stability and security. This means that hosting providers don’t have to invest as much in maintenance and security measures, which further reduces the cost.

Some hosting providers even offer free Linux hosting plans, although these are usually limited in terms of features and resources.

Windows Hosting

Windows hosting is generally more expensive than Linux hosting. This is because the Windows operating system is proprietary and requires licensing fees. Hosting providers have to pay for these fees, which they then pass on to their customers.

Furthermore, Windows hosting requires more maintenance and security measures compared to Linux hosting. This is because Windows is known to be less secure and stable than Linux. Hosting providers have to invest more in these areas, which again, increases the cost.

However, if you require Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET or MSSQL for your website, then Windows hosting is the way to go.

Performance

The performance of your web hosting can have a big impact on your website’s speed and user experience. Let’s take a look at how Linux and Windows hosting compare in terms of performance.

Linux Hosting

Linux hosting is known for its stability and reliability. The Linux operating system is designed to handle multiple tasks concurrently, which makes it a great choice for web servers. Furthermore, Linux hosting uses Apache as its web server software, which is known for its stability and speed.

Linux also supports PHP, which is a popular programming language for web development. PHP is known for its speed and efficiency, making it a great choice for creating dynamic websites.

Windows Hosting

Windows hosting can also provide good performance, but it depends on the specific software being used. Windows servers typically run IIS (Internet Information Services) as their web server software, which is known for its easy-to-use interface and scalability.

If you’re using Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET or MSSQL, then Windows hosting will provide better performance compared to Linux hosting. This is because these technologies are designed to work best with the Windows operating system.

Security

Security is a major concern when it comes to web hosting. Let’s take a look at how Linux and Windows hosting compare in terms of security.

Linux Hosting

Linux is known for its security and stability. The operating system is designed to be less vulnerable to malware and viruses. Furthermore, Linux has a smaller market share compared to Windows, which makes it less of a target for hackers.

Linux hosting also has a strong community of developers who are constantly updating and improving the software. This means that security issues are usually identified and fixed quickly.

Windows Hosting

Windows is known to be less secure than Linux. This is because it has a larger market share, which makes it a bigger target for hackers. Furthermore, Windows has a lot of legacy code, which can make it more vulnerable to security issues.

However, Windows hosting providers typically invest more in security measures and updates compared to Linux hosting providers. This is because they have to deal with more security threats.

Customer Support

Customer support is important when it comes to web hosting. Let’s take a look at how Linux and Windows hosting compare in terms of customer support.

Linux Hosting

Linux hosting providers typically offer good customer support. This is because Linux has a strong community of developers who are constantly sharing knowledge and helping each other out.

Furthermore, Linux hosting providers often have extensive knowledge bases and forums where customers can ask questions and get answers quickly.

Windows Hosting

Windows hosting providers also offer good customer support. However, because Windows is a proprietary operating system, there is less of a community around it. This means that it can be harder to find answers to specific questions.

However, because Microsoft is a large company, Windows hosting providers often have access to a lot of resources that can help them provide good customer support.

Conclusion

Choosing between Linux and Windows server web hosting can be a tough decision. Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and requirements. Linux hosting is generally cheaper and more secure, while Windows hosting is better for Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET and MSSQL. Consider your needs and do some research before making a decision.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Linux and Windows hosting?

Linux hosting uses the open-source Linux operating system and Apache web server software, while Windows hosting uses the proprietary Windows operating system and IIS web server software. Linux is known for its stability and security, while Windows is known for its Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET and MSSQL.

2. Is Linux hosting better than Windows hosting?

It depends on your specific requirements. Linux hosting is generally cheaper and more secure, while Windows hosting is better for Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET and MSSQL.

3. Can I use ASP.NET on Linux hosting?

No, ASP.NET is a Microsoft technology and requires Windows hosting.

4. Which hosting provider is the best for Linux hosting?

There are many good hosting providers for Linux hosting, including Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround.

5. Which hosting provider is the best for Windows hosting?

There are many good hosting providers for Windows hosting, including HostGator, Bluehost, and A2 Hosting.