Hi,

what is the difference between windows & linux hosting?

Thanks
Regards
zapinfotech

Hmm

Windows runs IIS and can support asp.net 3.5. It can also run mySql and PHP. Runs on Windows, gives the server admin a GUI interface (also powershell which is as/or much powerful then linux shell). Very Secure.

Linux, runs on open source software. Command line interface for fast mangement. Very Secure. Can run PHP and MySQL but not the MS languages.


Linux is free. Windows has high fees.

really its personal preference. I use a windows host because I am familier with the file system, IIS, and I use asp.net for development; Both have their advantage and disadvantage. I think Windows 2008 is a real breakthrough and offers a lot with matched security. For example, PHP on windows will not give correct results because these functions only run on linux, and vice versa.

This debate has been opened so many times. Linux is free, Windows isn't, neither are most of the programs that make it good such as MSSQL or .net.

Linux has a large community backing it up with fixes available for free, Windows has it's own support which can cost a lot for a large/complicated or on going issue. Under 1000 bugs were found in the entire Linux source code, Windows has tens of thousands in comparison. Including major security holes which only Microsoft can fix due to the closed nature of the Windows source.

Linux can have a GUI installed as well as using the CLI.

As Masfenix said, it's open to personal preference.

Personally, the hosts I picked in the past used Linux and I'll probably stay that way. Stability, uptime, less cost and I have not need for ASP, or .net

As others have stated , it is a personal preference but it seems more hosts tend to run linux then windows.

Windows - Supports ASP, PHP, MYSQL. Costs money

Linux - Supports PHP, MYSQL. Open Source aka Free.

Windows - Very Easy to manage using the GUI. OS itself very costly. Even non techy guys can manage it. DOTNET and MSSQL are very much popular now a days.

Linux - An open source OS which is available free of cost. Few vendors offering paid support. Technologies such as PHP, MySQL, Python, perl all are available free of cost.

Even though windows is very costly, most of the companies opt it as their desktop and server machines, This is because they request for a support at Microsoft who is responsible for the bugs also. But several open source OS flavors are not providing any support. Means the companies who are using those softwares need to find somebody else for the support or debugging when it happens.

I like both platforms. Both having their own advantages and disadvantages. For me it is very easy customize Linux for my needs, but not windows. Both Linux/windows are very stable. It is very easy to root hack Linux machines for an experienced. Never find a windows machine hacked. Linux is 99.9% secure against virus attacks, but windows is very weak on this.

The differences between the operating systems is much less that would affect your site if you are hosting basic site. Only if you are specific about the language of coding of your websites. I would recommend, when choosing a hosting service you find one that has the options you want, rather than worrying about what operating system they are running on the back end.

Good luck !!!