What's the upside of having a Windows server vs a Linux in terms of web hosting?

Do you have any need for ASP.NET?

If not then there is not much of a reason to run it. Other than using more resources, has a GUI, costs more, potentially less stable (not necessarily), potentially less secure (also not always necessarily)

In short, unless you specifically require windows; Linux is better for general purpose web hosting.

Myths:
- Windows is less stable.
- Windows is only good for ASP / ASP.NET
- Windows is less secure.
- Windows needs more resources.

All of the above statements are a reflection on the admins and hardware, not the operating system.

The only thing true is that Windows costs more. There are MS license fees to consider, unlike open-source Linux OS.

Windows is arguably better at PHP now, too, thanks to IIS7.

Windows can do almost everything that Linux can do, plus more. But if you don't need the "more" then using Linux is my suggestion.

Using Windows for a server is NOTHING like using Windows on your home/office computer.

Using Windows for a server is NOTHING like using Windows on your home/office computer.

I'll add to this, it's exactly the same as using the regular Windows GUI. However I've had Windows servers running solid since 2004. So stability is fine if it's setup right.

Our Windows servers are actually quite stable. As others have said, use what fits your needs best. I have to login to several Linux servers on a daily basis to fix issues with scripts, cpanel, you name it - but in comparison the majority of our issues with Windows are caused by the users themselves rather then any defect on the server. Things don't seem to randomly break as often.

I do still prefer the CLI over a GUI any day though.

What's the upside of having a Windows server vs a Linux in terms of web hosting?

1) It supports .net and Microsoft's developer framework

2) Many people are familiar with a Windows environment only, so having that environment on the server means they do not have to learn to use Linux.

One downside is for a given cost, Linux will perform better, because the money not spent on Windows can be spent on hardware. (For example, it could be spent on an SSD.)

2) Many people are familiar with a Windows environment only, so having that environment on the server means they do not have to learn to use Linux.

Beside scripting support, there's not much difference between windows & linux hosting from end user perspective (shared hosting).
Users upload files to their hosting space via ftp, configure hosting features in control panel.
However some people still think they need windows hosting because they are more familiar with windows OS on their computer.

I assume that you are asking to have a shared hosting plan with windows or linux, you are not asking to have a dedicated server with windows or linux.
1. If you will use .NET framework and MS SQL databases then a windows hosting plan is a must.
2. If you dont know what you will use, again you can have a windows hosting plan since it can handle approx all other requirements too.
3. Windows OS is really secure and stable as far as your hosting provider takes care of the servers.(You are not responsible to manage servers!!!)

Windows is good for ASP, RDP, etc.

Lots of free and paid software available for linux,
for example - cPanel is better then plesk but you can't install cpanel on windows :)

With standard (static) HTML-based websites, the web hosting platform doesn't make much difference. When it does make a difference, however, is when the website uses a dynamic scripting technology such as ASP (A Microsoft based technology), or PHP / PERL (Linux based technologies). A Windows-based hosting solution will run a Microsoft Windows server with IIS (Internet Information Server), and is necessary to run an ASP / ASP.NET scripted website. A Linux-based platform is typically used for PHP, Perl, and most other types of websites. Basically, unless your website uses ASP (pages ending in the .asp extention), Windows hosting is not necessary.

Linux Hosting

1) Cost Effective
2) Lots of Free open sources application available and used for wide range of languages, and databases such as PHP, Perl, PostGre, MySQL, PostgreSQL
3) Linux webservers counted to be fast processing speed then windows.

Windows Hosting

1) All Microsoft Software supported (Access and MS SQL databases, Active Server Pages (ASP), Visual Basic Scripts, MS Index Server etc.)

As far as security is concern: Both windows and linux have some problems. Fairly, that is your administration level which can make your server more secure - regardless of operating system. You should have good support team to manage your servers and service. Rest depend on your coding or scripting for your website or application.

as per mu choice, Linux Server is good,

1. Linux have no virus issue as compare windows.
we seen so many site affected by virus today,
2. Linux need less resources to it is cheaper as compare windows.


al last I want to say one thing, Its depend on our website needs, if we need windows frame work than we should go with windows.........

We're moving to a windows server, and once all the PHP settings were properly in, I can't tell the difference between new and old host.

We're planning on running a .asp website though.

Differences depend from OS to OS.

Windows can get resource happy, while Linux can control the resources. In my opinion Linux is also easier to protect from DoS, it really depends on taste.

I recommend getting cPanel as it's the best for a hosting company.

like the rest said, if you don't need asp, go Linux...

linux is the best for ur site
but some guys use windows for uploading files just using the server network speed,
and asp like guys told u

Myths:
- Windows is less stable.
- Windows is only good for ASP / ASP.NET
- Windows is less secure.
- Windows needs more resources.


Windows used to be less stable but with effective management helps to have stable windows server.
Windows is good for PHP and other LAMP related technologies.
There are several solutions for security.
Now, resources are not that expensive and can be accommodated.

Windows used to be less stable but with effective management helps to have stable windows server.
Windows is good for PHP and other LAMP related technologies.
There are several solutions for security.
Now, resources are not that expensive and can be accommodated.

I think thats why they were stated as "myths."

If you are using php then Linux and if you are going to use Asp pages then definitely windows is a way to go with.

If you don't need ASP.NET, Linux is always the best choice. Linux web hosting is also the first choice for providers.

Some might be looking for All-in-one plans, I think PHP on Windows is never within my consideration.

Linux +1

You didn't really say whether you were asking the difference between Windows vs Linux hosting for hosting customer standpoint, or a hosting provider's standpoint...

As previously mentioned, from a site hosting point-of-view, for most sites, there's really no difference. If you need .net, MSSQL, Access or Frontpage Extensions, then Windows hosting would likely be better.

Personally, if you're doing PHP, I'd go with Linux hosting...

You might also find hosting on Linux to be cheaper, since the licensing expense from a Windows host will likely be passed on, assuming the host is complying with SPLA.

If you're looking to run your own hosting, then the choice is more dependant on your skill set. If you're familiar with Windows, but not Linux, then running a Linux server via a CLI might be intimidating. However, the familiar GUI and abundant reference materials, both printed and online, for Windows may be a big help.

Also, if you are doing a single server for e-mail, DNS, hosting, etc, Linux would be a better choice, IMHO.

Windows is good for ASP, RDP, etc.

Lots of free and paid software available for linux,
for example - cPanel is better then plesk but you can't install cpanel on windows :)

Well... actually you can install Enkompass a.k.a. cPanel for Windows :D

In my opinion, it is also easy to control Windows servers using the Administrative Tools coming with the operating system when the control panels are in consideration.

However, I prefer Linux in all cases. Also, there is an ASP.NET module for Apache (mod_mono). Working with other languages (Java, python, etc.) is relatively easy in Linux. PHP stability and usability is better in Linux (i.e., I couldn't manage to install some PHP scripts in Windows running PHP over FastCGI). However, you should stick on the "black screen with white letters" in order to configure Linux (Control panels are not enough for configuration). These are my opinions, though.

We run both, but are migrating away from Windows servers and will soon be 100% Linux. The Windows servers we've seen and experienced tend to be slightly more buggy and much more difficult to use. No .htaccess files, difficult to set permissions on individual files and folders, and common scripts (like oscommerce) are easily hacked.

I agree, a good sysadmin can keep them secure and running smoothly, but I figure why bang head against monitor?

The only upside to Windows servers that I see is the remote desktop feature. Quite nice and easy to use!

For our customer base, we have found Windows to be very solid for mid to enterprise level customers.

Both systems has their downsides:

Windows needs a more security knowledge in order to keep it really safe, not difficult but u should thing of anything.

Linux Is more secure after first setup, but it needs more Administration Costs and knowledge to keep it working

Since I'm using phpBB,then Linux OS is the that's recommended.

Linux overall from my experience's is very stable and reliable with web hosting. IIS can be confusing and difficult if your not familiar.

Both systems has their downsides:
Windows needs a more security knowledge in order to keep it really safe, not difficult but u should thing of anything.
Linux Is more secure after first setup, but it needs more Administration Costs and knowledge to keep it working
None of that is really true. Security is a statement about the admin, not the OS. If anything, my experienceshave shown me Linux is more of an issue than Windows. I have to updates those Apache machines at least 3-4x as much as a good IIS box.

The Windows servers No .htaccess files,
Problem solved: http://www.micronovae.com/ModRewrite/ModRewrite.html or http://www.helicontech.com/ape/
I've used Micronovae's software for several years now, works great.

difficult to set permissions on individual files and folders, Use a control panel like Plesk. Easy. (Although OS admin isn't much harder, if any.)

and common scripts (like oscommerce) are easily hacked.Hacking is generally unrelated to OS the days.

I think PHP on Windows is never within my consideration.Not an issue with IIS7. Even IIS6 was fine. But if you want to nitpick, IIS7 FastCGI has been shown to outperform Linux/Apache in a number of scenarios.

Also, there is an ASP.NET module for Apache (mod_mono).
Not the same. Most true ASP.NET apps cannot run under this crippled service. Same for ASP and Chilisoft -- not the same, not true ASP. Won't work.

Linux overall from my experience's is very stable and reliable with web hosting. IIS can be confusing and difficult if your not familiar.

I have tried ISS and after a few attempt's i have got the hang of it.

It's Quite Easy. to configure moudle's i find it easier since you've got a Desktop. Without the cripiling resault's of running KDE on linux or gnome.

So overall my vote goes to windows!

KDE or Gnome?

Console! :-)

But yes it all depends on the server administrators primarily. Both can be used for rock solid hosting. Both can be crippled too :D

We always recommend linux apache server that is more stable. you don't have to use Windows hosting whether your PC uses the Windows operating system. If you are using ASP, ASP.NET or MS SQL in your website then you should take Windows Hosting. Otherwise, we strongly recommend Linux Hosting. Linux Hosting is easy to use and more stable than Windows Hosting.

I second that. Linux has proven itself as reliable webhosting solution.
Apache usage statistics certainly confirm that.

http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2010/08/11/august-2010-web-server-survey-4.html

I've used Windows and Linux server for years. I still have some Windows 2003 servers running rock solid that where setup back in 2004 so I think if their setup correctly both can be stable.

How ever I will add that I only use the windows servers to host ASP & ASP.NET websites and use Linux server for DNS and mail servers.

We all know Linux is cheaper to setup and run but its also nice to offer customers the option of windows 2003/2008.

I second that. Linux has proven itself as reliable webhosting solution.
Apache usage statistics certainly confirm that.

http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2010/08/11/august-2010-web-server-survey-4.html

IMHO usage statistic doesn't only mean reliability, there's a cost factor in it as well. Seriously I'm not sure if the chart stays the same if Windows servers are given "free".

Both need knowledge to administer, they won't just run fine without human touch. Besides, I think it's wrong to say Linux is more secured until it's properly configured. Similarly for Windows server, you need to know how to secure it.

I guess it is potentially less secure (also not always necessarily)

I agree with Ron
Windows servers are actually quite stable. As others have said, use what fits your needs best. I have to login to several Linux servers on a daily basis to fix issues with scripts, cpanel, you name it - but in comparison the majority of our issues with Windows are caused by the users themselves rather then any defect on the server. Things don't seem to randomly break as often.