If you want to host a good website, you obviously need a good host server, and there are two major server operating systems; Linux and Windows. People often get confused over what server OS to pick; considering that both the operating systems are powerful systems, giving equal excellent performance. It would not be fair to support one and contradict other, as there are thousands of systems that work on both the servers and maximum technical satisfaction is given by different hosting providers.
Server Access
One of the basic features in web hosting is that of server access. Files on both Linux and Windows can be accessed through FTP protocols. Linux, however, offers telnet and SSH, as extra server access options. This means that, aside from transferring file direct from hard drive to web server, you can also perform actions on the files on the web server, through the telnet and SSH protocols. All you have to do is know a few UNIX commands, but these protocols are not available on the Windows hosting server.
Web Page Extensions
When it comes to web pages, both the servers accept HTML and Javascript, with only a slight difference in the extension. Linux uses “.html” whereas Windows uses “.htm”. Most people prefer the Windows form, because they can work on Frontpage extensions easily, and even though Linux also offers the same facility, it is not available on all platforms.
Scripting Language
Scripting language of the web page is very important. You need to pick a server that is compatible with your website. Linux provides support for PHP and MySql scripts, whereas Windows provide support for ASP and MS SQL. Extensions for html, CGI, pop mails, flash, audio, Javascript are all suitable with both the servers.
Cost
One reason why most people prefer Linux over Windows is its free and inexpensive services. You can always get a cheap Linux hosting, as software programs on Linux are always for free, where as Windows require you to purchase their software programs at an expensive price. More importantly, it has to be licensed by Microsoft, which is in itself a tiring process.
Security
Well, Windows does highly promote its security levels, still most administrators find it falling back on its words. Linux, because of its simple interface provides a strong security base. Windows on the other hand is more vulnerable to attacks and does not provide the needed level of security. However, Linux too has its flaws, so we cannot rule out any one of them as being 100% safe.
Conclusion
Both the servers, serves their purpose well, and you being the administrator are partly more responsible to run the site affectively, rather than being totally dependent on the server OS. Being an administrator, you need to be fluent in both the servers and given a challenge, you should be able to bring out the best of them. Overall, the operating systems do not have much of a difference, with the cost being the only gap between the two.
URL: http://www.webhosteditor.com/2010/11/25/linux-hosting-vs-windows-hosting/
