Before you start building a website, it’s vital that you thoroughly consider the various factors that affect its development, such as its price, bandwidth, and software compatibility, among others. One of the most important factors that you should consider is which operating system to use. Linux is typically the most popular choice for most people, but Windows Server is often used by companies that need Microsoft services.
Although blogging is generally not affected by the differences between operating systems, businesses that need specialized services may find it more important to use a particular one. This guide will help you choose the right one for your needs.
Cost
Linux is an open-source operating system that comes in various flavors. It’s easier to maintain and is cheaper to run than Windows Server, which is owned by Microsoft. Because of this, web hosting companies often charge users additional fees for using Windows Server. This can add up to a significant cost difference between the two plans. Although Linux is more cost-effective than Windows Server, you might have to pay extra for certain features if you use them.
Software Considerations
Your choice of operating system will determine the software that you’ll need to update and build a website. For instance, WordPress is much easier to use on Linux than on Windows servers. In addition, it runs using a PHP scripting language and a MySQL database service. Also, the popular web hosting software, known as cPanel, is commonly used on Linux. It allows users to access various website-building tools, such as the Apache web server and the JavaScript and Python programming languages.
On the other hand, Windows Server is a collection of services maintained and created by Microsoft. If you’re planning on using Microsoft’s ASP.NET framework or its version of SQL, you’ll need Windows Server. Other programs that are only compatible with Windows Server include C#, Remote Desktop, and Microsoft Access. If you’re just starting out with web hosting, Linux is a good choice for you. Windows Server is ideal for large organizations and experienced developers.
Security and Stability
Despite its open-source nature, Linux is considered to be the elder statesman when it comes to server stability. It’s widely used and has a good reputation for handling various functions without issue. Unlike Windows Server, Linux doesn’t require frequent reboots and doesn’t have memory leaks. Security should be high on the list when it comes to protecting your website’s data. Linux’s open-source nature allows multiple developers to work on fixes. Although finding the exact fixes can be challenging compared to Microsoft’s extensive support and documentation, Linux is still widely used and has a good reputation for security.