Windows vs Linux Web Hosting

 If you are planning to open a website in the near future, you will first have to decide on a web hosting company. Before you can make that decision, you will have to know which operating system your web host should have. If you decide on a web host first, it will limit some of your programming decisions. If you design your site first, it will limit your choice of web hosts.

The two main operating systems used by web hosts are Windows and Linux. Which one is best for you? Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. There is no clear and obvious answer as to which is best because it depends on what you need. Here are some points to consider.

The Linux operating system is of the open source type of software. This means that it is free of charge. In fact, if you had the technical knowledge and equipment budget to be your own web host, you could just download the Linux operating system free of any licensing fees. Theoretically, a web host using Linux should be able to charge less.

There is evidence to indicate that Linux may be more secure. This point is hotly debated and there is no proof of it in absolute terms.

However, it is generally thought that Linux handles intense multi-tasking better than Windows does. Again, this is not a point to which Microsoft concedes.

Many software packages and scripting languages can be configured to work well in either operating system although there are a number of programs, mainly from Microsoft, what will not run on Linux. These include sites that were designed with the Microsoft.Net package. In addition, the Microsoft Access database program will not function on Linux.

So how do you choose? If your site was or will be put together with Microsoft products, you will have no choice but to use the Windows operating system. If not, and price is of paramount importance, then Linux will be better for you.

Many developers and programmers like Linux. Since it is open source, they are allowed access to the source code, which they say gives them more flexibility. On the other hand, Windows tends to be easier to work with, unless you need something special, since the programs and the operating system are completely compatible.

There is no clear and obvious choice. It depends on your needs.