Although, differences between Linux and Windows server hosting have blurred to great extent, these two services had stark distinctions some years ago. The fading of dividing line between Linux and Windows hosting can be attributed to compatibility of system platforms offered by companies.

One of the most striking differences between Linux and Windows operating systems is the way these operating systems establish an access to server. Linux Operating System enables remote server access although both the systems can be accessed via FTP protocol that allows transferring of files. Linux is known to provide greater controls as well as easy access to vital areas of server.

Windows operating system has been developed for convenience of customers and is significantly more user friendly than other operating systems. However, Linux operating systems are designed for catering to varied requirements of programmers as well as developers. There is a myriad of functionalities and applications that can be used to provide a better user experience at the end of the day.

The dissimilarities between the two operating systems in terms of support offered to programming languages are worth noting. Linux server hosting is related to use of Perl, CGI, or PHP, while Windows operating system has been associated with .NET, ASP, and ColdFusion.

As far as databases are considered, Windows server hosting prefers SQL or MS Access server while MySQL privileges are chosen for Linux server hosting.

Security

We can also differentiate the two operating systems by considering issues related to security of hosting. It has been largely believed that Widows operating system is governed by more security holes than its closest rival Linux OS.

The argument may not be considered to be totally relevant, however it does hold some water because a large community of developers and contributors is always on guard to make sure that any flaw or gaps in security as far as Linux operating systems are concerned are corrected and instantly updated.

In Windows server hosting environment, the gaps are bridged regularly with help of frequently published service packs or patches

Key issues related to Windows and Linux hosting

Ideally, on should focus more on choice of hosting service provider than getting bogged down by differences between operating systems. However, some important pints need to be analyzed for clearer understanding about both systems.

Commercial considerations- It is a well-known fact that Windows servers are significantly higher in pricing in comparison with Linux operated servers. Thanks to growing competition among various operating systems, the overall prices of Windows servers have been declining for past few years. Users with extremely tight budgetary restrictions must think of Linux server hosting due to absence of periodic licensing costs and so forth.

Safe hosting

Majority of users believe that Linux servers are much more secure than their Windows counterparts. It must be noted that security of any operating system should not be judged by its popularity. Both operating systems are at par in terms of weaknesses. The efficiency and involvement of technical staff at your hosting service is your best defense for guaranteed security of your digital assets.

Level of performance

Since Windows operating system is packed with a larger number of features, users may experience a slower performance. However, Linux OS has advantage of extensibility and thus is perceived as to deliver faster performance in initial stages of hosting.

Linux has always been rated as the most robust open source operating systems across the globe. Due to this very reason Linux has been a favorite operating system in overall web hosting industry. This is also the reason why there are more web hosting service providers offering Linux as an operating system than Windows.

Benefits of Windows server hosting

The web page creator offered by Windows is powered by WYSIWYG feature for enhanced user friendly attributes. If users are planning to access Windows specific applications including FrontPage, ASP, Access, or .NET, then a Windows server is an obvious choice.

Windows is default operating systems for a multitude of applications including home PCs and therefore it enjoys familiarity among majority of users including web admins and developers. It should be noted that there is hardly any difference between the user friendly features offered by both operating systems.

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