Webhosting Operating Systems: Windows vs. Linux
On the surface it would be difficult to tell the difference between sites that are running windows and those that are running Linux. However, there is a real difference in the services offered between the two in that Linux is by far safer and more secure, is cheaper to run and is much more flexible and easily controlled. Yet there are some drawbacks to a Linux server in that you would need to know how to work with the LAMP software bundle that includes Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Perl and Python. For users accustomed to Windows software, it may take some getting used to.
The cost associated with Linux servers is far less than the cost of Windows servers. For this reason many people choose web hosting servers that run Linux when they are looking for features that are secure and cost effective. Also, Windows needs to reboot the system every time an update is made but this is not the case with Linux. Linux servers can run for long periods of time without the server needing to reboot but when all is said and done there really aren’t many other major differences that are readily apparent. Cost and security are the two great advantages of running a Linux based server while familiarity and ease of use are the benefits of a Windows based server.