You must make several decisions when deciding on the type of web hosting for your small business’s website. Before building a website, there are many aspects of web hosting, such as price, storage, bandwidth, and software compatibility. But one of the most crucial decisions entrepreneurs will have to make is if their server’s operating system should be Windows or Linux web hosting.
Most people use Linux as their server, while server administrators and companies that need Microsoft’s services use Windows Server. When writing a hot take, the average blogger won’t notice significant differences between the operating systems. However, businesses with specific backend needs have more to lose. If you aren’t sure which operating system to use for your website, this guide will help you make an intelligent choice.
Basics Of The Operating System
Not all web hosting services or service tiers provide the option of using the Linux or Windows Server operating systems. For instance, if you choose a Linux shared hosting plan, you’ll likely be stuck with the web host’s default operating system, usually Linux.
To find a Windows Server option, you must typically sign up for the more expensive and robust virtual private server (VPS) or dedicated hosting offerings. The best Linux web hosting service providers are HostingSeekers which offers high-quality and reliable hosting services.
Please keep in mind that your PC’s operating system has no bearing on whether you choose a Linux or Windows-based server. You can use Linux servers if you have a Windows PC, and vice versa.
The situation is the same with macOS. Server operating systems are on the backend, so it makes no difference how you connect to them from the front end. There are compelling reasons why you should use Linux or Windows as the foundation of your website. Let’s look into them.
You will use the Windows Server operating system when considering Windows for web hosting. This is considerably different from the operating system on your home computer. Windows Server is designed primarily for robust machines that run complex applications like web hosting.
The Windows Server OS, like a PC, has a very user-friendly interface that makes it simple to use, especially if compared to Linux.
Ensure that when it comes to hosting, you’ll rarely need to interact with the operating system. Instead, most of your time and effort will be spent directly managing your website.
Many small businesses believe that because Windows is the most commonly used operating system on their computers, they must use it for web hosting.
However, unlike PCs, where you regularly interact with the operating system, most people will never see these operating systems when running a website.
Linux is an open-source operating system which has been around since the early 1990s. While it has a primary graphical user interface (GUI) similar to Windows, most configuration is done through a command-line interface. For some people, this can be daunting as you need to know a lot of commands.
Fortunately, most of the actual OS configuration is handled by hosting companies when it comes to web hosting. You will have access to the control panel to manage your website, but unless you sign up for an unmanaged hosting account, you will not have access to Linux OS technical support.
Almost all individuals and small businesses prefer Linux shared hosting because it requires much less experience while remaining very affordable.
Another critical aspect of the Linux operating system is that it is far more efficient than Windows.
When we say “runs efficiently,” we mean that the operating system uses relatively less memory, little disc space, and central processing unit (CPU) processes, leaving these resources available for your website’s operation.
Furthermore, because Linux has much less overhead, it is generally more stable. However, Windows Servers can also run for an extended period without issue.
These two operating systems are significantly dissimilar. Here is a comparison of how they differ:
User interface: Windows is intuitive to use due to its familiar menus. On the other hand, Linux utilizes a command line with functions and syntaxes that may be challenging to master. This is why numerous administrators rely on cPanel to simplify server administration.
Stability and safety: Although both operating systems are susceptible to hacking, Windows is typically more susceptible to threats. Additionally, Linux is more stable and rarely requires a restart. Windows has difficulty managing several tasks; thus, it may not be the best option for business-critical apps.
Compatibility between hardware and software: Bigenterprises with intricate IT systems frequently utilize Windows servers. Exchange and SharePoint are common examples. Because they are interoperable with other Microsoft apps, you will receive incredible support. Linux may not be compatible with these technologies, and relying on a Linux administrator in corporate situations is not optimal.
Development tools: Typically, Linux hosting is used to create personal websites with access to software such as Apache, PHP, MySQL, and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). In addition to configuring an NGINX web server, experienced developers can utilize Perl or Python. However, websites built with Microsoft ASP.NET and MS SQL will only function on Windows servers.
Speed: When executing instructions, Linux is typically faster than Windows since it is lightweight and efficient with server resources.
Time to conclude this discussion and address the most critical question: Linux or Windows: which one is better?
There are numerous distributions of the open-source system, each with advantages for particular online projects. Linux has greater competitive benefits, including enhanced stability and infinite customization flexibility. And the best part is that Linux web hosting is reliable.
However, Windows remains the platform of choice for more prominent corporations, where software licensing and data security are paramount. Whether you select a Linux- or Windows-based server is frequently determined by the requirements of your applications.
Therefore, we suggest you choose the best OS server as per your business requirements and objectives.