Linux vs Windows

[centelo]

I hope this comes across as less of "which is better" but more like "which has more options and flexibility". I know a ton of windows based applications for some sites need to have windows or need to have cold fusion running but are these the only types of reasons you would take a windows sever over a linux one?

[carl owen]

Linux is mostly recommended because it has a number of benefits over Windows. Check the benefits Linux has over Windows :-

1) Linux is Open Source i.e. Free but Windows requires licensing fees.

2) Linux is compatible with most of applications and software's while Windows is mostly compatible with Windows applications only.

3) Linux is considered to be safe in comparison to Windows as Viruses can be present in the Linux Environment without affecting Linux. Whereas, there are many Viruses made for Windows operating systems which affect Windows adversely.

4) Support for Windows is mostly available from Microsoft but this is not the case with Linux as you will receive support from many online communities and Forums.

5) There are many Distros i.e. Flavors available with Linux which are all Free of cost. However, Windows has a limited number of versions and most of them have Licensing fees.

Linux also has many more advantages over Windows.

For more information about this, click here (Cheaper?)

[Lazlo90]

I've probably said this several times already but will do so again, I personally would ONLY use Windows if it was absolutely necessary. That means I would be either using a Windows web script that required ASP/Microsoft SQL or I planned to develop one, at the moment I'm not too interested in either one so I'll definitely be sticking with Linux. However, if PHP/MySQL is not your thing and you prefer ASP/Microsoft SQL then go for a Windows server.

[Christina]

Servers are like Air conditioners, they stop functioning properly if you open Windows.

[Amelia]

I believe it's a good option to host the Web site on Linux if you are not utilizing ASP, Coldfusion, MSSQL..

Servers are like Air conditioners, they stop functioning properly if you open Windows.

[carl owen]

Absolutely Correct. I would also recommend Windows only if you wish to run some Windows applications like ASP, ASP.net, Coldfusion etc. Otherwise, choosing Linux will be the best option as spending more money for less features isn't a good deal ;)

[centelo]

My issue is that I am a knowledge hound so if I see something I have no idea anything about it, my crazyself will go and learn about it, even if that means the hard way (and I am tempted to learn more about windows hosting).

I also like the numbers break down but figure throw this out as well:

1) I am not sure about the price, that is one thing that has been holding me back.

2) Still not sure what I would run that would be usefull (to learn and run) for windows, another hold back...

3) That is why most new sites I visit, I visit them in Linux before Windows. :D

4) True, but I also know some Linux dev's that are pretty lazy so its hard to depend on updates (which a little, does worry me).

5) I still do not like having "fees" but its worth the check out, I will keep you posted more on what I decide and if I need more things broken down (Thanks for the help man)!

[Amelia]

Yes, please keep us posted on how things work for you. This is a frequently discussed topic and would be nice if we have some personal reviews coming up.

[bod-jack]

One of the Major disadvantage of Windows is that if the OS crashes, there is no easy way to recover it.

[MattBarthorp]

Windows over Linux have many benefits.

- Risk of malware and viruses is much lesser
- Bugs and security holes can be patched quickely
- It has multiple ways of support
- Applications are free
- Linux is improving at a far faster rate than Windows
- Linux offers more flexibility.

[Martin]

Originally Posted by MattBarthorp

Windows over Linux have many benefits.

- Risk of malware and viruses is much lesser
- Bugs and security holes can be patched quickely
- It has multiple ways of support
- Applications are free
- Linux is improving at a far faster rate than Windows
- Linux offers more flexibility.

Lol!

You are talking about benefits of Linux or Windows, Matt?:confused:

[BodShane]

Originally Posted by MattBarthorp

Windows over Linux have many benefits.

- Risk of malware and viruses is much lesser
- Bugs and security holes can be patched quickely
- It has multiple ways of support
- Applications are free
- Linux is improving at a far faster rate than Windows
- Linux offers more flexibility.

Ok, i am not sure what means. :P

Regards,

Shane Phillips

[carl owen]

Originally Posted by MattBarthorp

Windows over Linux have many benefits.

- Risk of malware and viruses is much lesser
- Bugs and security holes can be patched quickely
- It has multiple ways of support
- Applications are free
- Linux is improving at a far faster rate than Windows
- Linux offers more flexibility.

Well, I think you were talking about Linux but it seems that you have made a mistake Never mind, I will make it clear so that there is no further confusion. All the above points are benefits of Linux in comparison to Windows ;)

[Bodhost-Andy]

Linux and Windows both are very good and easy operation system but you can choose your server OS as per your requirements.

Linux
Linux (often pronounced LIH-nuhks with a short "i") is a Unix-like operating system
Linux's kernel (the central part of the operating system) was developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

2. A Linux website can easily be converted to a Windows website without much hassle. Also, the website can easily be changed as the requirement of the user grows.

3. Linux web hosting is very economical as Linux is a free operating system. Usually, only the cost of distribution is borne by the host or owner.

4. When the scripting language like PHP, MySQL, or Perl etc. are required for your website then Linux server hosting is the most reliable and cost effective solution for you. Unless heavy load of scripting language, this will not be traceable.

5. There are many kinds of databases that run on Linux hosting, but the most widespread most likely among web host providers are mSQL, MySQL and PostgreSQL. These databases are relational by nature, and permit vastly optimized communication with your website for rapid reclamation of data.

6. By lots of circles Linux hosting is supposed to be much securing than Windows hosting, and for that reason only Linux server hosting is also the more popular choice for web designers and programmers.

Windows

The Windows operating system.it allows people to manage files and run software programs. The Windows operating system is developed and maintained by Microsoft, the company founded by Bill Gates.


1. .NET technologies like ASP dot net VB dot net are available on this platform. If you have a website built with Microsoft .NET technologies then you will have to choose a Windows server hosting plan.

2. If you need an enterprise class database there are some different features that run on a Linux platform but if you need Microsoft's MSSQL database, a Windows hosting plan will be your best choice.

3. Access Databases are only obtainable with a Windows server hosting plan. Access can only run on a Microsoft Windows platform and thus it is unavailable on a Linux hosting. If your site needs particularly this feature then you will have to accept windows server hosting.

4. If you are using some of the Microsoft's Sharepoint services a Windows Hosting plan is only reliable choice for you.

[Rocky]

WoW.. that's so nicely framed & explained Heads up for you, Andy ! Good work..

[Amelia]

Looks like the information in this thread has done full justice to the title now

I hope this information now helps you to pick the OS that is just right for your website.