Cheaper? - Dedicated Server Hosting | VPS Hosting

webhappy · #1 (**permalink**) 02-15-09, 07:30

Is Linux hosting cheaper because of the use of the free OS or is the price about the same? I know that most of what you are paying for when you buy hosting is the machine that it runs on more than the OS, but just curious.

carl owen · #2 (**permalink**) 02-15-09, 14:16

Linux hosting is definitely cheaper in comparison to Windows. You will have to pay the OS Licensing fees if you go for Windows and this is not the case with Linux as you do not have to pay the licensing fees. The cost of the server hardware is the same but when the cost of the OS is added to the cost of the hardware, Windows server becomes expensive in comparison to Linux.

clarabean · #3 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 08:48

Well, this is one aspect of dedicated servers that I hadn't thought of. I wonder how much Windows charges for the license? I can't imagine it's too cheap considering the cost of most of their software.

carl owen · #4 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 15:39

The license of Windows OS depends on the version of the OS you are purchasing. If you are purchasing the latest version then it will probably cost higher than the older version. It also depends on the features which are available with the different versions of the Windows OS. If a version has more features than the other one, it will definitely cost higher. As it is Windows, you will have to pay licensing fees for almost all the products it provides

bloggerbee · #5 (**permalink**) 02-17-09, 16:39

Does anyone know a ballpark figure for how much more it would be to buy a Windows server versus a Linux server? If I was to buy one it would be the software with the best reviews and I'm not sure that it would necessarily be the latest one.

carl owen · #6 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 10:54

The Hardware costs of the server would be the same and the only difference will be the Licensing fees you will have to pay for Windows. The cost of the license depends upon the version of Windows you select. Mostly, the latest version will be expensive than the older one but it is not necessary. If you can give some more information about the version you would like to have then it will be possible for us to provide you with the cost you will have to pay for it.

bloggerbee · #7 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 11:49

I'm not sure which OS would be the one that I would go with. I was just looking for a price range of what's available in software licenses at the present time. I'll try to find out which one most people prefer and come back and ask.

php_rules · #8 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 12:04

there is no real way to compare the pricing structures - sure, if you buy two of the exact same machine and on one you install Debian and on the other you install Windows server then the windows one will end up costing more - but there are many different versions of windows server out there, it all depends on the task you are going to use ther server for, you could install mysql and apache onto the windows server and save some money, but if you are going for windows enterprise server with all the bells and whistles and, lets just say one user licence then its going to cost a damn sight more than installing a few .deb files to get kerberos working =)

bluetrance05 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 08:45

Microsoft says that Windows is cheaper than Linux, but IBM commented that Linux is 40 percent cheaper than Windows. I've read in an online article that Linux will remain cheap to make more investments and many executive users identify business credits from Linux like various supported platforms, licensing model, support providers and ability of Unix administrator skills to transfer to Linux.

carl owen · #10 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 12:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloggerbee

I'm not sure which OS would be the one that I would go with. I was just looking for a price range of what's available in software licenses at the present time. I'll try to find out which one most people prefer and come back and ask.

Mostly people prefer the latest one. However, you can choose one according to the applications you wish to run on the server and the tasks which are to be performed. Please let us know the OS you would like to have and we will provide you with the price you will have to pay for it.

Lazlo90 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 14:51

If you don't need ASP apps. I recommend that you just stick with Linux as other than using ASP and some "Windows only" functions, there's no visible advantage to using it unless you're really familiar with it. But if you're starting out it might be better just to stick with Linux as you'll probably find that most free guides are made for Linux users, I think I might have addressed this in another thread actually but either way, just a thought to keep in mind.

carl · #12 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 16:46

There are many advantages of using Linux over Windows from which some are as follows:-

Cost: You won't need to pay Licensing fees.

Security: Linux security aspect is much stronger than that of Windows. On Linux you won't need to spend extra for Anti-virus software's and if you will face any problem with Linux there are many patches released, either by ordinary people or by those who use the operating system or by the distribution maintainers. We do not have to rely on company for patches like Windows.

Hardware compatibility- Linux is compatible with any server.

There are multiple Linux distro's available. You can choose any according to your needs.

jason s · #13 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 17:01

As Carl has mentioned above Linux hosting is not only cheaper but it has other advantages also.

Amelia · #14 (**permalink**) 03-05-09, 00:33

It is recommended to host the Web site on a Linux server if you are not utilizing ASP, Coldfusion, or MSSQL.

Bodhost has an informative article on Advantages of Linux/Windows Hosting. You may want to take a look at it here:

Advantages of Linux/Windows Hosting

Nefrec · #15 (**permalink**) 03-06-09, 20:05

Actually, some webhosts have the same price between the two for shared hosting. However, the OS license will make the difference in Windows hosting. However, many people suggest Linux hosting so that is an advantage.

carl owen · #16 (**permalink**) 03-07-09, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nefrec

Actually, some webhosts have the same price between the two for shared hosting. However, the OS license will make the difference in Windows hosting. However, many people suggest Linux hosting so that is an advantage.

It is very difficult to offer Windows Shared hosting packages for the same price as Linux and the reason is the Windows OS Licensing fees. Linux is not only suggested because it is free but it is also suggested due to the secure environment and the compatibility with most of the applications and software's available.