Windows vs Linux
We are often asked which hosting platform one should choose, Linux or Windows. Below, we've listed the major differences between the two that you should consider in making your final decision. In the process, we have also tried to dispel any common misconceptions regarding these platforms.
Important
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to run Linux on your own computer in order for you to host your site on a Linux platform. That is not true. Which operating system you run on your computer is irrelevant in making your decision. This means that if you are running Windows98 or Windows 2003 on your computer, you can still choose Linux.
| Platform |  Linux |
 Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ♦♦♦ | ♦♦♦ |
| Speed | ♦♦♦ | ♦♦♦ |
| Functionality | ♦♦♦ | ♦♦♦ |
| Price | ♦♦♦ | ♦ |
| Free Open Source Software | Yes |
Ease of Use
Over the years, many resources have been poured into both Linux and Windows 2003 platforms to make hosting as easy as possible. Today, there are no differences in terms of ease of use between these platforms. If you are an advanced user who prefers to work in a shell environment, then Linux is your choice. However, if you are a beginner, you will find both platforms user friendly.
Reliability
The industry consensus is that Linux is more reliable. However, it is important that you make your decision based on the differences in features rather than on reliability.
Speed
There is no difference in terms of speed between the two platforms.
Functionality
This is where the two platforms differ. There isn't much that can be achieved in one platform that can't be on the other one. The main difference is how the end is achieved. For example, if you need a database-driven Web site, you can choose either a PHP/MySQL combination under Linux or an ASP/Microsoft SQL Server combination under Windows 2003. The trend is for solutions to be supported in both platforms. For example, Microsoft FrontPage, a popular Web site editor, is supported on both Linux and Windows 2003. Please see below for the list of supported features.
Price
Here, Linux holds a slight edge due to the fact that the most of the software licenses are free and that it's easier to maintain Linux servers than Windows 2003 servers for the same level of reliability and performance. Unless you specifically plan to use Windows 2003 platform-specific features (see below), it probably makes sense to choose the Linux platform.
| Supported Features | Linux |
Windows |
|---|---|---|
| MS FrontPage 2000, 2002 | Yes | Yes |
| Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Shockwave | Yes | Yes |
| RealAudio / Video | Yes | Yes |
| CGI-Script | Yes | Yes |
| Perl | Yes | Yes |
| PHP | Yes | Yes |
| SSH | Yes | Yes |
| MySQL | Yes | Yes |
| Python | Yes | Yes |
| ASP | Yes | Yes |
| MS Access | Yes | |
| MS SQL | Yes | |
| Visual Basic Scripts | Yes | |
| Windows Media | Yes |
| Technical Information | Linux |
Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Web Server | Apache | IIS (Internet Information Services) |
