One of the first choices you’ll make when selecting a new server is whether you want to use a Linux or Windows OS. Linux and Windows are both technologies that run on top of server hardware, for the purposes of managing and maintaining your server environment. If you’re currently choosing between Windows vs. Linux and have no experience with either, this is what you need to know.
Is Dedicated Windows Server Hosting Right for You?
A dedicated Windows server will usually come with better support than a Linux server. With a Linux server, you need to rely upon community support. With a Windows server, you usually have direct access to the Windows customer support line. This can make a substantial difference if you’re using your server for a commercial enterprise.
In addition to customer support, Windows dedicated server hosting understandably makes it easier to integrate Microsoft products. Users who are interested in hosting services such as Office 365 will almost always benefit from using a Windows server environment, as the integration features are already there. This also goes for those who are developing in a Windows environment.
Windows servers provide a cleaner, simpler, and easier to use environment than Linux — and it is significantly more popular than Linux for that reason. In terms of Windows vs. Linux performance, Windows has been catching up in terms of speed and reliability. Even for commercial applications, the number of Windows servers has been steadily growing.
Is Linux Dedicated Server Hosting Right for You?
A Linux server is more affordable and more flexible. As an open source solution, a Linux dedicated server is likely to use many open source utilities and will be more reliable, stable, and secure than a comparable Windows server. However, these advantages are decreasing over time: Windows servers are also more secure and reliable than they used to be.
If you’re an advanced user or a power user, it’s possible that a Linux server is going to be the better choice. If you want to truly customize and control your dedicated server environment, a Linux dedicated server will allow for this. Further, if you’re greatly concerned about security and exploits, a dedicated Linux box still is more secure than most Windows servers.
Windows vs. Linux Server: The Bottom line
So, what is the right solution for you? While Windows servers are more popular, Linux servers tend to be more affordable and stable. At the same time, Windows servers are also more intuitive. Both technologies will afford you with the ability to make just about any type of server you need, so ultimately the answer is likely to come down to the technology that you feel most comfortable with.
A decade ago, the Windows environment and Linux environment were extremely different. Over time, they’ve both grown closer to each other, with Linux adopting intuitive graphical user interfaces, and Windows improving upon its security. This means that you’ll often benefit by sticking to an environment that you are experienced in.
Are you still wondering whether you should invest in Windows vs. Linux hosting? Most people are going to be able to successfully manage a server on both, but Windows is easier to use and more versatile for many companies. To discover the benefits of Windows dedicated server technology, connect with ReliableSite.