Should I Get a Linux or Windows Hosting

A Web Hosting service is one of the most important things you need in creating a website. It is an allocated virtual space in a physical server in which programmers and web developers can store files that make up a website. However, with several options available for Web Hosting, it may get confusing as to which one you should get — Linux or a Windows Hosting?

To help you make a well-informed decision about which Web Hosting is best for you, here are some facts about the two most popular types.

Linux Hosting

This refers to Web Hosting that runs on a Linux operating system. Linux is an open-source operating system, which means that the public is free to use, modify, and share it. Moreover, since the OS is free, hosting providers are able to offer Linux hosting at a lower price than other types.

This hosting is compatible with the following software and programming languages.

PHP
Perl
CGI
SSH
MySQL
Apache
WordPress
Drupal
Joomla
Other Blogging software
Shopping carts

Compatible control panels for Linux Hosting are cPanel and WHM (Web Host Manager).

Fun Fact: Linux is the most widely used operating system for Web Hosting today. In fact, about 70% of servers use this OS and many programmers prefer Linux because of its affordability, flexibility, and reliability.

Windows Hosting

This refers to Web Hosting that runs on licensed Windows operating system. Windows is developed and owned by Microsoft.

This is compatible with the following software and programming languages:

C#
PHP
.NET
MySQL
ASP.NET
ASP Classic
MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server)
MS Access (Microsoft Access)
Visual Basic Development

Compatible control panel for Windows Hosting is Plesk.

Fun Fact: Windows is great for database driven pages because it is the only operating system that is compatible with MS Access. Projects that involve database integration are much easier and more seamlessly accomplished with MS Access, since database mapping is basically "drag and drop".

Notable Differences Between the Two Types of Hosting:

Compatible with	Linux	Windows
Most CMS (content management systems)	✔	-
Most web apps	✔	-
System Frameworks (.Net, ASP.Net)	-	✔
Online shops/stores	✔	-
Forums	✔	-
Windows applications	-	✔

Important Note: If the operating system of your computer is Windows, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should also get Windows Hosting. Your computer’s operating system is separate from (and therefore has nothing to do with) your hosting’s operating system. This means that it is alright to get a Linux Hosting even if your pc is running on Windows OS.

Which Hosting Should I Choose

Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a better hosting between the two. You can perform the same kind of tasks and accomplish the same projects on either — i.e. creating websites, setting up email, installing web applications, and storing all kinds of digital files and folders. It is more a case of which software and languages you are going to use for your project.

If you plan to create complex conception frameworks, and use Windows script languages or other Windows application for your website, then a Windows hosting is the one for you.

If you plan to create complex web environments such as eCommerce websites with shopping carts or blog sites with various web apps, and you have no foreseeable need for Windows applications, then a Linux hosting would serve you better.