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Are you striving to find the best dedicated hosting server solution for your website?
Opting for the most suitable operating system for your dedicated server is paramount for overall operations and functionality. The two most popular operating systems are Linux and Windows.
Choosing the right OS solution when you buy a dedicated server requires an appropriate amount of knowledge about both.
In this blog, we discuss the major differences between Linux hosting and Windows hosting to help you make an informed decision regarding your web hosting plans and OSs.
Linux Dedicated Hosting: Understanding
When you buy a dedicated server that is supported by a Linux operating system, it is called a Linux dedicated hosting server. It is exclusively allocated to a single client and runs on the open-source OS that is widely preferred by a large majority of users.
Popularly favored by web developers and resource-intensive websites, Linux dedicated hosting is cost-effective, open-source in nature, secure and compatible. It keeps on evolving, thanks to a large community of users.
Hence, the OS is also suitable for websites, applications and databases that require flexible, customizable and evolving solutions.
Windows Dedicated Hosting: Understanding
When you buy a dedicated server that leverages Windows OS, it is called a Windows dedicated hosting server. Suppose you run a website that requires compatibility with Microsoft technologies like MS SQL and IIS (Internet Information Services).
Windows dedicated hosting is the most suitable solution for your business website’s functionality. Let’s compare the two solutions and understand the difference between Linux hosting and Windows hosting.
Difference Between Linux Hosting and Windows Hosting
| Parameters | Linux Dedicated Hosting | Windows Dedicated Hosting |
| Definition | A dedicated hosting service that runs on the Linux OS, which is an open-source platform. | A dedicated hosting service that operates on Windows OS, which is a proprietary platform owned by Microsoft. |
| Cost-Efficiency | Linux dedicated hosting is more cost-effective when it comes to Linux hosting vs Windows hosting. This is because it does not require licensing fees. | Generally, Windows dedicated hosting is more expensive than Linux. This is because it requires licensing costs. |
| User Experience | Linux is a complicated tool that requires you to have some knowledge of command-line operations. Hence, it is more suitable for web developers and tech-savvy users. | Windows dedicated hosting is easier to use for beginners, thanks to its easy management with Plesk. |
| Security | Linux dedicated hosting is highly secure and has a strong reputation for stability. It is immune to most of the vulnerabilities that threaten the server environment. | While Windows is inherently secure for your dedicated server, it may need frequent updates and security patches. This is mostly due to potential exploits and invasive actors. |
| Compatibility | Linux is highly compatible with open-source technologies, third-party tools and other applications. This makes integration and operations easy for users. | Windows dedicated hosting is only compatible with Microsoft and Windows-based software and tools. |
| Scalability | It is easily scalable with various customization options for your server configuration and management. | While Windows is scalable, it may involve higher costs due to licensing and software dependencies. |
Final Thoughts
Linux hosting Vs Windows hosting: which one is better? Well, the answer depends on your requirements and website expectations.
If you want better performance, compatibility and cost-effectiveness, you can choose Linux-dedicated hosting. However, if your website requires Microsoft-based applications, easy management and official support, go for Windows-dedicated hosting.
