When it comes to figuring out what type of web hosting plan is right for your business, you will get two options: Linux hosting and Windows hosting. If you are not aware of their features and their differences, you could end up making the wrong decision for your business and will further face the trouble in terms of website performance.
The choice of an operating system actually depends on your business requirements after comparing them with each other and knowing what functionalities they offer because Windows and Linux offer different features.
What is Windows Hosting?
Windows hosting is a type of web hosting services that works on a Windows operating system. However, Linux hosting is known to be a more popular option of web hosting solutions, so if a web hosting provider doesn’t mention about windows server, then it is definitely using Linux hosting services.
But for certain types of websites, Windows hosting is considered to be a better choice in terms of providing specific features that are required for such types of websites. If you are creating your website using Microsoft technologies or you are a windows web developer, then Windows hosting is a must as it offers various benefits over Linux web hosting.
PROs of Windows Hosting
Runs on Windows Operating System
Windows is considered to be one of the most popular as well as the familiar operating system across the world. Due to its familiarity, using a Windows operating system is very straight-forward for millions of users. With Linux hosting, you usually get cPanel, whereas when it comes to Windows hosting, you will get the option of Plesk control panel.
However, for those users using the server user interface, Windows hosting would be a better option in terms of web hosting solutions as it provides more intuitive user experience.
Compatibility with Windows Tools
One of the major reasons for choosing Windows hosting over Linux hosting is it provides support and compatibility with other Windows tools. Therefore, if your website depends on various windows tools, then choosing a Windows hosting plan is mandatory as the software solutions and products offered by Windows server will make your life easier.
Basically, the more your website depends on Windows tools, the more likely your business required to use Windows hosting services. In addition to that, the users that are already familiar with managing Windows programs will not face as such problems while using Windows hosting services.
Plesk Control Panel
While Linux web hosting comes with cPanel, Windows server uses Plesk control panel. Plesk is considered to be a more user-friendly option of the control panel in order to make regular changes and updates to your website easily.
Plesk is known to offer an intuitive user interface that helps in creating and managing several websites and domains simultaneously, managing reseller accounts and setting up email accounts. It is also compatible with various content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Joomla and Drupal.
CONs of Windows Hosting
Security
Websites that use Windows hosting services are more prone to ransom ware attacks and cyber-attacks than those which use Linux hosting. Due to this reason, Linux hosting is considered to be a better option for websites in terms of security.
If your website deals with selling products and availing services, then security must be one of the most important considerations for you because it involves sensitive data of customers in order to proceed with payment information.
Expensive
Windows hosting is a bit more expensive than Linux hosting services. However, the cost difference is minimal. For any type of web hosting plan, you will have to upgrade your existing plan as your web traffic increases.
Nowadays, most businesses depend on Windows-based products and solutions, especially big enterprises. Therefore, Windows hosting is a worth taking option even it does cost you more.
Less Stable
Linux servers are considered to be a more reliable option. They are known to handle various functionalities smoothly & simultaneously and they rarely undergo rebooting process. In contrast, with windows hosting, constantly handling multiple applications and tasks simultaneously will be a bit problematic and the user will have to deal with some interruptions.
However, with the growing technology, windows servers have been improving continuously over years in this department as well and will continue to do so in the upcoming years.
What to Look in a Windows Hosting Company?
Software Compatibility
It’s important your Windows web hosting should offer you proper support and compatibility to all the windows-based software and programs which include:
ASP.NET
MS Access
C+
Microsoft Exchange
ASP Classic
MSSQL
Visual Basic
Remote Desktop
Microsoft Sharepoint
Stability
Well, as discussed in the above slides, Windows hosting is considered to be a weaker option than Linux, when it comes to stability. So, going for the right web hosting company could make all the difference in the consistency of your website performance.
Therefore, go for a web hosting provider that offers you guaranteed 99.9% uptime. Although, windows hosting is not considered as reliable as Linux hosting but the right web hosting company can make up all the difference.
Security
Website security should be a priority for every business. Therefore, always go for a reliable web hosting provider along with a good reputation for web security, you can keep safe from risks because Windows hosting is more vulnerable than Linux.
Look for a provider that offers SSL certificates in their web hosting plan. Also, check if the company is providing any additional security features in order to protect your website from hackers later on.
Reputation
Along with reviewing different web hosting services from different web hosting providers, also look for the reputation of companies in the larger industry. Search well before finalizing any web hosting provider, look for Google reviews in order to determine a company’s reputation.
Customer Support
Although, having a team of Windows technical experts, you will be required the assistance of a 24*7 available customer support team. In case, your website faces any technical glitch, you have to be sure it will start working right away.
Also, make sure your web hosting provider offers multiple mediums to get in touch with you such as telephone, emails, or live chats.
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