Linux Server
A Linux server is a server that is built on the Linux open-source operating system. This type of a server provides a low-cost option to businesses for delivering content, services and applications to their clients. Being open-source, Linux provides its users the benefits that comes along with a community of resources that are available.
Windows Server
Windows Server is a brand name that is associated with a group of server operating systems which have been released by Microsoft. Windows server is a server operating system. It lets a computer manage network roles that include but are not limited to web server, domain controller, print server and file server.
Web Hosting
Web hosting is a service that is provided by website hosting companies, which are also referred to as web hosts. In website hosting various packages are provided to website owners which ensure that the necessary services and technologies are made available to them for the purpose of making their websites accessible over the Internet. Websites are made of files. These files are stored on the servers that are provided by these web hosts.
Web hosting can be Windows-based or Linux-based. The other types of web hosting are shared, dedicated, VPS, reseller, cloud, WordPress etc.
These days there are many web hosting service providers that have similar plans with similar pricing. What sets these apart from each other is the quality of service offered by them. There are many web hosts that have earned the reputation of being the best in the industry due to the excellent service provided by them. These are often referred to as the “Best Website Hosting Company” or as the “Best Windows Hosting Company” or as the “Top Cloud Hosting Company”.
Linux vs. Windows Server
Whether one wants to operate a web server privately or rent one through a web hosting package from a web hosting service provider, there is always a choice between Linux and Windows, when it comes to opting for a server. Let us look at the pros and cons of each one of these to understand what each of these types of servers has to offer.
The Pros and Cons of Linux as a Server Operating System
Pros
Linux is free of charge and it supports cooperative work. In it the administrators can reap the benefits that are offered by the freedom that is provided by the system’s administration. In it there are a number of simple tools that aid in the system’s configuration and administration. It is rarely the target of cyber criminals. Hence, it doesn’t experience security issues often. In the event that it does encounter any security issue, it can be resolved easily. It doesn’t burden one’s hardware with demands. Moreover, it provides integrated remote function for the purpose of remote administration.
Cons
Its operation is complex as well as its update process can be very complex at times. Certain third-party programs can be installed only by the administrator. Not all of its versions provide long-term support. Many professional programs do not work with Linux.
The Pros and Cons of Windows as a Server Operating System
Pros
Windows Operating System is simple and in it all the programs are found in the form of graphic user interfaces that are intuitive. Hence, it is beginner-friendly due to its intuitive operations through a graphic user interface. It supports many third-party applications. There is easy as well as quick availability of drivers that are meant for up-to-date hardware. It offers automatized system updates that are not only easy but also optional. It guarantees long-term support. It makes it possible to solve problems that are technical with the aid of system recovery. It offers compatibility with Microsoft programs that are popular as well as exclusive, such as Sharepoint.
Cons
Its licensing costs are high and this amount increases with each user. It encounters, quite frequently, errors that are related to security and it is vulnerable to attacks of malware. It is resource intensive. In it there is a possibility of user errors that are on a larger scale. It is not suitable as a multi-user system. Complete disclosure isn’t available with regard to the way the proprietary system works.
Conclusion
To recapitulate, the major differences between Linux and Windows servers are that the license for Linux is free whereas it costs for Windows. The standard operation for Linux is Command line but for Windows it is graphic user interface. With regard to remote access, Linux offers integrated solution (terminal and shell) whereas for Windows, terminal server/client has to be installed and configured. In Linux, porting isn’t there for all programs. Windows supports popular programs. When it comes to hardware support, the availability of hardware drivers for Linux happens much later. Windows generally includes new hardware. In Linux, the regular users do not have access to the basic system settings. Moreover, in it the security breaches that are known, get resolved quickly. On the other hand, Windows is very prone to user errors as well as to potential cyber-attacks. In terms of documentation, in Linux, the system’s complete source code, libraries, API and applications are available. When it comes to documentation in Windows, the system and system applications are very well documented but it is less so with regard to API components and file formats.
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