The Difference Between Windows and Linux Hosting
If you have tried inquiring for web hosting, you have probably heard of the terms Windows hosting and Linux hosting. Of course, you know what Windows and Linux are. They are both computer operating systems. Linux is an open source software, which means the software can be redesigned and altered through the use and the availability of source codes. Windows, on the other hand, is the operating system of Microsoft. But what do these two have to do with web hosting.
Remember that web hosting depends on the server that is hooked up with the data center. Files uploaded online are stored in the server—which is basically, at least physically, just your ordinary computer—and people visiting the website gains the data from the website through the server (For instance, have you ever wondered why websites sometimes have viruses? Simple: because the data on the website is stored in a computer). Basically, Windows hosting and Linux hosting simply refers to what operating system the server is using.
And should this make a difference? The experts are divided on this, actually; some say there aren’t any major differences. But there are some differences nonetheless.
For instance, some say that Linux hosting is cheaper than Windows hosting. Is this true? In a way, it is. Because Linux is a free source software, it is way cheaper than the Windows software, hence the price difference. Will this make a difference when you available of web hosting from a service provider? Probably not. However, this may be a consideration and factor if you are opting for colocation web hosting. Here, since you build your own server, you are responsible for getting your own operating system. Needless to say, Linux will cost you less.
On the other hand, while Linux hosting is compatible with practically every software in existence related to web hosting, it may not run as smoothly with Microsoft software. And because people are more familiar with Microsoft and their Windows software, the use of various Microsoft tools becomes quite a comfortable security blanket for people who are still trying to learn the ropes of web hosting. For example: Microsoft Frontpage. However, some Linux servers actually offer this software (although not all).
When it comes to accessing your server, Linux has more options. FTP access is available to both Linux and Windows. As for ssh and telnet access? These are only available for Linux (generally anyway).
One thing isn’t true, however: the misconception that Windows is less safe. In general, no type of hosting (at least in these terms) are safer or more problematic when it comes to security.
Just the same, this is a matter that should not even be a major consideration when choosing a web hosting package. And why should it, when the differences hardly matter at all? Instead of worrying about this, worry about the package and service of the web
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