Best Server OS for Your Website: Linux or Windows?

Planning to launch a web site or migrate your existing one to a brand new hosting provider? If that’s the case, one crucial decision you will need to make is choosing the appropriate operating system (OS) to your web host. 

The alternative often boils all the way down to two popular options: Linux or Windows.

Hang on. What on earth does an operating system should do with website hosting? 

Well, the operating system determines how your server functions and interacts with other components. 

In other words, it’s the backbone of your website hosting environment.

Choosing an operating system might sound daunting, especially for those who haven’t got much technical experience. In this text, you’ll explore the professionals and cons of Linux and Windows as server OSs. You’ll also get a glimpse of how server OSs and on a regular basis OSs are different and highlight the essential features of an online server OS.

Liquid Web understands how vital it’s to have an online host that caters to your needs. That is why you’ll discover a big selection of hosting solutions available, including each Linux and Windows operating systems. Whether you are searching for dedicated hosting, VPS, or managed WordPress hosting, Liquid Web has you covered.

Discover which operating system is the perfect fit to your website hosting needs!

The operating system to your web host server can impact the performance, security, and reliability of your website. 

The server operating system:

• Acts because the link between the hardware and software of your server.
• Allocates input/output (I/O) devices, memory, CPU, and storage resources to specific programs.
• Permits you to use the server with a graphical interface.
• Helps manage system resources efficiently.

In the case of website hosting, Linux and Windows are the 2 hottest operating systems globally. 

As of February 2023, Unix, from which Linux is derived, dominates the website hosting market with a whopping 80.9% of operating systems worldwide. In contrast, Windows accounts for 19.4% of the market. 

Common distributions by Linux hosts include Ubuntu, CentOS, and Red Hat Linux, each with its own set of features and functionality. 

The reply is Linux offers various distributions with different functionality and is a robust and cost-effective option for nearly all web sites.

Besides, it’s an open-source operating system, which implies that it’s (mostly) free to make use of and could be customized to fit your specific requirements.

Nevertheless, using Linux as your server’s operating system often requires some technical expertise. Your team should understand the right way to use Linux’s graphical user interface (in case your chosen distribution even offers this) and know Linux commands to deploy functions.

Having said that, for those who need specific Microsoft applications or services to run your website, then you will want to make use of Windows as your server’s operating system. Windows has a powerful advantage for businesses that depend on Microsoft applications like SQL Server or .NET, which can not run well on Linux.

The choice of an operating system is basically driven by what software or content management system (CMS) you will likely be constructing your website on.

Ergo, Linux is the preferred server OS for web sites.

• Not only is it versatile and inexpensive, but most Linux distributions, similar to Ubuntu, CentOS, and Red Hat Linux, are free to make use of, which implies that running a web site on a Linux server could be cheaper than on a Windows server.
• Linux has a status for being more stable and secure in comparison with Windows. 
• Linux offers developers and users access to the source code, making it easier to discover and fix vulnerabilities.

Windows can be a viable option for website hosting, particularly for many who are more comfortable with Windows-based applications or those that require specific Windows-based software for his or her website.

Windows Server OS offers some benefits over Linux, similar to support for .NET and ASP.NET frameworks, which could be used to construct powerful and dynamic web applications. Moreover, Windows Server offers native support for Microsoft SQL Server, which is a well-liked alternative for managing large databases.

All in all, each Windows and Linux can handle most web sites, and the choice on which one to make use of largely relies on the precise needs and requirements of your website. 

It will be significant to rigorously consider your options and seek the advice of along with your website hosting provider to make sure that you select the perfect operating system to your web host server.

As you’ve seen above, Linux and Windows are each popular operating systems for website hosting. Each have their very own benefits and downsides, so it is vital to know the important thing differences between them before making a call. 

Here is an in depth comparison of Linux and Windows based on five most important aspects that website owners consider: pricing, resources, tools, security, and compatibility.

Here’s a have a look at each of those aspects in additional detail:

Considered one of the largest differences between Linux and Windows is pricing. Linux distributions are generally free, which implies that web hosts can pass on the price savings to their clients. However, Windows requires a licensing fee for every server, which might significantly increase the price of hosting.

Should you compare Liquid Web’s managed VPS hosting plans for Windows and Linux, you may see that:

• A 24-month plan for a VPS server with 8 GB RAM costs $45/month using Linux.
• The identical plan with Windows costs $85/month.

Having said that, some Linux distributions may require extra space than this. CentOS 7, for instance, requires 10 GB of gig space, which might affect website hosting costs. 

• Linux: Most Linux distributions are free and open source, which might lower website hosting costs. Some paid Linux distributions, similar to CloudLinux, could be expensive.
• Windows: Requires a licensing fee for every server, which might increase hosting costs. Requires more resources to run in comparison with Linux, which also can increase hosting costs.

Each Linux and Windows have their strengths and weaknesses relating to website hosting resources, tools, and applications.

One of the vital considerations when selecting an operating system for website hosting is resource usage. Linux’s efficient resource usage signifies that it will possibly typically handle high-traffic web sites with ease.

Windows is mostly considered to be more resource-intensive. This is usually a drawback for smaller web sites or those with limited resources.

In the case of tools, each Linux and Windows offer a big selection of options for website hosting. Linux is thought for its powerful command-line interface, which allows users to simply manage their servers and applications.

Windows, then again, has a more user-friendly interface and offers a variety of graphical tools for managing servers and applications. It also has a powerful concentrate on compatibility with popular applications and software, which could be a bonus for businesses that depend on specific applications or tools.

Linux is thought for its strong support for open-source applications and tools, which is usually a major advantage for developers and businesses that depend on open-source software. It also supports a big selection of programming languages popular for web development, including PHP, Python, and Ruby.

Comparatively, Windows has a powerful focus only on support for Microsoft applications and tools, similar to ASP.NET and SQL Server. While it also supports open-source applications and languages, it could require additional configuration and setup to make use of them effectively.

To assist Windows hosting users comply with these regulations, Microsoft has introduced various safety features, including Windows Defender Credential Guard. This feature, introduced in Windows Server 2016, utilizes virtualization-based security to maintain secrets and guarded credentials isolated from the running operating system.

While compliance with these regulations is important for shielding sensitive data, it will possibly be a hassle at times. Compliance requirements could be complex and time-consuming to implement, and organizations should be vigilant to take care of compliance over time. This could be particularly difficult for small and medium-sized businesses that lack the resources to dedicate to compliance.

• Linux: Generally requires less RAM and storage in comparison with Windows, which might improve server stability. Offers quick access to popular site-building tools similar to the LAMP stack, Python, Perl, and Node.js. Provides access to popular control panels similar to cPanel.
• Windows: Ideal for many who need to use Windows-specific technologies similar to .NET or Exchange Server. Uses MS SQL and MS Access databases, which could also be higher fitted to .NET frameworks.

Security is an important consideration when selecting an operating system for website hosting. Each Linux and Windows offer robust safety features, but there are some key differences between the 2.

Linux is thought for its strong safety features, that are built into the operating system itself. And being open source enables security experts to discover and fix Linux vulnerabilities quickly. Moreover, Linux has a status for being less vulnerable to malware and viruses than Windows.

The Linux community has developed various powerful security tools, similar to SELinux and AppArmor, which may also help to guard against attacks and unauthorized access.

Windows has made significant strides in recent times to enhance its safety features. But while Linux has a bigger share of the website hosting market, Windows has a bigger overall market share. This makes it a more attractive goal for hackers and cybercriminals.

Windows also offers a variety of user account types and permissions, which could be useful for managing access to sensitive data and resources. Nevertheless, some experts argue that Linux’s approach to access control is safer, because it relies on a system of user groups and permissions that is less complicated and more transparent.

Ultimately, the safety of any operating system relies on the knowledge and expertise of the administrator or hosting provider, in addition to the implementation of best practices for security and access control.

• Linux: Has a powerful user community with access to the source code, making it easier to discover vulnerabilities. Requires regular maintenance and configuration to make sure security. Web hosts offer security options similar to firewalls, DDoS Attack Protection, and server protection.
• Windows: Maintained and developed by Microsoft, which might put vast resources into security. Releases regular security updates on Patch Tuesday.Can utilize virtualization-based security to maintain secrets and guarded credentials isolated from the running operating system.

Many website hosting platforms and applications are designed specifically for Linux. A number of the hottest ones which might be compatible with Linux include:

• Apache: Essentially the most widely used web server software, which runs on Linux and other Unix-based operating systems.
• NGINX: A light-weight web server and reverse proxy server that is usually used with Linux-based systems.
• MySQL: An open-source database management system that is usually used with Linux-based systems.
• PHP: A well-liked programming language for web development that’s widely supported on Linux-based systems.

Windows is less commonly used for website hosting than Linux, nevertheless it still offers a variety of website hosting platforms and applications which might be specifically designed for the operating system. Along with MySQL and PHP, among the hottest website hosting platforms and applications which might be compatible with Windows include:

• Web Information Services (IIS): An online server software that’s specifically designed for Windows-based systems.
• Microsoft SQL Server: A database management system that is usually used with Windows-based systems.
• ASP.NET: An online application framework that’s widely used for constructing dynamic web applications on Windows-based systems.
• Microsoft SharePoint: A collaboration platform for businesses that’s fully compatible with Windows-based hosting platforms.

While there are fewer website hosting platforms and applications for Windows, it still offers a variety of options for businesses and developers that prefer to work with the Windows operating system. Moreover, Windows offers robust support for Microsoft applications and tools, making it a super alternative for businesses that depend on Microsoft software.

• Linux: Nearly all of website hosting providers offer Linux. Higher compatibility with open-source technologies and tools.Ideal for many who want a cheap hosting solution.
• Windows: Less common than Linux hosting but still available from some providers.Ideal for many who require specific Windows technologies or compliance requirements.Could also be dearer because of licensing fees.

Liquid Web offers top-of-the-line solutions for each Linux and Windows website hosting. The corporate’s hosting plans offer exceptional performance, security, and reliability, making it the proper alternative for businesses of all sizes.

These VPS hosting plans provide a secure and isolated virtual environment, offering the identical control as a dedicated server and the pliability of cloud hosting. 

With each day backups and OS options, including AlmaLinux or CentOS 7 for Linux or Windows Server 2019, you may rest assured that your website is all the time in good hands. Plus, the team can migrate your site at no cost with any VPS hosting plan, making the transition to Liquid Web a breeze.

For web sites with high traffic, multiple web sites, or large databases, dedicated server hosting or dedicated cloud hosting plans are the proper solutions. These plans offer the identical level of security and performance because the VPS hosting plans but with much more power and resources to fulfill your specific needs.

At Liquid Web, the team is committed to providing customers with the perfect possible hosting solutions and support, regardless of the website hosting OS you select. 

Selecting the appropriate website hosting plan could be overwhelming, which is why Liquid Web’s team of experts is all the time available to enable you select the proper plan for your enterprise.