Linux and Windows are the two competing operating systems for web hosting. They each offer different benefits and shortcomings. These two systems are so widely used, that they practically have their own clothing lines. When first creating a website, you have the option to select which operating system you would like to use. The choice is usually based on customer need as they are both exceptional solutions.
Free vs. Customer Support
Linux offers many advantages that rival Windows-based systems including open source software, scripting language compatibility, superior security/stability and database usage. In addition to these benefits, Linux is the most economical choice since it is free to use. Many users prefer the economical aspects of Linux, whereas Windows users enjoy the customer support for their hosting sites.
The Top Benefits of Linux
The first advantage of Linux is that the program is open source, which means there are no licensing fees associated with the software. Also, users can add bits of code to download from a Linux forum that improves the software through patches, updates and other applications. Another major benefit is the numerous scripting languages such as, Perl, PHP and MySQL that are highly compatible with Linux. If these are required for your website, Linux can accommodate.
Other Linux Benefits
Another gain is the security/stability Linux provides. It is said to be top in the industry in this category. Since Linux is open source software, there are far fewer attacks and it is much more reliable.
Additionally, Linux-based hosting offers a plethora of databases including mSQL, PostgreSQL and MySQL. The database variants are quick and efficient providing fast data retrieval. Since these databases were developed in relation to one another, they work in unison to optimized performance with all websites.
Different users will provide different opinions on each operating system so it is best to conduct thorough research prior to selection.