It doesn’t matter if you need a website to start your online store or an online blog, etc., you are certainly involved with some very important questions when starting this path: What are the differences between Linux and Windows hosting, and which is right for you?
Windows and Linux hosts each have their features that the user should choose according to their purpose. Stability and security, customization ability, cost, and technologies used all distinguish these two hosts, and the user should choose according to them.
When choosing a web host, there are many factors to consider, such as security, cost, and stability. Reading this article will help you to have a better idea about choosing the right host by knowing the differences between Linux and Windows hosts:
Linux host
Before anything else, you should be fully familiar with hosting concepts to better understand Linux and Windows hosting and their differences. So we recommend that to get more information about hosting, first read the article “What is hosting?” read the
The host, as a part of the server, is where the website’s content is stored and has the authority to host the website to be presented on the world wide web. If the server’s operating system is of the Linux type, the corresponding host is called a Linux host. It is the operating system that runs the programs and does the job of allocating resources to bring a desired result to the user. The host user does not need to be fully familiar with Linux commands because access to this space is done with a web browser, and its main parts are managed through the user interface.
Having important advantages such as high security, better performance, lower cost, the possibility of using open source technologies such as PHP and Mysql, and high compatibility and stability have made Linux hosting a special place among developers and business owners.
These types of hosting are suitable for people who have used popular management systems such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc., to launch their websites. Also, businesses that want to use PHP language and MYSQL database on their site and experience high speed and efficiency with HTML language will feel more satisfied using this host.
Windows host
As the name suggests, a Windows host is a host whose server operating system is Windows. Although Linux hosting is less expensive and highly reliable, businesses that have been on the World Wide Web for a long time and need more security and Windows programs to manage their site content better can breathe a sigh of relief by using Windows hosting. to kill
Since most users and developers are familiar with the Windows environment, working with Windows hosts does not require hiring new experts. Engaging and familiar user experience is one of the main advantages of Windows hosting.
The simple user interface, the possibility of using programs under Windows, and high security are the most important advantages of Linux hosting, which have satisfied most of the users of this hosting.
Especially if you have used Microsoft’s programming languages, such as ASP.Net, to implement website pages, you must use Windows host. Of course, sites designed with PHP can also use Windows hosting.
Why is it important to know the differences between Linux and Windows hosts?
To be able to make the right decision and meet the needs of your website by choosing a suitable host, you need to consider many things.
If using Microsoft products such as ASP.net, ASP, Microsoft SQL Server, or VBScript is important, Windows hosting is a better option for you.
But on the other hand, Linux is very popular because of its affordability, stability, and other great features. Linux uses a control panel to support PHP, Perl, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and CGI scripts.
So it is better to ask yourself the following questions when choosing a host:
Do you like a simple setup process, or are you looking for more flexibility?
Are you ready to pay extra?
Which programming languages do you master the most?
Can you do more to improve the security of your site?
Would you like to use cPanel?
Do you prefer to work with phpMyAdmin or MySQL databases?
Do you want to rely on your website performance on ASP, .NET, or MS SQL?
Both hosts are reliable, secure, and stable. It is important to make the right choice by knowing the main differences between Linux and Windows hosts and your needs. So let’s start checking the differences between these two hosts:
12 Main Differences between Linux and Windows Hosting
Choosing between Linux and Windows hosts makes no difference to the end user because the way the website pages are displayed does not change. Comparing the features of these two hosts is useful for deciding on the cost and how to manage website files, codes, and applications, and in this section, we will review everything you need to make the right choice:
1. operating system
Certainly, the most obvious difference between Linux and Windows is the operating system that runs on the server. As we know, Windows is graphically more powerful, and Linux users interact more with the command line. This causes Windows users to be shocked when they change their system to Linux because working with the command line is not like clicking on Windows menus.
Users who like to interact with the operating system itself instead of working with the cPanel control panel and performing any installation and update with the operating system itself can choose a Windows host.
But being familiar with Linux and cPanel is a positive point because Linux’s high stability and security and the existence of many distributions of Linux make launching complex and important websites and web applications for business with less worry. to be accompanied.
Of course, if we consider the compatibility of software and operating system hardware, having a licensed and constantly updated host (Windows) is a good option for working with software and databases available on Windows servers.
2. Cost
Given that Linux is an open-source operating system (except for enterprise-specific versions). Windows is a licensed operating system, hosting plans that use Linux are certainly much cheaper than Windows versions. . Programs such as Windows Exchange increase the cost of Windows hosting, and the lack of these paid. Free programs and the open-source nature of Linux is the main reason for the difference in the cost of these two hosts.
* If you consider the cost an important decision criterion, it is better to use Linux hosting.
3. Interface
Being familiar with Windows’s space, menu and tabs makes it easy to use the Windows host. On the other hand, Linux relies on the command line, and commands and functions can make it difficult to learn how to use a Linux host. Linux hosting has no user interface, which means you need SSH or a console to manage the server.
This is why most administrators prefer using cPanel to ease server maintenance.
While Windows host administrators can use the user interface and site of remote tools such as MMC, TS, or Remote Shell to access servers.
* If you do not have enough skills to work with the command line and Linux commands and want to use a user-friendly interface, it is better to choose Windows. Using control panels for Windows and Linux is also a good idea for easier website management.
In addition, if you are eager to learn Linux commands and want to not include the user interface in your decision criteria, you can take help from the article on the most used Linux commands for beginners.
4. Stability and security
Security and stability are among the most important criteria for choosing Linux and Windows hosts. Although any host can risk hacking, Windows is usually more vulnerable than Linux.
Also, the stability of Linux is much higher, and this feature reduces the need to start and reconfigure the Linux host. This stability and security have become the strong point of Linux host that despite many efforts, Windows host cannot compete with Linux in this field.
* If security is the first word for you and having a secure and stable host is one of your priorities, choose Linux.
5. Web server
A web server is a software platform that performs all the necessary tasks to display website pages in a browser. Therefore, the role of the web server is important in both Linux and Windows hosts, and examining the difference between the hosts in this aspect can be very effective.
Apache, Nginx and Litespeed are among the most common Linux web servers that support popular languages such as PHP and Python. On the other hand, IIS is the web server used in Windows Server that supports ASP.NET and MS SQL languages.
Although PHP language codes can be uploaded to Windows Server, websites written in this language interact better with Linux web servers and are more efficient.
* Linux hosting is a more suitable option for developers with the necessary expertise and experience to configure Apache and Nginx web servers and who have developed their websites with PHP, Python, or Perl. IIS is also suitable for Windows hosting and is suitable for managing sites that are developed with ASP.NET languages.
6. Applications
The purpose of website development and the type of tools used plays an important role in choosing a host. Linux and Windows hosts support certain programming languages and applications; Therefore, these factors play a prominent role in choosing a hosting platform.
Linux special list: Python, Perl, CGI, SSH, Magento, WordPress, Joomla, Apache, and WYSIWYG modules
Windows special list: ASP, .NET, ASP.NET, MS-SQL, Visual Basic, C#, MS, Access, Umbraco, nopCommerce and BlogEngine
Common list: PHP and MySQL
So, the important question you should ask yourself is, what is the purpose of launching the desired website? Your answer to this question will help you choose between Linux and Windows hosting.
* Take some time to research which hosting is right for your needs.
7. control panel
The control panel allows the user to install all software using a simple user interface and make settings and controls related to user accounts. The fact that the user (whether a beginner or an expert) can use the control panel to do things related to the development of websites, blogs, etc., puts this factor among the selection criteria between Linux and Windows hosts.
Some control panels are available specifically for Linux or Windows hosts, but popular control panels such as cPanel and Plesk can be used on both hosts.
Tip! cPanel was only available for Unix and Linux systems for 15 years, but from 2011 onwards, a Windows version of this control panel called Enkompass was released. Still, it was not very successful and was discontinued in 2014.
Control panels for Linux hosts: WHM / cPanel, Directadmin, Plesk, Webmin, OpenPanel, Kloxo, VHCS, and…
Control panels for Windows hosts: Plesk, Website Panel, MSP, ZPanel, and…
But certainly, among these control panels, cPanel is the most popular hosting control panel, which makes managing a Linux server very easy. Creating and managing MySQL databases, configuring software packages, and setting up new email addresses are among the tasks you can handle well with the help of cPanel.
On the other hand, most Windows fans prefer the Plesk control panel (Plesk is shared for Linux and Windows hosting) because many of the benefits of cPanel are available in Plesk. This control panel helps you to run Windows versions of the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP). Also, at higher levels, Plesk supports Docker, Git, and advanced security plugins.
* cPanel and Plesk are two popular control panels for managing Linux and Windows hosts that most users choose to perform the necessary actions.
If you are looking for a virtual server that provides you with cpanel and directadmin functions and services, you can use our hosting virtual server.
Faster loading of website pages in case of high traffic, the possibility of benefiting from the desired number of valid IPs, having a higher level of access, and the possibility of accessing the virtual server through SSH or Remote Desktop are some of the most important advantages that you get by purchasing a virtual hosting server. you will
So, if you are determined in your choice and want to use a wonderful hosting virtual server at an affordable cost, you can visit the Ded9 hosting virtual server purchase page and order your desired plan.
8. Database
The database is one of the most important differences between Linux and Windows hosts. By supporting common and popular databases such as Mysql, Linux provides more freedom and convenience to users. On the other hand, Windows uses special Microsoft software for data management and considers a specific framework for users.
Because MySQL is the most popular and well-known data management system and offers a lot of support software for the user, and on the other hand because Linux also works based on MySQL, most users tend towards Linux hosts. they find
But this is not a reason to ignore the use of Windows hosts. Although the Windows host uses the MSSQL data management tool and Microsoft has considered ASP.NET as the main programming language, this makes beginner programmers spend a lot of time and energy acquiring skills in this field. Spend, but everything has its place.
Big companies use Windows Server Datacenter and MSSQL to develop dedicated servers, so if you are looking for a job related to this field, Windows hosting is a good option.
But you don’t need to acquire specialized skills to work with Linux hosts. Of course, you may need to learn Linux commands and how to work with Apache or NGINX to configure Linux hosting, but using Linux hosting is very simple,. By learning cPanel, you can easily handle various tasks.
* It depends on your need for which host to choose based on technology. You can use Windows hosting if you want to master MSSQL or ASP.NET to help you find relevant job opportunities. If MySQL support and ease of working with the system are important, Linux hosting is a better option for you.
9. popularity
The degree of popularity can also differentiate between Linux and Windows hosts. If we look at the issue from the point that more popularity is associated with more comprehensive educational resources, Linux is certainly the first word.
According to reports, as of 2020, approximately 71% of all websites on the Internet are running on Unix, of which 33% is the share of major Linux distributions.
Also, reports show that Windows covers 28% of websites, and websites with higher traffic use Windows hosts.
But this popularity of Linux is dependent on many factors the lack of programming when using hosting, the use of simple and practical management tools (cPanel), etc., have made it easy to create a website with WordPress and publish it. These are the things that regular and beginner users are looking for.
* If you want to choose based on popularity, Linux is the more popular choice. Although both Linux and Windows hosts are used in big and famous sites, the winner of the popular game is Linux.
10. Ability to customize
Customization is one of the most important differences between Linux and Windows hosts. Of course, for a beginner, it may not matter if he uses a Linux distribution or a licensed version of Windows Server Datacenter. Still, people who fully know how to configure and use Linux distributions consider customization important and use great opportunities to increase the efficiency of their servers by choosing a Linux host.
Popular platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, which are used to build websites, are all for Linux, but they can also work on Windows servers, which of course, requires a series of actions and changes.
Also, most of the programs developed for site and server customization do not support ASP.NET, which makes Linux hosting a good option in terms of customization capabilities.
* If you are looking for ways to increase your server’s and website’s efficiency with more customization, it is better to use Linux hosting.
11. Speed
Speed is one of the most important parameters in site development and host choices. In general, attributing the speed to the types of hosts is a bit unreasonable because the hardware power and site optimization technologies determine the loading speed of the website pages.
However, it can be said that because the Linux host uses appropriate equipment to optimally use server resources and increase speed, in some cases,, the Linux host’s speed is higher than Windows.
* If the hardware level of both Linux and Windows hosts is the same, the speed of these hosts is almost the same, but in some cases, the use of appropriate optimization tools increases the speed of the Linux host.
12. Files
If you want to use a Linux host, you must be sensitive to the uppercase or lowercase letters of the file names, For example, exabytes. home and Exabytes. Home are two separate files. At the same time, Windows does not distinguish between these two files and is not sensitive to the letters ‘e’ and ‘E.’
Some tips about file and directory management in Linux and Windows hosts:
Windows uses a hidden file to replace files while Linux uses a separate partition for this.
Windows must be booted from the primary partition, while Linux can be booted from extended partitions.
Windows separates directories using “/”, while Linux uses “\” for this purpose.
Linux or Windows host; which one is better?
Although, the choice between Linux and Windows hosting depends on the technologies and skills you have considered for developing your website, but surely the competitive advantages of Linux are more, which is why most users, especially novice users, prefer Linux hosting. give
But the role of Windows hosts in large companies is undeniable because the bigger the business, the more the need to protect data privacy and the use of permissions. Exactly the same advantages that Windows hosts are better able to provide.
In general, we cannot make a definitive decision on this matter, because it is you who should choose the right host based on the application, expected features, cost, programming languages of the website or software.
So, first determine your needs such as the type of database, content management system and the level of security and speed you expect, and then based on these needs and possible costs, decide which host is the best option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to WordPress, which hosting is the best option?
Linux. WordPress runs on PHP, which is much harder to configure on Windows. Microsoft Access database is not as robust as MySQL and may slow down your website.
Among Linux and Windows hosts, which one is suitable for beginners?
Conclusion
An important question that you should ask yourself before examining the differences between Linux and Windows hosts is, what are my goals and needs, or my team’s? Because both Linux and Windows hosts have their own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding what is important to you and which of them will help you achieve your goals more will determine the right option for you. A budget, a brief introduction to the features and technologies of the host in question will help ensure your success.
Thank you for staying with us until the end of the article. We hope that reading this article was useful for you. If you have any questions, requests and need guidance, you can contact us by registering your opinion so that we can answer you as soon as possible.