The OS, as you may know, is the system responsible for direct control and management of hardware and basic system operation of the Web server hosting your site.
Additionally it serves as a foundation upon which to run application software.

The Linux operating system is open source meaning the code for the entire operating system can be found online.
Changes to the system are based on technical merit, and with a host of programmers working around the world,
innovations can be implemented quickly and safely.

Windows (NT/2000/2003) was developed more recently to not only compete with its predecessor but also to help simplify things for users.

Linux is an extremely reliable operating system. Microsoft Windows, which often requires a supply of patches and service packs, in considered less reliable because of the security concerns. Linux can be installed once, with the confidence that it will continue to perform.

A copy of Windows can cost hundreds of dollars while Linux, well, is free.
But even with all of Linux’s advantages, it remains a programmer’s operating system. Unlike Windows, Linux is not especially easy to implement, and user-friendly tools are hard to come by.

What does this mean for you and your Web hosting needs?

Well, it really comes down to what you want to do with your website and what applications you’d like to run that will make your choice.

Lets have a look on what linux and windows flavoured provids us a hosing. The two most favored platforms today: Windows and Linux.

Linux is free while Windows is all about the money

Windows OS is easier to administer than a UNIX/Linux based OS.
This means you’ll need less technical expertise. If you have or prefer to use Windows compatible applications, documents and forms, it really makes sense to use Windows, doesn’t it?

Windows was introduced more with commercial success in mind.
Therefore, following will be with Windows hosting:

Windows Hosting Benefits

  • ASP Support
  • ASP.NET Support
  • Powerful SQL Server Database
  • Access Database Support
  • PHP and MySQL Compatible
  • IIS Web Server

As far as databases, Windows can support Microsoft SQL, MYSQL MS Access and Excel.

Linux also has its list of strengths including file serving, mailing, and streaming.
Linux is widely-regarded as more cost effective based on its ability to use hardware more efficiently. More importantly for Web hosts, it wins on the increased websites per server ratio which usually (but not always) results in lowering the cost of hosting per account.

The most common scripting languages available for UNIX/Linux systems are C, C++, Shell, Perl, Tcl, Python, Java and PHP.

Databases available for UNIX/Linux are mSQL and mySQL.

Linux Hosting Benefits

  • PHP and MySQL Support
  • Apache Web Server
  • Mod Rewrite Support
  • Chmod file permissions

In speed and performance they both perform well. Hardware is a big factor here. Again, look to your host. Do they upgrade well ahead or do they max out the resources before doing so?