If you own an online store, blog, or web application, you have probably faced the question of which operating system to choose for hosting: Linux or Windows. These are two giants and the two most popular options offered by providers all over the world. And although Linux hosting is actually the most popular solution, there are cases when only Windows hosting can unlock the full potential of your website.
Choosing an operating system is more than just choosing a tariff. This decision can significantly affect the performance, security, and overall UX of your web application or website.
So in this article, we’ll explore the differences between Linux and Windows virtual hosting, the strengths and weaknesses of each, and recommend which type of shared hosting is best for which websites.
Features of Linux Hosting. Advantages and Disadvantages
Thanks to its reliability and high level of security, the Linux operating system has earned an unshakable reputation. For every Windows server, there are two Linux servers.
And although about 80% of websites run on Linux, in each specific case, the choice between Linux and Windows hosting will depend solely on the customer’s needs.
Similar to the desktop version of Linux, the server version also has several distributions to choose from:
- AlmaLinux
- Ubuntu
- CentOS
- RHEL
- SLES
- Debian
Advantages of Linux Hosting
- Compatibility. This is a particularly good option for those who use PHP, Python, Perl, Ruby, or MySQL. Popular CMSs , including WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and others, work without any problems on a Linux server. You can also choose the control panel that is most convenient for you to manage all the nuances of hosting: cPanel, cPanel MultiAdmin, Plesk, or DirectAdmin.
- Economic benefits. While Windows hosting requires the purchase of a license, Linux is an open-source solution. It can be installed on a server free of charge, which means that hosting plans will be cheaper compared to Windows. In addition, administrators will have more options for configuring the server and the necessary software.
- Better security. One of the key security factors of Linux is how it handles user permissions. Unlike Windows, Linux does not run files without user authorization. To install a program on a Linux server, the server administrator must provide their password. This robust security measure prevents the installation of malicious software, protects confidential data, and maintains system integrity.
- Proven reliability and scalability. Linux servers are less susceptible to random crashes and downtime than Windows and other server operating systems. Also, with Linux Hosting, you can increase resources during sudden traffic spikes, thereby eliminating long downtimes.
- A developed Linux community. Thanks to its widespread use, Linux has a strong community that can offer valuable support and resources if you encounter difficulties while setting up or managing your hosting. This is a significant advantage, but if you choose shared hosting from HostPro, you are already guaranteed free support for all technical issues 24/7.
Disadvantages of Linux hosting
Among the few disadvantages of Linux hosting compared to Windows, it is worth highlighting the ease of use of the latter. However, this criterion applies not so much to the web host’s operating system as to the tools that are installed on your computer and used to manage the site.
What sites are hosted on Linux hosting
The appearance of a site is practically independent of the platform used by its owners. Moreover, both Linux and Windows hosting can easily host modern dynamic sites that store user information in a connected database.
Linux hosting is an excellent solution for projects based on Perl, PHP, Node JS, Ruby, and Python that use MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, or IBM Db2 databases. Websites based on the most popular CMS, such as WordPress, Drupal, or Prestashop, will also work perfectly on this type of hosting.
Virtual hosting on Linux at HostPro is available in the following price ranges:
- NVMe Hosting – the fastest Linux plans on NVMe drives.
- CMS Hosting – a line of specialized plans with auto-installation of the engine and LiteSpeed web server. The most popular solution among our customers for WordPress, Drupal, Prestashop, Magento, MODx, October CMS, OpenCart, and Joomla.
- Cloud Hosting – the most affordable and flexible hosting solution with payment only for the resources used.
- Reseller Hosting – resale of hosting resources along with support.
Features of Windows Hosting. Advantages and disadvantages
Windows hosting involves placing a website or web application on a server operating system developed by Microsoft. It usually includes a full set of features offered by Microsoft, making it an ideal choice for large companies with large data centers.
Advantages of Windows Hosting
- Compatibility. The main feature of Windows hosting is that it is worth choosing if you plan to use a variety of Microsoft products. These are programming languages on the .NET platform (ASP.NET, C#, Visual Basic.NET, and others) and MSSQL or Microsoft Access databases. As for CMS, the less popular Sitecore, Umbraco, and Kentico are suitable for Windows hosting. They all use .NET technologies.
- Corporate support. Microsoft Corporation offers comprehensive support for its Windows Server operating system. With Linux, you have to rely on forums or community support. In addition, HostPro’s VPS Hosting also comes with 24/7 technical support.
- Ease of use. VPS hosting usually comes with the Plesk control panel, which makes it easier to administer multiple sites, make changes, and perform necessary site updates.
This applies more to virtual dedicated servers than shared hosting, but it is worth noting that only this OS supports gaming. So if you want to run games on your server, only Windows VPS will do.
Disadvantages of Windows Hosting
Unlike Linux, which is an open source OS, Windows Server is a proprietary operating system and requires a license to install on servers. Accordingly, Windows hosting plans will always be more expensive than Linux ones. This is because each of them includes the cost of both the Microsoft license and the Plesk control panel.
It is also commonly believed that Windows hosting is a less secure choice compared to Linux, which does not process executable files without user permission. However, if you choose high-quality hosting with round-the-clock monitoring and DDoS protection, this gap can be overlooked.
There is also a prejudice on the Internet that Windows servers are more prone to random crashes and downtime. But in reality, with the right server settings and an official, rather than pirated, license, Windows hosting is a fairly secure hosting solution.
What sites are hosted on Windows Hosting
As we have already mentioned, today any sites, regardless of their complexity, can be hosted on both Linux and Windows servers. Let’s say we are talking about an online store. It will be easy to add a shopping cart for placing goods, interactive forms for sending data, filters for comparing goods according to various criteria, a form for online communication with customers (chat), and a place to leave reviews.
It is important to understand that Windows hosting is better suited for resources developed using Microsoft products, such as ASP, ASP.NET Core, MSSQL databases, or Microsoft Access. Linux machines do not support some of these technologies, so you will not be able to run your website or application if you choose Linux hosting.
Hosting on Linux and Windows – what is the difference?
Let’s summarize and, for your convenience, compile all the information into a compact table.
| Features | Linux hosting | Windows hosting |
| Best for beginners | Definitely the best choice for beginners | Not the best choice, especially if using Microsoft tools aren’t critical for your website |
| Databases | MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, IBM Db2 | Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Access |
| Programming languages | PHP, Perl, Ruby, Python, Node JS | ASP.NET, .NET, Visual Basic, C# |
| CMS | WordPress, Drupal, Prestashop, Magento, MODx, October CMS, OpenCart, Joomla, and others | Umbraco, Sitecore, Kentico |
| Price | Cheaper, since Linux OS is free | More expensive due to licensing costs |
| Control panel | cPanel, Multiadmin cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin | Plesk only |
| Security | Considered more secure because administrators must enter a password before installing programs on the server | Sufficiently secure with the right settings. |
| Ease of use | The cPanel control panel has made Linux hosting much more convenient than before. | Intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) |
| Backup | Treat everything as a file, more flexible | Require more specific components, for example the Registry, and more specialized tools |
| Uptime | Higher than Windows | High |
| Performance | Offers higher performance due to less background resource by working, faster request handling, better caching, etc. | Windows runs more background services, isn’t optimized for PHP and CMS, etc. |
| Scalability | highly scalable | less than Linux hosting |
In conclusion
It is important to understand that the choice between Linux hosting and Windows hosting depends entirely on your needs. For example, there is a misconception that if users have Windows operating system installed on their computers, it is better to have Windows hosting as well. This is not entirely true.
Choose Windows hosting if you plan to use a variety of Microsoft products. Otherwise, it will most likely be more profitable to choose Linux hosting.
In short, Linux hosting is the best option if you use CMS, PHP, MySQL, if you want to save a lot of money, gain more security and have more flexibility and control.
And Windows will fit your website if your company uses Microsoft Active Directory, your website is made of Microsoft’s .NET framework or ASP.NET or you need Microsoft SQL Server for storing data.
You can find out about all the hosting services provided by HostPro here . If you still have questions, be sure to contact our technical support staff, who are available to assist you at any time of the day or night.
Transferring your website to our virtual hosting servers is free of charge. Just leave a request with a link to your website archive and database or to your current hosting control panel. Our technical support team will safely and quickly transfer your websites to our hosting.
FAQ
- Is Linux faster than Windows?
Linux uses less server resources during processes, uses less background processing and is optimised for more web technologies.
- Which hosting is better, Linux or Windows?
There isn’t one right solution as it depends on the infrastructure of your website. While Windows is critical is your website made with the help of Microsoft solutions, Linux being the best choice for all other options.
- Is Linux safer than Windows?
Yes, Linux hosting is usually safer for websites as Linux targets a more narrow audience, has an open-source nature and quick vulnerabilities patching by the community.
- Can I use Linux hosting if my computer runs Windows?
Yes, your computer’s OS doesn’t affect your web hosting. You can easily use Linux hosting while having Windows operating system.
- Is Linux good for beginners?
Yes, Linux hosting is the best option for beginners, especially when you choose managed hosting/VPS. Linux gives you great opportunities:
- To use control panels instead of code;
- Easy setup;
- Most effective for CMSs;
- Cheaper than Windows;
- Great reliability;