Linux vs. Windows Hosting: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right operating system for your web hosting is an important decision that can impact your website’s performance, security, compatibility, and more.

The two most common options for web hosting operating systems are Linux and Windows. So which one should you choose – Linux hosting or Windows hosting?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll compare Linux versus Windows web hosting to help you decide which OS is the best fit for your needs.

What is Linux Web Hosting?

Linux hosting refers to web hosting running on Linux-based servers. Some of the most popular Linux distributions used for web hosting include:

• Ubuntu
• CentOS
• Debian
• Fedora

Linux is an open-source operating system, which means its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This open-source nature makes Linux highly customizable to suit different needs.

The Linux OS is also known to be extremely stable and secure, with a strong focus on web hosting and Internet applications. Popular web servers like Apache and Nginx run on Linux.

Overall, Linux hosting is a great choice if you want flexibility, customization, stability, and security for your website.

What is Windows Web Hosting?

Windows hosting refers to web hosting running on Windows servers. Some examples of Windows server operating systems used for hosting include:

• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server 2016
• Windows Server 2012

Windows hosting supports programming languages like ASP.NET and frameworks like .NET. It also natively runs Microsoft applications like SQL Server and Access database.

The Windows OS offers a graphical user interface and software that many people are already familiar with. This can make managing a Windows server more intuitive for some.

Windows hosting is best suited for sites that rely on Microsoft technologies, like ASP web applications.

Linux Hosting vs Windows Hosting Comparison

Let’s compare some of the key differences between Linux and Windows hosting:

Performance

Linux is generally considered faster and more resource-efficient than Windows. With Linux, web servers like Nginx and Apache handle requests very efficiently.

Windows hosting can also deliver excellent performance. But historically, Windows servers tended to utilize more system resources compared to Linux for the same workload. However, performance gaps between the two platforms have narrowed in recent years.

Security

Linux is widely regarded as a more secure option for web hosting services. The Unix-like architecture and open nature fosters continuous security improvements from its vast community of developers.

That said, later versions of Windows Server also incorporate advanced security capabilities and hardening features designed specifically for hosting environments. Ultimately, security depends as much on strict policies and patching regimen as the underlying OS.

Uptime and Stability

Both Linux and Windows offer excellent reliability and uptime if hosted properly.

Linux edges out when it comes to stability though – it’s less prone to crashes and hardware compatibility issues. The modular architecture allows Linux to keep running smoothly when one application or service fails.

Meanwhile, Windows Server also delivers great uptime with the right redundancies. The potential for stability issues increases if not rebooted periodically for Windows updates.

Support and Documentation

Linux benefits from having open-source code and a vibrant online community. So solutions and documentation for Linux-related issues tend to be more abundant.

Windows has excellent official vendor documentation and commercial support options. But some users have noted that community support around Windows Server can be more limited compared to Linux.

Flexibility and Customization

One major advantage of Linux is flexibility. You get access to edit or tweak the open Linux source code as needed. Linux also supports running both Apache and Nginx on the same server.

Meanwhile, Windows web hosting tends to offer less flexibility and control compared to Linux. Customizing and optimizing a Windows server often requires more advanced IT skills and administration access.

Cost

Linux hosting generally costs less than Windows hosting.

A few reasons why Linux VPS and dedicated servers tend to be more budget-friendly options:

• Linux software and distributions are open-source and free to use
• Linux is less resource-intensive for the same workload
• Linux administration and management is often simpler

However, for shared hosting plans, there is usually little to no difference in cost between Linux and Windows.

Ease of Use

For users without much technical expertise, Windows can seem easier to start with. The graphical UI and familiarity with Windows applications reduces the learning curve for some.

But Linux also offers very user-friendly distros designed for web hosting, like Ubuntu, with intuitive control panels. Most shared Linux hosting plans also provide one-click installers for applications.

Quick summary:

• Linux – More customizable, flexible, resource-efficient
• Windows – Tighter integration with Microsoft infrastructure

Now that you know the key differences, let’s see which types of sites are better suited for Linux versus Windows web hosting.

Which Sites Are Best Suited for Linux Hosting?

Thanks to qualities like flexibility, security and affordability, Linux is the right choice to host the majority of popular sites and web apps.

1. Websites Using Open-Source Software

Websites relying on open-source LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Python/Perl) technology will specifically require a Linux server to host the platform properly.

For instance, open-source content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla all run on LAMP stacks. About 35% of all websites use WordPress, which dominates the CMS market share.

Ecommerce platforms like Magento and WooCommerce also rely on Linux.

So if you plan to use any popular open-source web apps, Linux hosting is likely the best fit.

2. High Traffic Websites

High traffic sites need a hosting infrastructure reliable and resource-efficient enough to handle all that demand. Linux has a proven track record of delivering excellent performance and uptime even for large scale websites with millions of visitors.

Top sites like Google and Facebook relying on Linux should give you confidence in its ability to provide low-latency performance.

3. Developers Building Custom Web Apps

For developers planning to build highly customized web applications with frameworks like Ruby on Rails or Node.js, Linux is the standard choice that natively supports these technologies.

The open nature also makes it easier for developers to optimize Linux servers to best support their custom apps as needed.

4. Secure Ecommerce Sites

If your website involves financial transactions or sensitive user data, security is paramount.

Linux offers advanced security capabilities to protect websites against cyber attacks and malware. The Apache access control system also makes it easier to implement fine-grained privilege rules.

So ecommerce sites stand to benefit from the rock-solid security provided by Linux platforms.

5. Budget-Conscious Website Owners

Given Linux shared hosting plans often cost less than Windows alternatives, it makes economic sense to host your website on Linux if you want to save money. The savings add up, especially for resource-intensive sites requiring VPS or dedicated servers.

When Does Windows Hosting Make More Sense?

Although Linux may be suitable for hosting the vast majority of website types, Windows hosting still fills an important niche.

Microsoft-centric sites stand to benefit the most from Windows web hosting services.

Here are examples of specific instances when Windows is likely the better choice over Linux:

1. Websites Requiring the .NET Framework

The .NET development framework comes pre-installed with Windows hosting services. The integrated .NET environment allows ASP.NET applications and C#/VB code to execute properly.

So if your web app relies on ASP.NET or other Microsoft technologies, Windows hosting is usually necessary.

2. Sites Needing Access to MS SQL Server

Applications utilizing Microsoft’s SQL Server databases require Windows hosting. Although other databases like MySQL often suffice, certain tools may specifically integrate with SQL Server.

Windows natively runs SQL Server without additional configuration needed. On Linux, you would need to set up SQL Server in a virtualized environment.

3. Websites Integrated With Windows Infrastructure

Companies deeply invested in Microsoft software (e.g. Exchange Server, Active Directory, Office 365, SharePoint etc.) may decide to standardize websites and hosting on Windows as well for tighter platform integration.

For instance, Windows authentication protocols make it easier to implement single sign-on across site visitors and internal users.

4. Sites Using Proprietary Windows Software

If your website relies on proprietary Windows-only software without Linux equivalents, then Windows hosting is your only option.

Admittedly these cases come up less and less often though as open-source alternatives permeate the web.

5. Beginners More Familiar With Windows

Some novice website owners may feel intimidated by Linux. The Windows UI and software helps alleviate uncertainties for non-technical users just getting started with their first site.

That said, popular Linux distros like Ubuntu Desktop provide very accessible graphical interfaces these days. Most shared hosting also abstracts away server administration duties from site owners.

Which Type of Hosting Plan Should You Choose?

Beyond just the operating system decision, you also need to pick a general hosting configuration suitable for your use case – Shared hosting vs VPS vs Dedicated server vs Managed WordPress hosting, etc.

Here are some popular hosting plan types and when they might make sense:

Shared Hosting

Best for new websites with low to medium traffic volumes. Resources are shared between accounts on a server.

VPS Hosting

Recommended for rising sites that need more resources and control. Resources are virtually partitioned off on powerful shared machines.

Dedicated Server

Large scale sites with very high server resource demands or custom requirements. You rent an entire machine not shared with others.

Managed WordPress Hosting

Specialized WordPress hosting plans optimized for site speed, security, and scalability. Takes care of all server admin and updates.

Cloud Hosting

Auto-scalable hosting where server resources expand and contract on-demand. Helps manage unexpected traffic spikes.

Talk to your hosting provider about which plan meets your specific needs and budget.

Most top hosts like Bluehost or SiteGround offer all popular configurations (shared, Cloud, VPS, dedicated) with Linux. Some also provide Windows-based plans.

How Do You Migrate Between Linux and Windows Hosting?

Switching web hosting operating systems doesn’t need to be difficult, but does require some planning. Here are tips to smoothly migrate sites between Linux and Windows:

• Research compatibility of your site, apps, plugins, and database ahead of time. Some may not fully function across OS.
• Backup everything before migrating hosting. Copy all site files, databases, email, and domains.
• Perform small-scale testing first. Setup a temporary staging environment to validate the OS switch at low risk.
• Follow best practices around DNS changes for propagating the switch quickly.
• Update software and confirm functionality after migrating. Test speeds as well.
• Update admin login details and server configurations on applications as needed.

Migrating from Windows to Linux typically proves simpler than the other way around. Moving from Linux to Windows introduces more software and compatibility considerations.

If migrating to Windows, using a Plesk or cPanel control panel on Windows helps ease the transition.

Hopefully this Linux compared to Windows hosting breakdown gives you clarity regarding the best OS for your website!

Neil Beckett

Neil is an accomplished web, designer and developer with over 15 years of experience in creating and optimizing websites for small businesses and online entrepreneurs. Read full bio

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