Windows versus Linux on your Web Server

Windows versus Linux on your Web Server

There is often a dilemma about the OS to choose while going in for a dedicated web server. Should it be windows or Linux or some other OS? Well, it all depends on the features you're looking for.

If you need a web server for simply hosting html pages and handling POP3 email accounts, Linux would do. It would be cheaper too. If you were looking to run Perl scripts and C programs, I'd say Linux would be more robust. For smaller database applications MySQL would run wonderfully well on Linux. BUT... If it’s ASP, JSP & database enabled e-commerce solutions that you're looking for, my choice would be a Windows Server. Easy to install, easy to handle and fantastic support! MSSQL would be your database, which needless to say works smoothly on the Windows Server.

It is easy to setup a Windows server remotely with VNC or the Terminal service client software feature enabled… it is just like having a desktop within your desktop.

With regards security, frankly both are pretty secure. It is all about setting up the right firewalls and access control rules. Again Windows makes it really easy to setup most of this, if you're an intermediate user. For hardcore webmasters and administrators, either would be a breeze.

Off course the flip side to convenience is that Windows is expensive. You will need a license for 9 out of 10 application you run on Windows. It is the opposite with Linux. Most Linux software is free or comparatively cheaper most of the time. And they do perform really well.