Linux vs Windows Servers: A Complete Hosting Comparison
Agneta Venckutė
Should you choose a Windows VPS or a Linux VPS for your hosting needs? This comprehensive comparison of Linux vs Windows VPS servers will provide valuable insights to enhance your business efficiency.
Before ordering your next VPS service, read this guide until the end to learn an in-depth comparison of Windows VPS and Linux VPS, their unique benefits, downsides, and how to choose the best VPS solution among the two.
Introduction to Linux and Windows Servers
When comparing Linux vs Windows servers, it’s essential to understand the basics of these two server types.
Linux, an open-source platform, is known for its flexibility, security, and lower operational costs. It’s highly favored in environments that require robust customization and is commonly the choice for developers working with programming languages like PHP, Python, or Ruby. It includes Linux distributions like Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, Fedora Server, and more.
Windows servers run on Microsoft’s server operating systems, like Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, etc. It’s the go-to VPS solution for ASP.NET, MSSQL, or other proprietary applications developed and published by Microsoft.
According to a recent survey report published by Fortune Business Insights, Linux servers comprise 62.7% of the server market. Windows is in second place with a sizable number of market share.
Key Differences Between Linux vs Windows Hosting
Linux and Windows VPSs bring unique features and functionalities to the table. Both are good on their own terms. The following sections will give you a clear understanding of the benefits of Linux vs Windows hosting.
Here are the core variances of Linux hosting vs Windows hosting for VPS:
| Features | VPS Server Linux | VPS Server Windows |
| OS architecture | Linux kernel | Windows NT architecture |
| Security | Better secured against cyberattacks and hacking attempts | Highly prone to cyber threats and hacking attempts due to its popularity |
| Cost of subscription | Less than Windows VPS | More than Linux VPS |
| User interface | Command line | Graphical user interface |
| Support | Community-based support | Professional customer support along with the Microsoft Community forum |
| Supported databases | PostgreSQL, like on Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Debian and MySQL | Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL |
| User experience | Difficult to operate for beginner server administrators, requires extensive Linux command line experience | A trainee server admin can also easily navigate on the server OS |
| Script support | Unix languages, PHP, Python, Perl, etc. | ASP.NET and ASP |
| Licensing requirements | Open-source, no licensing needed | Follows a stringent licensing policy |
| Personalization | Customizable from the source code level | Only a set of settings and configurations can be changed, source code level modifications aren’t available |
| Software compatibility | Mostly compatible with open-source Linux apps | Highly compatible with business and enterprise software |
| Ease of use | The level of complexity varies with the Linux distros, steep learning curve | GUI and familiar interface make it easy to use |
| Performance | Extremely fast | Less than Linux VPS |
| Scalability | Highly scalable | Limited scalability |
| Use cases | Websites, web apps, cloud servers, mission-critical computing, cloud app development, etc. | Specifically applicable to businesses that mostly use Microsoft apps and services. |
Linux Hosting Benefits
Firstly, license-free Linux distros reduce the cost of hosting. It is affordable compared to Windows server subscription costs where you must pay a license fee for the proprietary OS by Microsoft. Secondly, the OS kernel is available for modifications to include unique or business-critical features, functions, and interfaces.
A Linux server OS consumes the least amount of system resources, compared to a Windows VPS. Moreover, Linux VPSs offer the longest uptime without restarting or troubleshooting.
If the subscription cost is the key factor, a Linux VPS is preferable to its Windows counterpart. Dedicated servers and Cloud VPS providers like Hostline can freely use the open-source Linux server to set up its cloud computing server resources so it can pass on the pricing benefits to its subscribers too.
Furthermore, you should get a Linux VPS if you wish to reduce the resource consumption by the operating system itself. Hence, you get the best data access speeds and virtually zero latency in a Linux server.
Not to mention, Linux benefits from a global community of developers who rapidly respond to security vulnerabilities. However, you must apply updates yourself. A Linux server is one of the most secure because fewer hackers target this platform.
Windows Hosting Benefits
First of all, Windows Server VPS brings in a familiar server management interface similar to that of Windows PCs. If your team isn’t familiar with the Unix-like or Linux command line interfaces, it’s better to go with a Windows server hosting service. Not to mention, its user interface and experience are almost similar to a Windows PC.
Furthermore, Microsoft offers security patches and OS updates regularly. Also, a Windows VPS is highly compatible with most business software, ERPs, marketing tools, etc.
You can install and run Microsoft business apps, like SharePoint, Remote Desktop Access, Power Automate, and more. It also supports scaling up or down CPU, RAM, GPU, disc space, etc. Moreover, a robust Microsoft Technical support ecosystem for basic to advanced support.
A Windows VPS comes with standard security features offered by Microsoft for the operating system part. These security packages include automatic updates and vulnerability management by Microsoft professionals.
Linux vs Windows VPS: Use Cases
Deciding between Linux and Windows hosting depends heavily on your business requirements, the technologies you use, and your specific use cases. For example, look at the use cases below:
Website Hosting
- Linux hosting is common for WordPress, PHP, Joomla, Drupal, etc.
- Windows server hosting is suitable for websites developed with Microsoft IIS, ASP, .NET, etc.
E-commerce Platforms
- Open-source e-commerce platforms, like Magento, WooCommerce (on WordPress), PrestaShop, etc., use Linux VPS.
- Custom-built e-commerce solutions that utilize .NET, SQL Server, Microsoft Commerce, etc., rely on Windows hosting.
Forex Trading
- Forex trading providers and agencies use a Linux-based Forex VPS for trading apps, like MetaTrader 5, TradingView, SimpleFX, etc.
- Popular Forex trading apps, like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 have been originally developed for Windows servers. If your trading team is habituated to the Windows interface, a Windows VPS for Forex trading is also worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between Linux and Windows servers?
If you compare Linux vs Windows servers for VPS hosting purposes, the primary differences are flexibility, customization, cost-effectiveness, and Support for Microsoft ecosystem tools.
A VPS Linux server is affordable because of its open-source development and maintenance nature. Also, you can customize the server features from granular levels to meet specific business models or standards.
Contrarily, Windows VPS servers are a bit costly but easy to operate and integrate easily with most Microsoft 365 apps.
Which is better for hosting: Linux or Windows?
If you generally prefer cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and security, a VPS server on Linux is best suited for websites and web applications. Contrarily, if your business is heavily reliant on Microsoft tools and services, you should go for a Windows VPS.
What is a Windows VPS, and how does it differ from a Linux VPS?
A Windows VPS is a virtualized Windows server environment. You often need it to host Windows-specific applications like ASP.NET or Microsoft SQL Server on the cloud. In contrast, a Linux VPS operates on open-source Linux servers, you often prefer this for its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and high-level customization, particularly for web hosting and development environments.
What is a Linux VPS and how does it differ from a VPS server on Windows?
A Linux VPS is a cloud hosting solution that runs a virtualized Linux server. It offers a stable, scalable, high-performance, and cost-effective Unix-like computing environment for website, web app, and web services hosting.
It differs from a Windows VPS solution greatly in licensing costs. However, Windows VPS servers easily integrate with Microsoft software.
How do Linux and Windows compare for VPS hosting?
The primary comparison is the cost of ownership due to the difference between the open-source nature of Linux servers and the licensed nature of Windows servers. Also, Windows VPS is easy to operate because of its low or no-code approach. Most Linux VPS require extensive Unix-like command execution and coding knowledge.
Should I choose Linux or Windows hosting for my website?
If you’re looking for cost-effectiveness, customizations, flexibility, and performance, you must choose a VPS Linux server. Contrarily, if your objective is a familiar operating system, no-code server operation, and requires support for the Microsoft suite of apps, select a Windows VPS hosting solution.
What are the advantages of Linux server hosting?
Linux server hosting offers superior stability, security, and flexibility, making it ideal for businesses requiring high-performance environments. It also provides cost-effectiveness by supporting open-source solutions.