How to Pick the Best Server OS for Your Website – Guide
Linux Server: Linux servers are popular because they’re easy to use and can be managed by anyone. They’re also affordable, making them a great choice for small businesses. Windows Server: Windows servers are more popular than Linux servers, but they’re also more expensive. They’re used by larger businesses and have a wider range of features.
When choosing between Linux and Windows Server, it is important to consider the back-end requirements of your website. If you are targeting a web server for general use, Linux is a more popular choice. However, if you are targeting a specific back-end requirement such as an ecommerce website, Windows Server may be the better choice.
The fundamentals of the operating system
Some web hosting services only offer one operating system, typically Linux, which can be limiting if you want to use a different type of computer or want to use a different operating system on your computer. For example, if you want to use Windows on your computer, you will need to look for a web hosting service that offers Windows Server as an option. Some of the most popular and well-known web hosting services, such as GoDaddy and HostGator, offer Windows-based servers. However, not all of these services offer this option. ..
There are many reasons to choose a Linux or Windows server as the foundation of your website. First, these operating systems are available on both desktop and laptop computers, so you can use them no matter what hardware you have. Second, they’re both very reliable and easy to use, so even novice users can set up a server without any trouble. Third, they come with a wide range of pre-installed software, so you can start using your website right away without having to spend time installing additional software. Finally, both Linux and Windows servers are available in a variety of different sizes and configurations, so you can find one that’s perfect for your needs. ..
Decide how much money you want to spend
Linux is a free open source operating system that comes in many flavors. It’s also simpler to maintain, requiring less maintenance and fewer hours of work. Windows Server, on the other hand, is owned by Microsoft, so web hosting services license it from Redmond. Hosting providers tend to pass these additional costs on to users.
If you want to save money, it’s better to opt for Linux. However, if you plan to take advantage of specific Windows Server features, you may find that the extra cost is necessary.
Know the software you want to use
Your operating system selection also affects the software you will use to build and update a website. For example, WordPress is easier to install and use on Linux servers as it is powered by the PHP scripting language and MySQL database service. The popular backend server, cPanel, which you might be familiar with if you’ve built a website, also runs on Linux. In addition, Linux hosting generally provides easier access to website creation tools such as the Apache HTTP web server, Python and Perl programming languages, and Node.JS JavaScript environments.
Windows Server is the only platform that offers a comprehensive set of services that can be used to develop web applications, as well as run SQL-based applications. These services include the .NET framework, which is only available on Windows Server. Additionally, other Windows Server-only programs include C# and Access.
Linux is the best choice for a new web host if you’re just starting out. Windows Server is a good choice for experienced developers and large organizations.
Learn the differences in operating system security and management
Linux is the most stable operating system on the market. It has been used for years as a web server base and its open source nature means that many talented people contribute to it. Compared to Windows Server, Linux handles more functions without problems and doesn’t require reboots as often. This is because Linux doesn’t have memory leaks in the same way as Windows Server and only needs to be restarted when there is a kernel update.
If you’re collecting financial information or other mission-critical data through your website, make sure to take security into account. Linux has a well-known open source nature, which means that many people are working on security fixes. However, finding the fix may require more research than Microsoft’s extensive documentation and live tech support. ..
Windows Server is a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-understand graphical user interface and Microsoft-backed customer support. Additionally, Microsoft often releases Windows Server drivers for new hardware quickly; new Linux drivers may take a while to appear, depending on the distro you are using (searching for distros is a complete article). Linux is eminently flexible, however. If you are willing to work with command line programming, you can root Linux servers into any format you like.
make the big decision
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to use Linux as your web server. If you are creating a blog, you’ll do fine with a Linux-based server. If it’s good enough for Facebook and Google, it’s probably good enough for your site. If you are part of a large organization or plan to use specific Microsoft services such as Exchange or SharePoint, you should look to Windows Server.
Final note
This guide will show you how to pick the best server OS for your website. First, we need to understand what different types of servers are available and what their benefits are. Next, we need to decide which type of server is right for your website. There are three main types of servers: web servers, FTP servers, and mail servers. Web Servers: Web servers provide the basic functions of a website such as hosting the content, serving up pages, and providing a user interface. They come in all shapes and sizes, but most popular ones are Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Server (x64), Debian GNU/Linux (Debian), FreeBSD 9.0-RELEASE amd64, CentOS 6.5-RELEASE amd64, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS amd64 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (x86_64). FTP Servers: FTP servers allow you to access your website’s files from anywhere in the world without having to install any software on your computer. They come in all shapes and sizes but most popular ones are Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Server (x86), Debian GNU/Linux (Debian), FreeBSD 9.0-RELEASE amd64, CentOS 6.5-RELEASE amd64, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS amd64 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (x86_64). Mail Servers: Mail servers provide email service on your website so that users can send messages or receive messages from other users on your site. They come in all shapes and sizes but most popular ones are Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Server (x86), Debian GNU/Linux (Debian), FreeBSD 9.0-RELEASE amd64, CentOS 6.5-RELEASE amd64, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS amd 64 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (x86_64).
