While setting up your web server, the operating system it will run is one of the main considerations. Usually, you will have two options to choose from: Windows and Linux servers. Here we discuss the main features of these two types of operating systems. You will learn the advantages and disadvantages of both systems and will be able to make an informed decision.   

Linux server 

Linux operating system is often an automatic choice for start-ups and small businesses with limited requirements and restricted budgets. It is an open-source server operating system that comes cheaper. As it is publicly available, you get it free of cost. You only need to pay for the technical support for installation and maintenance. 

Linux is a versatile OS centered around the Linux kernel. It is known for its stability and reliability with a lower risk of error. Linux doesn’t require a periodic reboot and can handle high user volumes. The resource consumption is low for Linux; as a result, it offers improved performance and reliability with limited infrastructure. 

Linux, being an open-source operating system available in the public domain, offers excellent community support to the end-users. Besides, Linux offers enhanced security by employing a three-layer security approach- authentication, authorization, and encryption. The developers routinely review the source code and fix bugs. As everyone has access to the source code, the process of identifying and fixing the bug is much faster.   

Windows server

Let’s start off by saying that Microsoft Corporation developed this operating system. Windows OS is more suitable for enterprises with complex needs, including data storage, communication, and application management. 

Unlike Linux, you need to pay Microsoft Corporation to use the license key. Windows is known to be more user-friendly than Linux OS. It requires less technical skill to install and manage a Windows server. 

Many consider Windows OS more comprehensive and well-designed. It requires less admin monitoring and maintenance. As you pay for the service, you get better support than Linux. When using Linux, whether you need to pay an expert who can help you with the installation as well as management, or you need to depend on community support. However, with Windows OS, you have a guaranteed five years of maintenance and five years of extended support. If you are facing any issue, you can directly reach out to the customer support team. And just like that, they will solve your issue within minutes. 

Besides, It is possible to integrate Windows OS with other Microsoft products seamlessly. If a company needs to run Microsoft SQL or Microsoft Access, Windows is their only choice.

In the past, Windows OS used to be considered more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and security-related issues. However, Microsoft has worked diligently to mitigate the threat and reduce security concerns. The recent edition of the OS is thus more reliable and secure. 

Based on your needs, one operating system may work better than the other. Dynamic Hosting supports both Windows and Linux servers. Talk to our experts to understand which operating system will suit your needs. Contact us and let us help you set up your dedicated server.