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We are often asked which hosting platform one should choose, Linux or Windows. Below, we've listed the major differences between the two that you should consider in making your final decision. In the process, we have also tried to dispel any common misconceptions regarding these platforms.

 
 

Important

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to run Linux on your own computer in order for you to host your site on a Linux platform. That is not true. Which operating system you run on your computer is irrelevant in making your decision. This means that if you are running Windows on your computer, you can still choose Linux.

Platform

Ease of Use ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦
Speed ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦
Functionality ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦
Price ♦♦♦ ♦
Free Open Source Software Yes  
     

Ease of Use

Over the years, many resources have been poured into both Linux and Windows platforms to make hosting as easy as possible. Today, there are no differences in terms of ease of use between these platforms. If you are an advanced user who prefers to work in a shell environment, then Linux is your choice. However, if you are a beginner, you will find both platforms user friendly.

Reliability

The industry consensus is that Linux is more reliable. However, it is important that you make your decision based on the differences in features rather than on reliability.

Speed

There is no difference in terms of speed between the two platforms.

Functionality

This is where the two platforms differ. There isn't much that can be achieved in one platform that can't be on the other one. The main difference is how the end is achieved. For example, if you need a database-driven Web site, you can choose either a PHP/MySQL combination under Linux or an ASP/Microsoft SQL Server combination under Windows. The trend is for solutions to be supported in both platforms. For example, Microsoft FrontPage, a popular Web site editor, is supported on both Linux and Windows. Please see below for the list of supported features.

Price

Here, Linux holds a slight edge due to the fact that the most of the software licenses are free and that it's easier to maintain Linux servers than Windows servers for the same level of reliability and performance. Unless you specifically plan to use Windows platform-specific features (see below), it probably makes sense to choose the Linux platform.

Supported Features
MS FrontPage 2000, 2002 Yes Yes
Flash Yes Yes
Shockwave Yes Yes
RealAudio / Video Yes Yes
CGI-Script Yes Yes
Perl Yes Yes
PHP Yes Yes
SSH Yes Yes
MySQL Yes Yes
Python Yes Yes
ASP Yes Yes
MS Access   Yes
MS SQL   Yes
Visual Basic Scripts   Yes
Windows Media   Yes
Technical Information
Web Server Apache IIS (Internet Information Services)

 
 
 

Connectivity

  

Hosting

  

Communication

  

Solutions

  

Office Consumables

  

Support

ADSL Value

  

Linux vs Windows

  

SMS

  

Hardware

  

Stationery

    

ADSL Value Pro

  

Linux Hosting Packages

  

Bulk Email

  

Software

  

Printer Toners

    

ADSL Pro

  

Website Development

  

Fax to Email

  

Mobile

  

Printing

    

ADSL Family

  

Domain Name

  

Email to Fax

  

Surveillance

  

Corporate Gifts

    

ADSL Local

  

Domain registration

  

FTP

 

Uninterrupted Power supply

        

ADSL Uncapped

  

 

      

Printers

        

Bandwidth Speed Meter

          

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