a) 5 advantages of Linux server hosting
Economics:
The cost savings with Linux servers tend to be massive owing to their open source nature which translates into zero license fees along with a completely free Operating System package. Linux based solutions are ideal for small and medium sized websites and typically cost 20% to 25% less compared to a Windows server. Efficient, round the clock customer service is also provided at a very nominal cost.
Security:
Linux servers have lesser security vulnerabilities compared to Windows servers and are much less prone to system breakdowns on account of online threats like virus, Trojan horse and denial of service (DOS) attacks.
Stability:
Linux servers offer a very stable run time environment and the chances of obtaining 100% system up-time are much higher compared to crash prone Windows systems owing to a ruggedly designed code which forms the backbone of the highly efficient OS. Linux systems require few reboots and can easily handle high server loads.
Ease of migration:
Sites built on a Linux platform are much easier to migrate to different operating environments like Windows, UNIX and Mac should the need ever arise. However, the reverse doesn’t always hold true and it’s an extremely difficult and complicated process to switch to a Linux hosted server from a Windows one.
Ease of operability:
Linux is compatible with a variety of scripting languages like MySQL, PHP and Perl. It can also be easily integrated with databases like mSQL and PostgreSQL. The open source Linux OS can be extensively modified to suit specific customer needs and many non-native applications can be easily integrated with the system.
b) 5 Advantages of Windows server hosting
Ease of use:
A Windows based server uses a highly advanced GUI based interface which is very simple to learn and master. The scripts and applications running on most Windows machine are also extremely user friendly. In stark contrast, it takes a lot of time to completely master the myriad intricacies of a Linux system owing to its complex command prompt based user interface.
Microsoft program compatibility:
Windows servers become a must in environments that consist of an extensive deployment of certain Microsoft technologies like .NET framework, Visual Basic and SharePoint software. ASP pages can only be executed from a Windows machine.
Scalability:
Web sites usually undergo a lot of transformation over time. Many sites start off small and grow rapidly as the needs keeps changing. Machines running on Windows OS are easily compatible with UNI -based programming features like MySQL and PHP as a result of which such deployments can be easily scaled up drastically in a short span of time.
Reduced Training requirements:
Due to the familiarity of most technicians with Windows servers, much less money and time needs to be spent on training resources on routine server administration, maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
Easy availability of experienced technicians is another significant plus of a Windows deployment. In contrast, qualified Linux engineers are hard to come by and costlier to recruit.
Conclusion:
Both Linux and Windows based servers come with several pros and cons. The decision to deploy any one of them needs to be taken after utmost consideration of the customer’s requirements.