Linux vs Windows

We are often asked which hosting platform one should choose, Linux or Windows®2003. 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 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 Windows98 or Windows®2003 on your computer, you can still choose Linux.

Platform
Ease of Use
Reliability
Speed
Functionality
Price
Integrated with both Solutions
Free / Open Source Software

Ease of Use

Over the years, many resources have been poured into both Linux and Windows®2003 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 shell environment, then Linux is your choice. However, if you are a beginner, you will find both platforms user friendly, especially with a help of Hostway's control panel, SiteControl.

Reliability

The industry consensus is that Linux is more reliable. However, Hostway has made sure that the reliability of the Windows®2003 platform closely matches that of Linux's. What this means is that you can 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 two platforms differ the most. 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 PHP/MySQL combination under Linux or ASP/MS SQL combination under Windows®2003. The trend is for solutions to be supported in both platforms. For example, Microsoft FrontPage, one of the most popular Web site editors out there, is supported on both Linux and Windows®2003. 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®2003 servers for the same level of reliability and performance. You will see that our hosting prices reflect this. Unless you specifically plan to use Windows®2003 platform specific features (see below), it probably makes sense to choose the Linux platform.

Supported Features

Features	Linux	Windows
MS FrontPage 2000,2002	x	x
Flash	x	x
Shockwave	x	x
RealAudio / Video	x	x
CGI-Script	x	x
Perl	x	x
PHP	x	x
SSH	x
MySQL	x
Miva	x
ASP		x
MS Access		x
MS SQL		x
Visual Basic Scripts		x
Windows Media		x

Hostway-Specific Features

Features	Linux	Windows
SiteControl	x	x
Mailing List	x	x
Weekly Webstats	x	x
Web Based Email	x	x

Technical Information

	Linux	Windows
Web Server	Apache	IIS (Internet Information Server)