Linux Server vs Windows Server: Choosing the Ideal Platform

If you are learning about servers and their respective operating systems, you should take 5 minutes of your time and discuss with us the qualities that exist between Linux servers vs Windows servers.

So if you are a server administrator you should learn the differences and advantages that one has over the other.

After you finish reading our comprehensive compilation of the characteristics of each Linux and Windows server, you will have a clear understanding of the difference between operating systems for Linux and Windows servers.

Today we will explain in detail the characteristics of Linux and Windows servers, starting with which one offers you the best performance and flexibility.

Let's Explore Linux Server

A Linux server is built on the open-source Linux operating system, known for its affordability, robust community support, and open-source code.

Various distributions, such as Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian, are based on the Linux kernel, offering stability, security, and flexibility.

Linux servers are extensively employed for hosting web services, network and system administration, database management, and critical applications.

Despite graphical user interface options, Linux is predominantly managed through the command line. Therefore, it requires some knowledge about running operations through the terminal (or the time to do so).

It is primarily command-line-based, and it provides excellent flexibility when interacting with the server. Additionally, it allows configuration modifications without rebooting the system.

There is no licensing fee for this server option. Unless you are an administrator, you will need to pay for a technician to install and maintain the server, but there is no additional cost for the server operating system.

Using open-source software is definitely cost-effective, but the downside is the lack of official support. If you run into problems, you'll have to rely on the Linux user community.

While this popular operating system solution has a large and highly engaged community of supporters, you may need to dig deeper to find the answer for your specific use case.

System administrators have tremendous flexibility and freedom in setting up Linux servers. This server type incorporates remote management and backend accessibility, enabling administrators to optimize the system remotely.

Utilizing a Linux server facilitates seamless integration with various open-source software.

While running Windows applications on Linux is feasible, it often necessitates additional software or even a virtual machine (VM).

Linux servers support MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, as well as Unix programming languages such as PHP, Perl, and Python. Therefore, if you plan to use these tools, Linux is the first choice.

Linux Server OS

Below you will find the most popular Linux server OS:

• Ubuntu Server

• Debian Server

• Fedora Server

• CentOS

• AlmaLinux

• Rocky Linux

• Red Hat

• CloudLinux

Advantages of Linux Servers uses

• Cost-Efficient: No additional licensing fees since the OS is free.

• Enhanced Reliability: Rarely susceptible to malware, cyber threats, or security vulnerabilities.

• Minimal Hardware Demands: Low client hardware requirements and resource consumption.

• Exceptional Performance: Delivers excellent performance with minimal infrastructure needs.

• Customization Freedom: Allows system administrators to tailor the system to their preferences.

• Open-Source Compatibility: Easily integrates open-source software.

• Secure Collaboration: Supports collaborative work without compromising program core.

Disadvantages of Linux Servers

• Working through the command line rather than the GUI requires some learning or experience.

• Not all versions have long-term support.

• Updating from one major version to another can sometimes be complicated.

• Some third-party and professional programs may not be supported or require administrator privileges.

Linux Dedicated Server Pricing

Linux is a lightweight operating system that requires fewer hardware resources to handle more workloads, which means it typically doesn't have high infrastructure costs.

As mentioned above, Linux distributions are unlicensed, except for Red Hat and SUSE (platforms used by enterprise-level companies). You need only to buy or rent a bare-metal server, not spend money on paying for a OS license.

An important cost to consider is having an in-house administrator available to handle Linux configuration and any potential issues.

Windows Server Overview: In-Depth Description

Cloud Server Information The term "Windows Server" is the brand name that encompasses Microsoft's server operating system, first released in 2003.

Unlike Linux servers, Windows requires the purchase of a license for each user to use its services.

If you rent a Windows server, the provider will add the licensing fee to your total hosting and maintenance bill. The benefit of using a paid operating system is the long-term support it provides.

Windows Server comes with five years of maintenance, plus five years of extended support from Microsoft.

Most beginners choose Microsoft Server because of its user-friendly interface. Each version provides a complete GUI desktop experience that is very intuitive and beautiful.

In addition, the solution includes simple and optional automatic system updates and the ability to solve technical problems with a system restore.

Therefore, system administrators with less maintenance experience or time will find this intermittent feature very useful.

Windows Server integrates seamlessly with Windows applications and should be your first choice if you plan to use Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Access, or any other Microsoft program.

Advantages of Windows Server

Its intuitive graphical user interface and preconfigured functions make it beginner-friendly. A guaranteed five-year maintenance period is included, which can be extended with an additional five-year grant.

Disadvantages of Windows Server

Operating systems require licensing fees, so costs are high. It is vulnerable to malware, cyber threats, and other vulnerabilities. Forced UI increases resource consumption.

Windows Dedicated Server Pricing

Windows servers require more resources than Linux and almost always incur higher infrastructure costs. It also includes license fees, which vary by version and provider.

The latest Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition (for physical or minimally virtualized environments) starts at $1,069, and Datacenter Edition starts at $6,155. In cloud environments, license prices are typically paid on an annual basis.

If you need a Windows dedicated server, then it is much more profitable to rent a server with a Windows server license instead of purchasing a license. The hosting provider buys the license itself and provides you with a ready-made server with an activated license. In this case, it saves your budget significantly.

When it comes to software support, Windows Server includes Microsoft Software Insurance, which can be included in your purchase plan or for an additional fee.

Linux Server vs Windows Server: Key Differences

Aspect	Linux Server	Windows Server
Cost	Free open-source software	Owned by Microsoft and includes a per-user license fee
Safety	Highly secure against malware and cyber threats	More vulnerable to hacking and cyber threats
Support	Large community support that can answer frequently asked questions	Community and long-term customer support, and excellent documentation
Operating Mode	Command Line	GUI
User Experience	Requires a relatively experienced Linux administrator	More suitable for beginners
Database Support	MySQL, PostgreSQL	Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Access
Script Support	Python, PHP, Perl, and other Unix languages	ASP and ASP.NET

Linux vs. Windows Server: Which One to Choose?

When choosing between Linux and Windows servers, remember three important things:

• Ubuntu Server

• Debian Server

• Fedora Server

If you are looking for a more cost-effective solution, Linux is definitely a better choice, because running an operating system does not cause additional costs.

On the other hand, if the server administrator has no experience in managing and maintaining servers through the command line, it may be better to pay for a Windows server license.

In addition to spending less time monitoring and configuring your server, you also get official support from Microsoft. Finally, consider what you want to run on the server. Installing WordPress on a Linux server is easier because Linux supports PHP and MySQL.

In addition, it provides easy access to HTTP, Apache, and other web-building tools, JavaScript and NodeJS environments, and Perl and Python programming languages

However, if you plan to develop web pages using Microsoft frameworks such as ASP or the .NET Framework, running them on Windows Server is much easier.

The same applies to programs such as Microsoft SQL, SharePoint and Microsoft Access.