Difference Between Windows VPS Hosting vs. Linux VPS hosting

For those who don’t know, VPS hosting uses virtualized servers and allocates each user an independent virtual environment. In this type of web hosting, users do not share server resources such as RAM, CPU, etc. with other users like we see in shared hosting service.

VPS hosting is created via the virtualization process and designs the virtual replica of a physical server. That is capable to offer better server performance, security, resources, customization than shared web hosting.

Since you are reading this post, probably you have passed over the initial step of choosing VPS hosting. And now you’re confused about which operating system you should go with?

Well, when it comes operating system for VPS hosting, you have two options available i.e. Windows-based hosting and Linux based Hosting.

Both hosting systems are different in various ways. Linux hosting is an open-source operating system, with which you get free software availability. Moreover, you are allowed to use them, alter them and redistribute them effortlessly. While Windows VPS runs on Windows operating system created by Microsoft.

Both operating systems have their ins and outs. In this post, we will try to disclose how they differ from each other on the basis of some parameters.

Performance

In the modern digital world, every internet user expects reliable and fast user experience from websites he visits. Remember, no would like to stay on your website if it is taking more than a couple of seconds to be loaded.

Therefore, choose a VPS operating system that gives you better performance as per your specific needs. Let’s compare VPS and Windows-based operating system in terms of performance.

Linux 

Linux operating system is particularly designed to be used with Secure Remote Login (SSH). The entire management of VPS is done using the command line. Compared to Windows VPS, Linux is less resource hungry, you won’t require to request regular reboot even if the website load is high.

Windows 

One of the major issues that we see with Windows VPS is you will need to reboot after every minor patch. Whether it is a driver install or just a software update. Moreover, since Windows-based hosting uses the Graphical User Interface, it may require more resources if not optimized properly.

Pricing 

If pricing is your primary concern, you must read this section.

Linux

Another big difference between these two forms of VPS hosting is cost. As we mentioned above, Linux is an open source system, it does not require any licensing cost.

Windows

On the other hand, Windows is the commercial operating system operated by Microsoft. It has high licensing fees. Moreover, their servers are designed to perform specialized tasks that come with a higher price.

People with a limited budget may go for Linux server as they will get almost similar specification but in affordable price. 

Server Access 

So that you can have a better control over your websites and its different parts, it is necessary that you are being offered adequate server access.

Linux

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)can be utilized on both Windows and Linux VPS, but if you are looking for SSH or telnet, this is only possible with Linux. With most Linux-based VPS services, you will get full server access. For instance, hostinger.com/Vpserver offers full root access on all their VPS plans.

Window

As we said, FTP access is available but you will not get SSH access.

Control Panel

The control panel lets you customize and manage different settings and features on your website. Some of the well-known control panels include cPanel, vDesk, Plesk, Parallels, etc. Windows and Linux VPS servers use different control panels.

Linux 

With most Linux based VPS hosting, you get cPanel or Web Host Manager (WHM).

Windows 

On Windows VPS, you are allowed to use Plesk that is considered quite user-friendly.

Ease of Use

Generally, it will depend on your technical knowledge. However, Windows VPS host looks much more user-friendly. Let’s find out how.

Linux 

Though most website owners with sound technical knowledge argue that Linux is easier to use as it offers cPanel management tool, it does not seem ideal for newbies. 

Windows 

Since Windows VPS hosting uses graphic user interface (GUI), newbies will find it easier than the Linux operating system.

Scalability 

Scalability feature gives you the freedom to handle the workload without switching to a premium plan. You can easily manage sudden workload without any compromising on performance.

Linux

With most Linux VPS server, you get 100% uptime guarantee. Moreover, if you have applications running on PERL, Python or similar platform, you will find Linux VPS best option for you.

Windows

Though not all Windows servers come with 100% uptime guarantee, it should be a good choice for you if you are working on ASP.net, PHP, etc.

Security 

In the past few years, we have witnessed several cyber attacks. Nowadays, DDoS attacks, data breaches, Malware, file deletion are some common threats to a website. Therefore, it is necessary that you pick a hosting type that offers you better protection against such threats.

Let’s compare these two VPS hosting types in terms of security.

Linux

Linux is a UNIX-based operating system offering better security against the virus, environment, spyware, Malware, etc. They are considered more secure as editing privileges are limited to administrators only.

Windows 

It is also considered very safe if it has the right setup. In Windows VPS, users are allowed to hide a file from the administrator’s view.

Technical Support 

When running a website you can encounter technical issue anytime. Make sure you have access to support team to deal with such issues. 

Linux 

With Linux VPS, you get the support of open source community. It means you will need to rely on 3rd party sources for the support. 

Windows

Windows-based VPS hosting is backed by the team of the Microsoft. In addition to this, Windows VPS server offers .net technologies such as VB.NET, ASP.NET, etc.

Final Words 

Choosing the best between these two options is a hard row to hoe as both options have their ins and outs. We would say, you should choose an operating system for your VPS according to your requirements, and budget.

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