Domains Hosting Email Servers SSL SiteBuilder Templates        Client Login
    www.    

  Dedicated Servers
       Packages
       Network
       Server FAQs
       Windows Vs Linux
       Why Go Dedicated?
       FREE Software
       Service & Support
       Order Now!
  Other Services...
       Domain Names
       Web Hosting
       SSL Certificates
       Website Templates
    Place your Order...
    Visit the Forums
    HPU:Blog



Dedicated Servers: Windows vs. Linux


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 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
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 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.

Reliability

The industry consensus is that Linux is more reliable. However, HomepageUniverse has made sure that the reliability of the Windows 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. 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. Please see below for the list of supported features.

Price

Here Linux holds an 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. Traditionally, Windows hosting has always been more expensive, however, HomepageUniverse is breaking down those barriers and all our shared hosting packages are offerred on both Linux and Windows without any price differences. Unless you specifically plan to use Windows 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








Customer support available via phone, email, live chat




Try out our hosting packages FREE for 21 days




Maintain full control over your sites and domains




Windows and Linux web hosting is now available across all our packages




NEW! The worlds cheapest 128bit SSL Secure certificates available!




Over $550 of FREE full version software with all hosting packages




Top of page About Us ORDER NOW! Forums Help & Support Contact Us
Copyright © 2000-2006, All Rights Reserved: HomepageUniverse
AUP, TOS, Legal Notices & Privacy
Fight Spam! Click Here!