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17 Jul 2019

Why Linux Hosting is Cheaper than Windows Hosting?

Most of the data across the web, via websites and email services, is stored on servers running various operating systems. The two major operating systems are Unix-based Linux and Microsoft Windows. About two-thirds of all servers use Linux, while the remaining third mostly use Windows.

Big companies and IT firms must choose between server operating systems based on functionality and cost — hosting cost depends on OS features including interface, availability, security, and other factors.

Linux hosting

Linux hosting is common among web developers. These servers feature a simple interface, with functions accessed through Linux commands. They’re preferred for their stability (resistance to crashing, fewer reboots) and security.

Linux hosting services include tools like cPanel, which provides a web platform for installing content management systems and databases — users can install software like phpBB, Joomla, and Drupal with a few clicks. These servers support Apache or Nginx, and software packages including Perl, PHP, Python, and MySQL. Linux is open-source and often free to download.

Windows hosting

Windows servers use a graphical interface with menus of options. Corporate environments often prefer Windows servers for their preinstalled essential applications, and they can run as SharePoint and Exchange servers.

Windows servers host their own tools, including the Microsoft Web Platform Installer, with components like MSSQL, ASP, ASP.NET, and IIS. Windows also offers Plesk and the Windows Web Application Gallery for blogging and content management. Microsoft applications generally require Windows servers.

Stability, reliability, and security

Windows servers tend to fall behind Linux servers on stability, reliability, and security. Windows often requires frequent reboots for software updates, leading to lower uptime, and has historically had more publicized security issues than Linux.

Cost factors

Linux is open-source, allowing modification, with some distributions available for free. Windows is proprietary, closed software with licensing costs and no modification rights.

Linux hosting tends to be cheaper because it’s more fundamental software that requires more advanced skills to manage — Windows is more user-friendly, making it easier for beginners, which comes at a licensing cost.

Key differences

  • User interface — Linux: basic, developer-friendly. Windows: feature-rich, beginner-friendly.
  • Content creation — Linux: Perl, PHP, MySQL. Windows: ASP.NET and Microsoft applications.
  • Licensing — Linux: open-source, often free. Windows: closed-source, paid.
  • User base — Linux: preferred by experienced developers. Windows: preferred by IT companies for flexible use across skill levels.

Taken together, these factors are why Linux hosting tends to be cheaper than Windows hosting.