For a rapidly developing website or online store with high traffic rates, one of the serious problems can be the lack of shared hosting resources. What to do in such cases? Since regular hosting fails, it needs to be replaced with a VPS. The virtual server provides complete independence and offers many possibilities.
In this article, we will study in detail the question: VPS linux vs Windows VPS, which OS to choose for hosting the site? Let’s carry out a comparative analysis of linux vps vs windows vps.
What is VPS hosting and why is it needed
VPS is considered to be something between a dedicated and virtual server. Virtual Private Server includes the core benefits of each form and bridges the gap between web hosting and your own or rented server.
A distinctive feature of VPS hosting is the type of virtualization. Resources for VPS are distributed through container virtualization Xen, KVM, and for VDS, OpenVZ is used. KVM virtualization provides isolated resources. And in the event of a hacker attack or the need to consume a large amount of resources by one of the servers, the others will not be affected in any way. An important point will be what OS to choose for vps, which is better hosting windows or linux.
VPS Hosting VS Shared Hosting
Before answering the question of which hosting to choose, Windows or Linux, let’s take a closer look at hosting. Shared hosting is designed for projects like online stores and blogs. And for more complex ones, requiring more resource capacity, a VPS server is designed. Much also depends on which server is Windows or Linux.
What is regular website hosting? Imagine that you do not own the space of your room, since you rent it for a certain fee and there are many other premises serviced by a provider nearby. In addition to the ability to change something, resources are also limited, a limit is set. This happens with hosting, when memory and all computing power is shared among everyone. And if the traffic on one of the sites rises sharply, then this has a direct impact on the work of your resource. Another important point concerns security. Unauthorized interference can threaten all participants. So, shared hosting is a type of hosting when a different number of websites are located on the same web server without the ability to change the settings.
What then is possible with VPS hosting? And which is better to choose linux or windows hosting?
VPS is a type of hosting in which the client has direct access to all settings. And the functionality depends on whether linux or windows hosting.
When should you choose a VPS? If you want to:
- optimize resources;
- so that resources do not overlap, full autonomy;
- install special programs, be able to make a choice of OS vps;
- eliminate errors in the server, and the site is slow to function.
If the choice fell on this type of hosting, then the question arises: which OS for VPS to choose? There are two options – linux hosting or windows hosting.
Features and disadvantages of VPS Windows
Hosting on windows or linux? To understand, you need to examine the pros and cons of each option. The main advantage of VPS Windows will be a user-friendly graphical interface. It will not be difficult to understand everything, it is simple and quite functional. For beginners, this is a good solution, since most are still familiar with Windows.
What OS is the best choice for the server if you are using Microsoft software? If your project relies heavily on Microsoft software, then you should opt for a Windows VPS. For MSSQL enabled websites, Windows will provide good performance and processing power. Windows VPS runs on a platform with a high level of processor performance. Well, how not to notice the obvious plus of remote desktop access. From anywhere, you can manage the server at a time when Linux requires a text-based SSH protocol. If you have already decided that Windows wins in windows vs linux servers, then do not rush to conclusions, you need to evaluate other parameters.
What about the shortcomings, are there any? To understand what is more profitable than a windows or linux server, it is important to pay attention to the price. Since Windows VPS requires an operating system license, the cost is correspondingly higher. Well, do not forget that you may need to install additional programs to improve security.
When choosing a hosting provider specializing in Windows hosting, it is especially important to have an SPLA agreement, which is the guarantor of timely updates. On such a hosting, the site will run on a licensed OS with a high level of protection against malware.
What OS is the best choice for the server if you are using Microsoft software? If your project relies heavily on Microsoft software, then you should opt for a Windows VPS. For MSSQL enabled websites, Windows will provide good performance and processing power. Windows VPS runs on a platform with a high level of processor performance. Well, how not to notice the obvious plus of remote desktop access. From anywhere, you can manage the server at a time when Linux requires a text-based SSH protocol. If you have already decided that Windows wins in windows vs linux servers, then do not rush to conclusions, you need to evaluate other parameters.
What about the shortcomings, are there any? To understand what is more profitable than a windows or linux server, it is important to pay attention to the price. Since Windows VPS requires an operating system license, the cost is correspondingly higher. Well, do not forget that you may need to install additional programs to improve security.
When choosing a hosting provider specializing in Windows hosting, it is especially important to have an SPLA agreement, which is the guarantor of timely updates. On such a hosting, the site will run on a licensed OS with a high level of protection against malware.
Advantages and Disadvantages of VPS Linux
Let’s move on to the analysis of VPS Linux to determine which operating system to choose for hosting.
Among hosting providers, Linux hosting has become very popular, which is implemented on a server running the Linux operating system. This is due to the fact that most of the operating systems built on Linux are free. This means that the cost for customers will be lower, since providers do not pay for a license. Here is the first plus, striking, the price. Great for small businesses or beginners on a budget. Also VPS Linux allows you to choose any control system:
- Plesk;
- cPanel;
- ISPmanager 5;
- CentOS Web Panel.
So what: linux or windows hosting? Of course, you can work with both operating systems, but on a Linux server it will be much faster and with more opportunities for optimization. And what about an equally important point – linux vs windows security? Everything is obvious here, a clear advantage for Linux, mainly hacker attacks are aimed at Windows systems. The Linux infrastructure makes the operating system resistant to various types of viruses.
If, in the process of choosing windows or linux hosting, beats Linux-based wasps, then be prepared for the fact that there are not all programs familiar to an ordinary user.
VPS Windows vs VPS Linux
Services on VPS will be available to customers under any operating system, they will be able to use the same data, the only difference is in the environment where this data operates. “Which os to choose for vps?” – a frequently asked question that can be answered only after it becomes clear what are the differences between windows of a linux server. Having studied in detail all the pros and cons of windows server vs linux, you can draw up a comparative table.
Let’s take a look: windows hosting vs linux hosting.
| VPS Linux hosting | VPS Windows hosting | |
| performance | less resource intensive, designed for use with SSH, command line management | needs to be rebooted after every update, since the graphical user interface is used; if not optimized, then quite resource-intensive |
| server access | FTP access and SSH access possible | FTР, RDP |
| security | high level of security | good level of security when configured correctly |
| compatibility | suitable for open source software: PHP / Perl, Java, SSH, Python | used for programs running on Windows |
| the convenience of use | ease of use | clear and simple interface |
| price | optimal price as open source platform | the price is more expensive due to the license fee |
An important difference between the presented OS is speed of work and stability. Operating systems based on the Linux kernel do not require regular reboots and additional maintenance, which is typical for Windows operating systems, where frequent updates are required to change configurations. But it is not worth removing from the register and administration, with proper management, stability in work is guaranteed. Perhaps it is the comparison table that will help you decide which is better linux or windows hosting. In any case, when studying the question: hosting on linux or windows, which is better, you must not forget about what requests and requirements for the operating system you have. Each OS has distinctive features that affect the hosting functionality.
Conclusions
So, a virtual dedicated server: VPS Linux or VPS Windows. As it became clear from the article, both operating systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be made based on these positions. The server operating systems Windows and Linux have been battling for supremacy for many years. But it is not so easy for a beginner to understand how to choose a vps server. The simplest formula for choosing a Linux or Windows hosting will sound like this: for an ordinary web resource, we install a Linux system on a popular CMS, for the rest – Windows Server.
Key benefits of Windows:
- ease of management;
- support for technologies launched under Windows.
The main advantages of Linux systems:
- versatility, most web projects can use it;
- speed, stability and efficiency of work;
- affordable price;
- high level of security.
Each platform is very powerful. Of course, if the resource uses such databases as MSSQL, ASP, ASP.NET, then Windows will cope 100%. But VPS Linux will do just fine with the rest. It all depends on individual requests and requirements, as well as the budget and application environment, so it is difficult to say which hosting on linux or windows is better.
Let’s summarize, which hosting is better: linux or windows, you decide, starting from the basic requirements of the company. The main thing is to compare all the pros and cons, assess the risks and calculate what is more profitable. If there is no need to use specific technologies, it is advantageous to give preference to Linux, such as hosting for sites on WordPress, Drupal. But if you have a direct task to create an ASP project or host Windows applications for stock trading, then only Windows will do.
Recent advances in operating systems, in particular collaboration capabilities, have brought platforms closer together. It used to be much easier to determine the benefits for specific applications; today the differences have decreased significantly. Therefore, you can contact the hosting providers directly, they will help you decide on the operating system based on the main selection criteria. Professional service Unihost offers a service called vps server rental. The range of services is very wide, you can familiarize yourself with them and consult with specialists on the website.