Linux VPS vs. Windows VPS: Which one is Right for You?

January 6, 2017 webdeveloper

So you’ve decided that a virtual private server is the way to go for your business. Sweet! Control, privacy, dedicated resources, ridiculously awesome hardware.

Now that you’ve got that first step out of the way, it’s time to make your next VPS hosting decision – what type of operating system should you go for?

You have two OS options: either Linux or Windows. They are similar in a lot of ways and cover the same basic functions, such as allowing you to store your business data, run applications and scale up your resources as needed – in a nutshell what a VPS is all about. But there are some pretty marked differences between the two as well so let’s take a look in a little more detail at the pros and cons of each to help with your decision making process.

Linux VPS

You’ve obviously heard of open source software. Linux is the computer operating system version of that and was developed under the model of free distribution and collaboration right from the get-go. It’s known for its innovation, stability and performance. Did you know that it has been adapted for more computer hardware platforms than any other operating system? (Thanks wiki).

Pros:

A cheaper alternative. Since Linux is open source, you don’t have to worry about costs associated with licensing fees, or having any kind of special software to run with it.

Works seamlessly with other open source programming languages, like PHP for example, as well as open source applications.

A whole bunch of OS options such as CentOS, Debian and Ubuntu amongst others.

If you’re a fan of cPanel, then you need to go with a Linux VPS.

Thanks to its SSH Access, there is less of a server load than its Windows counterpart and you get better control.

Cons:

A Linux VPS is managed via SSH which is not as easy or intuitive as the Windows interface.

So in summary, a Linux VPS is perfect for businesses that love open source, want a budget friendly option and have the tech skills on hand to manage the server.

Windows VPS

A Windows VPS runs on, well, Windows, Microsoft’s proprietary OS.

Pros:

A Windows VPS environment is easier to manage if you don’t have a ton of technical or IT skills in house. It boasts a more familiar GUI or graphical interface. It’s really easy to use – any Windows user will feel comfortable.

If you’re developing in ASP or ASP.NET, the Windows environment is all about integration and support for these scripts.

Ideal for users with a MS SQL database. It kinda makes sense that since they are from the same company they work perfectly together, right?

Lots of support from Microsoft, such as regular and seamless updates when it comes time.

Cons:

More expensive. Windows is, obviously, a commercial system owned by Microsoft, so you’ve got to pay them for it.

Not as strong as Linux is in terms of integration with open source programming languages.

So in summary, if your business relies heavily on Microsoft programs and software, a Windows VPS is specifically designed to work best with the Microsoft platform.

Hopefully the above gets you to a place where you now know for sure which type of virtual private server is right for you.