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| We are often asked which dedicated server platform one should choose, Linux or Windows®2003. 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. |
| 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 Windows98 or Windows®2003 on your computer, you can still choose Linux. |
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| Both dedicated server platforms rely on the user's ability to administer the operating system. When a dedicated server platform is selected without LightHouse Hosting's monthly management option the operator of the system will be responsible for performing routine maintenance on the server, installing their own features and operating system upgrades, and patch or apply security features as required. To do this the operator must interact with the operating system. The two different platforms are administered in completely different ways. If the web based control panel option is selected then the Linux sytem administrator can interact with the server using a web based control panel where most all of the maintenance functions can be managed. If there is no control panel option selected then the Linux administrator must rely on using SSH (Secure Shell) to log on to the server. Almost anything can be accomplished by this command line option because the administrator has "root" access to the server. For people with no experience managing Linux servers we recommend that the LightHouse Hosting management option be selected. On the Windows platform the administrator will interact with the server using a standard Remote Desktop connection. The RDT connection will allow the remote server's desktop to appear on the administrators computer and all management functions can be performed as long as the administrator is added as a System Administrator. |
| The industry consensus is that Linux is more reliable. However, Hostway has made sure that the reliability of the Windows®2003 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. |
| 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®2003. |
| Here Linux holds a slight 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®2003 servers for the same level of reliability and performance. You will see that our hosting prices reflect this. Unless you specifically plan to use Windows®2003 platform specific features (see below), it probably makes sense to choose the Linux platform. |
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Linux |
Windows |
| Remote Desktop Availability |
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| Open Source Software |
Large Selection
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Very Limited
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| Firewall |
Iptables
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Default Windows
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| Optional Web Based Control Panel |
Available
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Available $$
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| SFTP Access |
Standard
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Available $$
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| Web Server |
Apache Default
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IIS Default
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| Administrator or Root Access |
Root
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Admin
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| DNS Server Capability |
Bind Available
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MSDNS Available
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| Secure Shell Login |
Standard
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Available $$
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| ASP, ASP.NET Scripting (Default) |
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| Perl, CGI, PHP Scripting (Default) |
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Optional
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| MSSQL Server |
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Optional
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| SMTP Service |
Several Available
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IIS Based
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| mySQL Open Source |
Default
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Available
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| Mailserver Components |
Available
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Available $$
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| Setup Charges |
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Feature Dependent
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