Linux vs. Microsoft Windows Servers, The Ultimate Showdown

This article will help you compare the two widely used solutions and decide which option is best for you.

Linux Server vs. Windows Server: The Main Differences

LINUX SERVER

A Linux server is a server based on the open-source Linux operating system. It’s a popular option due to its low price, strong community support and open-source code. Many distributions, including Ubuntu, CentOS and Debian, are built on the Linux kernel. Each OS is secure, stable, and flexible. Due to these features, Linux servers are widely used for hosting web services, network and system administration, database management, and other critical application requirements.

Although it offers distribution versions with a graphical user interface, Linux is mainly operated through a command line. It requires a basic understanding of how to run operations from a terminal. It is very flexible because it’s based mainly on the command-line. It also allows you to modify configurations without having to reboot the system. You will have to pay for technical staff if you’re not the administrator. However, the server OS is free. Open-source software has a number of advantages, but it is not supported by the official government. You will need to turn to the Linux community if you have a problem. Linux servers offer system administrators a lot of flexibility and freedom when it comes to setting them up. This type of server has integrated remote administration and backend accessibility allowing admins the opportunity to optimize the system from anywhere.

Running a Linux server allows you to use and integrate other open-source software seamlessly. It is possible to run Windows applications on Linux, but it will require additional software and even a virtual machine. Linux servers are able to run MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Unix programming language (PHP, Perl and Python) without any additional licensing fees. So, if you are planning on utilizing these tools, Linux is the preferred option.

Advantages of Linux Servers

No additional licensing fee as the operating system is free.

More reliable – it rarely experiences malware, cyber threats, or other security errors.

Not demanding on the client hardware and lower resource consumption.

Due to its low infrastructure requirements, it shows excellent performance rates.

• System administrators have the freedom and opportunity to customize the system.
• Seamless use of open-source software on the server.
• Supports cooperative work without exposing the program’s core.
• Disadvantages of Linux Servers
• Operating via a command line instead of a GUI requires some learning or experience.
• Not all versions have long-term support.
• Updating from one major version to another can sometimes be complex.

Some third-party and professional programs may not have support or require admin privileges.

• Learn more about Linux ransomware attacks, what are the most famous ones and what you can do to protect your system.
• Linux Server Pricing
• Linux is a lightweight OS that demands less hardware resources for handling more workload, which means it doesn’t usually have a high infrastructure cost. Linux distributions are free, with the exception of Red Hat and SUSE, which are platforms used by enterprise-level companies. An important cost to consider is having an in-house administrator competent to deal with Linux configurations and any potential issues.
• Windows Server Overview

The term ‘Windows Server’ is a brand name encompassing Microsoft’s server operating systems, first released in 2003. The latest full release was in August 2021, when Windows Server 2022 was introduced.

Unlike Linux servers, Windows requires purchasing a license per user to use its services. If you rent a Windows Server, the vendor will include the licensing fee in your total bill for hosting and support. A paid OS offers long-term support. Windows Servers have five years of maintenance plus five years of extended support from Microsoft.

Most beginners opt for Microsoft servers because of their user-friendly interface. Each release provides a GUI desktop that is intuitive and polished. This solution also includes automatic system updates, and the ability to resolve technical issues using system recovery. Therefore, admins with less experience or time for maintenance find this out-of-the-box functionality very useful.

Windows Server can seamlessly integrate Windows applications and should be your first choice if you plan to use Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Access, or any other Microsoft program.

Advantages of Windows Servers

Beginner-friendly due to its intuitive graphical user interface and out-of-the-box functionality.

Guaranteed five years of maintenance + five years of extended support.

Supports third-party applications and is compatible with Microsoft applications.

Requires less admin monitoring and maintenance thanks to its robust approach and automated updates.

• Disadvantages of Windows Servers
• Higher costs due to the obligatory licensing fee for the OS.
• More prone to malware, cyber-threats, and other security-related errors.
• Its mandatory GUI makes it more resource intensive.

Windows Server Pricing

• Windows servers require more resources and, in most cases, have higher infrastructure costs compared to Linux. Windows Servers have a license fee that varies depending on edition and vendor. Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition, which is used for minimally virtualized or physical environments, starts at $1,069 whereas Datacenter Edition begins at $6,155. When it comes to cloud configurations the licensing fee is paid annually. When it comes to software support, Windows servers provide Microsoft Software Insurance which can be included in the purchase plan or paid as an additional add-on.
• Linux vs. Windows Server: Which One to Choose
• When deciding between a Linux server and a Windows server, bear in mind three important aspects:

COST

ADMIN EXPERIENCE

YOUR SPECIFIC USE CASE

If you are searching for a more cost-efficient solution, Linux is undoubtedly the better option as there is no additional fee for running the operating system.

• On the other hand, if the server administrator has no experience in
• managing and maintaining a server through a command line, you are better off paying the license for the Windows server. Not only will you have to spend less time monitoring and configuring the server, but you will also have access to Microsoft’s official support.
• Finally, take into consideration what you want to run on the server. Installing WordPress on a Linux Server is much easier because Linux supports PHP and MySQL. It also offers easier access JavaScript, NodeJS, HTTP, Apache and other site creation tools, as well as Perl and Python programming language environments. It is easier to use ASP,.NET, and Microsoft Access on a Windows Server if you are planning to create web pages with Microsoft frameworks. This is also true for programs such as Microsoft SQL, SharePoint and Microsoft Access.