Like choosing the right locations, choosing the operating system is one of the basic aspects of finding the right hosting for your website. The main options that we have at our disposal are either Windows Server or Linux. Each system has its specific usage cases and can have a powerful synergy with your projects if chosen correctly. Today we want to clarify the difference between the two OS for use on VPS Canada to help you choose the most optimal solution for your projects.
Table of Contents
What role is played by an operating system on a VPS?
The operating system is the primary environment for installing applications and working with your VPS. It determines, what solutions you can install and use, the interface of server administration, the level of security and performance, support, and updates, as well as lots of other aspects. There are no universal solutions for everyone, but knowing the key advantages and pitfalls of each will provide you with a necessary roadmap.
Windows Server
If you are reading this text, chances are that Windows is installed on the device you’re reading it from. However, there is also a probability that Windows is installed on the server of websites your browse.
Windows is one of the major server operating systems, used in thousands of projects. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that there is a difference between a server operating system and an OS for a desktop. Being a Windows user or having at least enough experience using the OS, you might draw the conclusion that Windows Server will be easier for you to master. From some point of view, this is true, however, the thing is that server administration is something very diverse from using a desktop PC, and if you are going to do it on your own, there are lots of aspects you’ll have to get acquainted with.
Windows Server features
- Paid and closed source: Windows is a commercial operating system and there is no way developers can participate in its development unless they work in Microsoft. This leaves us with a concrete product having concrete features. On the one hand, you better know what to expect, on the other hand, there is much less configurability.
- Graphical interface: The server version of Windows has a graphic interface. This can be helpful for many users, especially those who haven’t had much to do with server administration. However, many experienced users would rather prefer to run their server from the command line, regardless of whether a GUI is available or not.
- Easier access through Windows: If you are a Windows user, connecting to a VPS on Windows will be a more straightforward process, which is again a benefit for newer users.
- A variety of Windows-exclusive solutions: The main point why you may be likely to opt for Windows from the point of view of functionality are the solutions that are only available on Windows, like ASP, ASP.NET networks, or Microsoft SQL database.
Linux
Linux is a free and open-source operating system first launched by Linus Torvald in 1991. Unlike Windows, there is not one single company that deals with Linux, but there are dozens of different distributions of Linux created by different developers, each having its features and philosophies. Besides that, in most cases, the community also takes part in developing and improving every new release.
Linux is less known among desktop users, however, in the world of servers, it’s used even more than Windows. This has to do again with the fact that desktops and servers are indeed two diverse things.
Linux Features
- Free and open source: Besides the very pleasurable fact that most Linux distros give a guaranteed money saving, the open source nature of Linux brings in turn numerous advantages like a high degree of flexibility and customizability, as well as the broad selection of available distributions.
- Stability and reliability: Linux is designed to be stable and reliable in handling complex workloads and running for extended periods without requiring frequent reboots or experiencing system crashes.
- Security: Linux is known for its strong security features and reputation for being inherently secure. The open-source nature of Linux allows for thorough code reviews and security audits by a vast community of developers and experts. Prompt security updates and patches are released to address vulnerabilities quickly.
- Community support: Linux as well as its various distributions have large communities actively engaging in the life of the OS, reporting problems and trying to fix them collectively as well as realizing new suggestions for improving distributions.
Which operating system to choose?
Both operating systems are widely used and can provide your website with everything it needs.
Generally speaking, Linux is considered a more versatile option, with better stability and reliability, free of charge, and more flexibility.
Windows, in turn, is not as flexible and reliable as Linux, but has some more specific usage cases where Windows-exclusive solutions are needed as well as the networking features of Windows.
