Choosing a VPS Operating System in 2021: 5 Key Points to Consider

Jul 22,2021 by Manoj Yadav

When it comes to choosing an operating system for your VPS hosting environment, you have a range of choices. The most popular among these are Linux and Windows. While Linux has been the top choice of over 90% of the businesses for over years now, several businesses prefer using Windows on account of its association with Microsoft.

There are a number of significant differences between Linux and Windows VPS hosting environments. For example, in comparison with Linux platforms, users can access a greater number of applications as well as software in Windows.

It must be mentioned that the Linux operating system has significantly succeeded in an improvement of its portfolio over the last decade. Users find the Linux platform more suitable for the implementation or development of new applications since it is basically an open-source system.

In this blog, we will go through the various factors you need to take into account when deciding on a VPS operating system. So, let’s get started.

Cost

The costs of owning and maintaining a Windows platform can be considerably higher than its Linux counterpart. Windows VPS operating system is a licensed offering and the subsequent updates are also offered for a price. In contrast, users can procure a Linux system free of cost and can also get new updates without spending anything, all thanks to its open-source format.

Security

As far as susceptibility to cyberattacks is concerned, Linux-based operating systems are found to offer more robust defense as compared to the Windows platform. The reason for this could be the extensive popularity of Windows, which encourages cybercriminals to plan and attack the platform.

Also, Linux has a vast community of developers working on various aspects of its security, so if any vulnerabilities are detected in its architecture, they are fixed instantly. The security of a site and its data is a vital aspect of operating a web-based resource. Therefore, a vast majority of users tend to prefer Linux-based VPS operating systems over Windows.

Flexibility

When it comes to flexibility, Linux fares far better than its Windows counterpart. This is because the VPS OS is compatible with a large number of open-source software. So, you have more choices when selecting a CMS or site management tools.

While Windows-based VPS are powerful in terms of performance, they pose limitations when it comes to choosing your CMS or tools. As a result, you have to confine yourself to Windows-based technologies such as .NET, ASP or SQL Server.

So, all in all, if you want to enjoy the flexibility to have the CMS and tools that meet your precise needs and don’t want to be tied down to a single corporation’s software, Linux will, hands down, be a better choice.

Ease of Use

Long back, most of the website owners used to favour Linux over any other operating system. However, over the years, Microsoft has managed to ramp up its game in many key areas. Ease of use is, definitely, one area where Windows scores better than its open-source counterpart.

First of all, the installation process is far easier in Windows than in Linux. The entire setup is quite simple and intuitive in Windows; Linux installation, on the other hand, entails a bit of technical know-how. Linux is, in fact, great for developers who have considerable experience with NGINX or Apache framework. For users who aren’t very technology savvy, Windows is a better choice.

Technical Support

If you own a Windows server, you are assured of world-class technical support from Microsoft. While this support is paid, it is offered well in time. This ensures all your issues get resolved within a short time and no glitch has a major impact on your business.

Every open-source technology comes with community support that is offered free of cost and Linux is no exception. It is, however, possible that the community members may not be able to answer a very specific question. In addition to community support, you can seek the support of technicians who are well-versed with the Linux platform. This will, clearly, come at a cost.

Which VPS OS to Choose: Windows or Linux?

So, which OS should you go for-Linux or Windows?

There is no clear winner in this well-fought battle and the answer boils down to the specific needs of your business.

If cost is a big constraint for your business, or if you are building an application that requires access to a range of open-source software, Linux would be a better choice.

If, on the other hand, you have an environment where you need to work on applications such as PHP, Perl or ASP, or you are handling a complicated project that requires structured work and communication flows, Windows would be a better choice.

Need a Linux or Windows-based VPS for your application? Let us know in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading.

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