Typically, most web hosting providers will offer both Linux and Windows operating system options for their customers. While both solutions offer their own advantages and disadvantages, it can be very difficult to determine which one is the right platform for your site – particularly if you’re new to the world of hosting.

Although Windows is the pricier option of the two, it’s something that many people consider to be the best option all around thanks to its ease of use, familiarity, and integration with various fantastic website technologies. Here, we’re going to look at the benefits of Windows Server, and what makes it such an excellent hosting choice for companies of all shapes, backgrounds, and sizes.

Why the Operating System Matters

If you’re just getting started in the hosting world, then you might not understand much about why operating systems matter in the first place. Importantly, Linux and Windows servers both have different types of pricing, security, and performance factors that will influence the performance of your hosting strategy.

Linux and Windows both take the same approach to data management, using an FTP server that’s fast and easy to use. Additionally, if you’re planning on working with dynamic content and forms, then both systems will provide you with a CGI tool to help to enhance your shopping carts and eCommerce services.

Now that we know how Windows measures up to other hosts in terms of similarities, let’s take a look at the differences that really make the Windows server stand out.

Everything Linux Has, and then Some

When it comes to evaluating feature sets and technology, the first thing to note is that Windows essentially offers every technology available for the Linux server, and then a few extras on top. If you’re looking for an opportunity to develop your website with any kind of technology that’s specific to the Microsoft framework, then you’ll benefit from sticking with the Windows Server.

SQL Server and .Net are both examples of programs that are exclusively designed for use by Windows. What’s more, it’s worth noting that developing websites in the .NET solution on Windows is a very easy process thanks to the addition of the visual studio. Many larger organisations concerned with security use this system because it’s backed by a large and reliable corporation.

Additionally, you can install several open-source platforms, including WordPress on the Windows server too – which makes it a highly versatile platform for any business to use.

Simple for Beginners and Experts Alike

When you’re searching for the ideal server or hosting strategy, one of the most important features you can look for is ease of use. Windows is very easy for beginners to configure and jump into. For instance, DNS servers are often difficult to manage with Linux, as editing configuration files with BIND requires a lot of time and knowledge.

However, with Windows, it’s easy to create a DNS server with nothing more than a click. What’s more, you can edit and install Apache configuration files on Linux – but it’s often challenging. With Windows’ simple graphic interface, creating a new virtual host is as easy as going into your IIS manager and simply adding another site to the mix.

Windows Offers Enhanced Security

Security will always be a major concern for many websites, but Windows is developed and supported by one of the biggest companies in the world – which helps to put your mind at ease. The fact that Windows is so significant and up-to-date means that you can frequently access security patches for free. Updating your server is as simple as boosting the performance of your desktop computer.

All you need to do to update Windows is go through to the Windows Update bar and check for any available downloads. However, you may find that you need to restart your system before the update takes place – which can be a negative because you will have brief moments of downtime. On the other hand, if you’re using shared hosting, your provider will help to ensure that downtime is kept to a minimum.

Windows server hosting is a great solution for many websites, with access to a simple graphical interface and plenty of top of the range technology. Combine this with the fact that the whole system is backed by one of the biggest and most reliable companies in the world and you can see why Windows Server is such a popular option. While it might be pricier than the Linux counterpart, you definitely get what you pay for.