A comparison between Linux and Windows while selecting the server operating system is like being in stalemate while playing the chess game where the outcome is unpredictable. Various versions of the Microsoft—from Windows—and the Linux-based operating systems are available in plenty today. But deciding the best option is a tougher task, rather, finding the right solution that fits the organizational requirements is easier.
Linux
Stability is one of the most important aspects for consideration while choosing a server system. Linux systems are widely renowned for its ability to run without failure for several years. Moreover, Linux crashes are too rare, which means there are really fewer probabilities for a downtime. Linux also handles a large number of processes running at once.
Unlike other systems, Linux servers typically never require a rebooting. Almost all Linux configuration changes can be done while the system is running and without affecting unrelated services. The option of defragmenting also is never required in a Linux system.
Gazing at the security aspects, Linux is innately more secure than its competitors, as Linux, which is based on UNIX, was designed from the start to be a multiuser operating system. Only the administrator, or root user, has administrative privileges, and fewer users and applications have permission to access the kernel or each other. That keeps everything modular and protected. On Linux, the system admin always has a clear view of the file system and is always in control.
Another added advantage of Linux is that the system is slim, trim, flexible, and scalable. It performs admirably on just about any computer, regardless of processor or machine architecture. The Linux server operating system can be reconfigured for running all the applications that are based on the organizations requirements, thus further reducing memory requirements, improving performance and keeping things even simpler. Moreover, the total cost of ownership is free with Linux, as the OS is completely free of cost as well as Open-Source.
Windows
The Windows operating system from Microsoft, with over 75 percent of the OS market share is widely used among organizations due to its standardized features and user friendliness. Regardless of the cost and license factors, most admins across organizations prefer the Windows server OS. Microsoft server operating system, in addition, provides the ability to operate applications with the Remote Desktop Services over the Internet, enabling end-users to run software without installing it on their PCs. But when using Microsoft, if the user is looking to run physical servers, then they will likely keep the physical hardware for around five years before a hardware refresh. This ultimately will make the product’s support from Microsoft end before a hardware upgrade. Then, using an operating system beyond its lifecycle opens up potential security issues also.
Another aspect is that the Windows server is highly equipped for supporting the majority of Microsoft products. Windows Server provides seamless support for the Active Server Pages (ASP) that is a widely used programming that empowers developing database-determined and element site pages.
When considering Microsoft Windows OS, the cost is also an important factor as the license fees are expensive. The more employees, the more expensive it will become.
The fact that Linux is ideally suited to be utilized as a server than Windows cannot be denied. Moreover, Linux is generally free while Windows comes at a price, but offers seamless support options and features. In addition, with Linux, there is no commercial vendor trying to lock the users, thus allowing full freedom to mix and match various applications depending on the user requirements.
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