Should you choose Linux hosting or Windows hosting?

Like many webmasters, you might be a bit confused about the various web hosting plans that are available. Most importantly, should you choose Linux hosting or Windows hosting? The answer depends on your specific needs and skill set.

Linux hosting has a few advantages over Windows hosting:

Linux hosting is generally less expensive because Linux (and its updates) is free while Windows isn't.
There are a lot more pre-written scripts available for use with a Linux host.
Linux servers are typically more secure and more stable.

Of course Windows hosting has its advantages as well:

Windows hosting allows you use Active Server pages (ASP) and .NET applications.
Windows servers can use Microsoft SQL Server databases.
Visual Basic scripts and Coldfusion are fully supported with Windows hosting.
FrontPage extensions are fully supported by Windows hosting.

So the decision really comes down to two factors: cost and technology requirements.

If you want the least expensive and most stable web hosting platform, as well as the opportunity to use literally thousands of pre-written, time-tested scripts, the choice is simple: you need Linux hosting.

But if you need to use FrontPage extensions, MS SQL Server, Coldfusion, ASP, or .NET, you'll have to go with Windows hosting.