8 Differences between Linux VPS & Windows VPS

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a virtualized server on a real, physical server. The physical server is partitioned into many virtual servers, and each virtual server acts as a separate entity. The owners of the virtual server get all the features of a dedicated server like security, dedicated storage space, more RAM, and CPUs at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated server. That’s why it can be called a bridge between shared hosting and a dedicated hosting plan.

Interglobe Server provides both Linux and Windows cheap VPS Hosting plans with top-notch features which include Instant Provisioning, Full Root Access, Fully Managed, Money Back Guarantee, cPanel/Plesk Supported, NVMe Powered SSD, DDoS Protection, 99.9% Uptime Guaranteed, 24/7 Customer Support, Highly Scalable, KVM Powered VPS, Unlimited Bandwidth, and Multiple OS Templates

A VPS runs its own operating system, the users can then install any software supported by that OS on their server. The users can choose from either Linux or Windows operating systems. However, many people are confused about which operating system to choose for their server. Statistics show that both Linux & Windows VPS share 60% of the market and both account for around 30% of the market share each.

These decisions depend on each website’s unique requirements. We’ll be listing out the differences between Linux and Windows VPS so choosing one or the other becomes easy for you.

Basic difference between Linux VPS & Windows VPS

The basic difference between Windows and Linux Operating Systems is that Windows is a Microsoft product while Linux is an open-source product. This causes Windows VPS to use Microsoft’s platforms for database & website management while the Linux VPS uses open-source platforms for website & database management.

Features of VPS

Businesses that grow rapidly and need more resources quickly are the ones who choose VPS Hosting. Here are a few features why –

A. Root Access

Having root access to the server gives users the ability to have full control over their server. This allows website owners the ability to delete, modify and install any software they want on their server while also restricting access to others. To know more, read our article about Full Root Access in VPS and its benefits.

B. Scalability

Businesses need the ability to scale rapidly. This needs the server to be ready and capable of handling any sudden surge of traffic.

C. 24/7 Support

VPS Hosting comes with 24/7 customer support so you don’t have to worry about being stranded in the middle of facing any technical problems.

D. Dedicated Resources

One of the most important benefits of having a VPS is getting dedicated resources for your website. If you’re an eCommerce platform or a business website with rapidly growing traffic, you will need dedicated resources working solely for you. VPS Hosting plans have the option of choosing the amount of storage, RAM, number of CPUs, and bandwidth you need to run your website smoothly.

Now, let’s dive into the main differences between Linux VPS & Dedicated VPS.

1. Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Performance

Linux VPS is better in performance as it is less resource-hungry because it’s controlled from the command line and doesn’t require regular reboots of the system.

While a Windows VPS requires reboots after every minor update and its GUI is more resource-intensive.

2. Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Cost

As mentioned before, Linux is an open-source Operating System which makes it less costly than Windows Operating System.

Open-source software allows free usage for its users. This lowers the cost borne by your Hosting Provider which is then transferred to the customer.

While Windows is a licensed software which means your Hosting Provider will have to pay the price to run it and those costs will be carried forward to the end-user.

3. Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Security

Linux VPS is more secure as only administrators have high-level access to your server. Secondly, Linux has a massive community of developers who work constantly to provide security upgrades to its already impressive features.

Windows VPS is also secure, but a bit less so. The Windows Operating System faces the most security threats than any other OS. Though the developers at Microsoft are always working to fix any issues, being the most attacked OS doesn’t help its cause.

4. Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Control Panel

Linux VPS uses cPanel or WHM (Web Host Manager) while Windows VPS uses Plesk.

5. Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: User Friendliness

Linux VPS offers more ease-of-use for customers as it uses the same old cPanel customers have been using for years on their shared hosting plans.

While Windows VPS involves a steep learning curve for people who are not experts in using Microsoft platforms.

6. Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Flexibility

Linux VPS provides more options when it comes to choosing CMS and site management tools. It’s also easier to add processing resources to your server when your site grows rapidly.

Windows VPS is limited in the choices it gives when trying to choose a CMS and site management tools. You can’t use anything outside the Microsoft ecosystem.

7. Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Support

Linux VPS has the support of the Linux community plus the Hosting Provider you choose. Hosting Providers hire in-house support experts to serve their customers in case of any issues.

Windows VPS has the support of Microsoft plus your Hosting Provider. But since the Hosting Provider pays for premium windows support, that cost will be passed on to you.

8. Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Server Access

Linux VPS provides access to files via FTP, SSH, or telnet

Windows VPS provides access to files via FTP.

Conclusion – 8 Differences between Linux VPS & Windows VPS

Choosing the right Operating System for your VPS is a critical choice in how your costs and other business processes will be managed in the future.

If your applications need PERL, Python, or Ruby to run, then a Linux VPS would be the ideal choice while if they run on ASP.net or PHP you should prefer buying Windows VPS.

If you have any doubts regarding this article, you can comment below or contact us. You can also look at our best VPS Hosting Plans if you’re interested in upgrading your Hosting Solutions.