What is the best operating system for servers, Unix or Windows?
Anyone who decides to get a web hosting service or facility for their website will also soon be faced with the difficult question of which server they will need. Will your website be running on a Windows server operating system or will you prefer to go with a Unix system?
Typical Windows servers will run on Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP, while Unix servers could be Linux or Open BSD, to name just two. The truth is that both systems have their pros and cons.
If site stability and uptime are critical to you and your new website, then Unix should be your choice because they are generally believed to be superior in stability. Windows has the disadvantage that they generally require much more frequent reboots. Still, Windows is way ahead when it comes to ease of use. A Windows server operating system will generally be much easier to operate and manage than its Unix counterpart.
On the other hand, Unix, even with its stability, may not end up being that easy to use, especially for non-techies. There is also a price to pay for the added stability that is evident on Unix systems. Unix machines will generally require their software to be updated very regularly. Unix server operating systems are generally preferred over Windows as they are considered to be more stable.
Still, truth be told, when both systems are properly installed, there really is very little difference and they will give you basically the same results. Indeed, this does not make this an easy decision to reach. In fact, this is the main factor that complicates the problem, causing even more confusion and making it difficult for the webmaster to make a decision either way. However, for many, the final answer to the question of which server operating system is preferable is often done by analyzing and comparing the costs of both and opting for the more affordable option.
