There are many advantages and disadvantages to using Linux web hosting. But, it’s a decision you must make before selecting a web hosting company.
Linux Hosting Advantages
Linux Hosting Disadvantages
Choosing your web hosting package is so much more complicated than choosing different types of web hosting. There are thousands of hosts, but the decision between Linux and Windows is a question I get asked over and over. One of the bigger questions you need to consider is the platform you use. There are a lot of software platforms out there on the market. But, really only two when talking about web hosting. Sometimes the choices can become way too overwhelming. Sometimes we end up asking ourselves, “which one is the right fit?”
One of the more popular operating system to choose from and use is Linux. The other popular brand of software platform happens to be Windows. I did write an article on the pros and cons of Windows.
It’s important to identify what CMS you’re going to use. If you use, WordPress Linux might be a better option for you. But, Windows will allow WordPress to be installed. It just takes a little bit of extra added effort.
Today, though, we will be looking at the Linux System. Below you will find a list of pros and cons associated with the Linux Web Hosting platform.
Linux Hosting Advantages:
- It’s an open source operating system. This means that a bulk of your resources, tools and software programs will be free. This is perfect for those who are being mindful of their business and/or personal spending. It’s also perfect for those looking to experiment with the different options Linux provides. You can experiment with each thing, without worrying if it’s going to cost you a dime.
- Linux has an amazing reputation. It’s so good that it has even surpassed the Windows platform, in some respects. Yes, there are scheduled downtimes. Yes, you will need to navigate through that. However, when being compared to Windows, it’s really not a big issue.
- Security is quite good with Linux hosting. You can easily customize your security settings. It’s a little bit easier to adjust your security settings as opposed to using a Windows server.
- The cost can be both a pro and a con. Linux is open source software which means you don’t have to pay a licensing fee. However, the truth is, it’s not necessarily going to give you a better deal or package. The other con is that you will have to deal with installing applications. Some of these applications can end up costing you a monthly fee. This could add up to some extra costs.
- Linux does support lots of scripts. It’s important to check which scripts and applications you’re going to need before using Linux hosting. Linux web hosting supports PHP, Perl, Ruby, Python.
Linux Hosting Disadvantages:
- There can be some migration issues. If you are already using Windows for your hosting, then it might take some time to switch everything over. Please expect some wait time with this. Due to this con, it’s best to use this platform as a “starting point” for your server. I would recommend backing up your data frequently. This will save on any issue you might have.
- There could be some issues with familiarity. This kind of goes along with the migration issues. Developing websites do take work, and a different operating system could require an extra learning curve.
- Linux is not as developed as Windows. It’s open source software, so it’s proprietary software. Windows tends to be more highly-evolved. Please take this into consideration. This is not to say that it’s not as good as Windows. Security patches could be delayed with Linux hosting, though.
Linux Hosting Summary
Well, you now know the pros and cons of the Linux Web Hosting platform. The choice is ultimately yours. There is a lot to think about when picking out a web host. Every person’s preferences are different. It will be like asking people if they prefer Mac or Android, Chevy or Ford, etc. Different people are going to give you different reasons on why they prefer one over the other. Take some time to explore your options, before you choose to invest in either one.
Do you have any questions that are not answered about Linux hosting in this article? Please leave your questions and comments down below.
TBWHS.com is hosted by GreenGeeks
A very informative post on the pros and cons of Linux hosting you have here, it cleared a few gray areas up for me as I was unsure about compatibility etc. Your advantages and disadvantages proved to be very useful to me indeed.
Thank you for the article.
I did just find out that I have been using Linux hosting all this time :).
Simon
Good to hear. Linux hosting is very dependable and I am sure you will be happy with it.
I would have to say it’s very important to backup all your data before you migrate from Windows to Linux. Sometimes just paying someone on Upwork or Freelancer is the best way to make sure the migration goes easy. I had a client that wanted this done. It was a little unfamiliar to me, but hired someone on Upwork to back everything up. It’s one of the smartest things I have ever done.
Good to hear that you switched over from Windows to Linux. More importantly, everything switched over quickly. I have heard that it can take up to 72 hours for everything to propagate over. I agree to make sure you backup everything. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Great post Garen! I have always wondered about Linux hosting, and this post really provides useful information. One question – does it have any difference to visitors whether we host on Windows or Linux? Will it affect our WordPress themes, plugins, etc.? Oops, that’s 2 questions. Hope to hear from you. Thanks! 🙂
Really it just a design preference. Which ever one your are more familiar with would be the one I would go with. However, it’s like asking is Ford or Chevy better, though? You’re going to get different answers from everyone.
Well, to an untrained designer you wouldn’t notice any difference. For example, your pages ended up with .asp than you would notice that they were using the Windows operating system. If your pages ended with .php you would notice that they were done on the Linux operating system.
Lastly, WordPress is ideal for Linux. For one it’s going to be cheaper than if you installed it on a Windows operating system. Secondly, WordPress runs faster up to 20 times faster on Linux.
You’re very knowledgeable about Linux. My Son only using Linux on his systems he swears by it and has no use in Windows what so ever.
Your Pros and Cons are excellent.
Did have one quick question, though. Is there a way to check to make sure your server is online, though?
Yes, I found this article which does show you how to check to make sure your server is online:
https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-troubleshoot-common-site-issues-on-a-linux-server
It does have a lot of information covered in the article, too.
Hmmm, lots of food for thought here. I had no idea about Linux and with my new business, I’m trying to keep costs down. This seems like something I should look into. Will this affect my websites if I change? Is there anything else I should look out for?
Shouldn’t affect your website. However, when doing a migration always make sure you back everything up. If you’re using WordPress there are a number of backup plugins you can install.
Actually, there are two articles I believe you should read: https://blog.tbwhs.com/read-this-before-signing-a-web-hosting-contract/ and https://blog.tbwhs.com/choosing-a-web-host/
Hope this helps you.
I have always found Linux web hosting to be much more secure. It seems like there are some real flaws in Windows hosting, though. It cost more but seems to get hacked more. Honestly, Linux hosting is the way to go.
Been using Linux for 2 years. I did start with Windows but really do prefer Linux hosting over Windows. That and I primarily use WordPress, so it’s a no-brainer.