 We are asked from time to time which hosting platform one should choose: Linux or Windows. Below are listed the major differences between the two platforms that you should consider in making your decision. We have also tried to dispel a few common misconceptions regarding both platforms.
The short answer is that we generally recommend that our customers use the Linux platform, unless they need specific features or applications only available on the Windows platform.
To compare Windows and Linux plans, please see our Shared Hosting Comparison page.
Important: One of the biggest misconceptions is that you will need UNIX or Linux installed on your home or business computer in order for you to host your site on the Linux platform. This is not true. Which operating system you run on your computer is not important when making your decision. This means that if you are running Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows® 2000 or using an Apple Macintosh, you can still choose Linux as your hosting platform and be able to manage it on our servers without a problem.
Reliability
The general consensus is that Linux is more reliable as a Web server platform. We have had Linux servers up for over one year without any downtime. Microsoft's Windows 2003 is much more stable and reliable than previous versions, but there are still cases where a server will require a reboot to resolve an issue. These cases are not very common, but it can happen from time to time depending on the issue.
Security
Out of the box, neither Linux or Windows is extremely secure for use as a Web server. We make numerous modifications when we install either platform, remove unnecessary components of the operating system and update software to ensure that both platforms are secure when they are deployed as our Web servers. You can rest assured that our servers are secure, regardless of which operating system you choose.
Functionality
This is where Linux and Windows differ the most. There isn't much that can be achieved using one platform that can't be done on the other one. The main difference are the underlying technologies. For example, if you were to need a database driven Web site, you can choose either PHP/mySQL combination under Linux or ASP/MS SQL combination under Windows®2003. On Windows 2003, you can also choose to use ColdFusion MX.
Price
In terms of pricing, Linux servers tend to be lower in price. Most of the software we use is open source (free) and it is easier to maintain Linux servers than it is to maintain Windows servers for the same reliability and performance level. Our prices reflect this difference in the two operating systems. That is why we recommend that unless you need to use the Windows platfor, it is probably best to go with Linux.
Windows Pros
 All features of FrontPage can be used
Intergrates better with other Microsoft applications
ColdFusion MX 6.1 can be used
Linux Pros
Lower hosting fees
Servers generally more reliable
Open source software cheaper to acquire and maintain
From the Wikipedia:
Get more information on the RedHat Linux platform.
Get more information on the Windows Server 2003 platform.
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