Web host offers Linux or Windows as the server operating system. Which to choose?

[cazzypooh]

This will be my first web host and I"m learning as I go.

I know Linux is more secure and stable than Windows. But I'm familiar with Windows since I use XP. I've dabbled in Linux in the past but my understanding of it is tiny compared to Windows.

Which one should I choose? Or does it not really matter?

[apeskape0012]

It more depends on what you eventually want to do with the web server.

If you're building an application that requires IIS, MS Extensions, and .NET, then go the Windows route.

On the other hand, if you're planning on using a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP), then go the Linux route.

If it were me, I'd go the LINUX route.

If you're doing static web pages, then go Windows/IIS. If youre dynamically generating web pages, go Linux/Apache.

[dvrman123]

Definitely choose Linux. It is by far the most stable for a host. You can use tools like PHP, MySQL, and other great opensource languages. With windows server you are usually stuck with ASP for your server side language.

I have used many different hosts (including setting my own up), and I always come back to linux because there is soo much more control

[CarlSunshine]

it really depends what server environment you looking for.
Usually when we talk about linux/unix host we think of:
PERL, PHP, MySQL, Apache, Smarty etc.
When we talk about Windows hosting we think about:
IIS, ASP.NET, Visual Basic, MSSQL etc.
If you need a hosting just for the simple static website it doesn't really matter if it's Linux or Windows what does matter is reputable hosting company which server not going down all the time. But if you need specific server requirements as mentioned before then you need to do some research and decide for yourself what is most suitable for you needs.

Best, DS

[SulekhaYP]

Linux is the best best server operating system you should choose because of it good usability.