Custom Programming Services: Linux vs. Windows Server

A company offering custom programming services considers the client’s needs, constructs a plan based on their unique situation and requirements, and then designs an application that meets their needs. The custom software it creates has to be hosted on a server to be accessible by clients.

The operating system a server is running on is critical to consider when choosing a server. Companies must make a critical decision as they establish their infrastructure: using a Linux or Windows server. There are many factors that go into this decision, including the nature of the app, client’s standard operating environment, security, or fault tolerance / recovery requirements, among others. This article will provide an overview of the differences between Linux and Windows servers to help you help you make the best choice for your company.

Linux Server Overview

A Linux server is a server created on the open-source Linux operating system. It is a very popular choice among developers because it has a large community and its code is open-sourced. The most common uses for the Linux server are database management, hosting web applications or services, embedded systems, and network administration, among many others.

Some Linux distros have a graphical user interface, but interacting with Linux is mainly done through a terminal. This offers the developer great flexibility when performing server-related tasks.

However, because Linux is open-source, it lacks official support. So, the developer needs to rely on the community or paid commercial support services to solve issues that might be encountered. Even though Linux has a big community, finding a solution to a specific problem is tedious, as you dig through the questions and answers asked in forums.

Linux Server Advantages

• Has no licensing fee, as it is open-source and freely available to anyone.

• Has advanced security features and is responsive to cyber threats and malware.

• Has low resource consumption on the client’s hardware.

• Allows the system administrators to customize the system to suit their specific needs.

• Has a large community that is always willing to help fellow developers.

Linux Server Disadvantages

• Using the terminal/command line to interact with the server might be difficult for less experienced system administrators.

• Not all versions have long-time support.

• Migrating to the latest version might introduce breaking changes.

Windows Server Overview

A Windows server is powered by the Windows operating system and was created by Microsoft in 2003. Using a Windows server requires you to pay a license fee. One advantage of using a paid server solution is that the vendor offers long-term support. Another advantage is that the graphical user interface of a Windows server is friendly to less experienced system admins. It also has optional automated system updates and system recovery that help solve technical issues.

The official support and detailed documentation help users solve most of the issues they may encounter. And the large community of users is always ready to help other developers solve specific issues that may not be well documented.

Microsoft Server Advantages

• Has reliable long-term support from Microsoft.

• Is friendly to both sysadmin experts and those on the learning curve as it offers an easy-to-use user interface.

• Is compatible with other applications in the Microsoft ecosystem.

• Offers automated system updates, thereby requiring less monitoring and maintenance.

Microsoft Server Disadvantages

• High costs due to high licensing fees.

• Popular target for cyber crime and malware actors so higher security vigilance is required.

• High resource consumption on server hardware.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Linux and Windows Servers

These are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing between a Windows server and a Linux server:

Cost

A Linux server is open-source and freely available to everyone. It is distributed under free licenses or cost less to the end user. The only costs you may encounter are installation, support, and maintenance costs.

In contrast, a Windows server has licensing fees, as it is proprietary software. Each user has to buy a license, and licensing costs increase with the number of users.

Security

Security is one of the main concerns when choosing a server. Linux has advanced security features and a dedicated community of users who work together to improve security. New bugs or vulnerabilities are resolved quickly by the community.

While the Microsoft team is well staffed and focused on detecting vulnerabilities and mitigating threats by releasing security patches, Windows server is nonetheless a more popular target for cyber criminals threats.

However, regardless of choice, security can only be as good as the security practices you follow for system configuration and ongoing server administration.

Performance

Servers require stable and fast operating systems that can respond to multiple clients’ requests concurrently and effectively. Linux and Windows servers allow the system administrator to optimize and fine-tune them to maximize performance. Generally speaking, Linux servers tend to offer better performance than Windows servers due to their lower overhead and more efficient resource management. However, to achieve great performance on either, you have to invest in the hardware (multicore servers, fast and enhanced SSD drives, and high-performance RAM, etc.) to match your application’s requirements.

Integration With Other Products

In general, applications work better when integrated with similarly designed applications. Windows applications are generally built to work seamlessly with Windows servers. If your architecture or business requires Microsoft SQL and Microsoft PowerBI, or other popular Microsoft programs, a Windows server may be an excellent choice.

Linux servers often offer better support for various open source technologies, making them ideal for certain types of applications — particularly those integrated with multiple heterogenous systems including those that are Windows based.

Technical Support

Since Microsoft Server is commercial software, it has a big support community and offers long-term support to users. The documentation for Windows server is vast, well explained, and it comes in handy for beginners and advanced system administrators.

Linux is open-source, and although many distributions are well documented and complemented by a large, helpful user community, you may not always get timely answers for your issues.

Ease of Use

A Windows server is the ideal solution for both experts and those still learning. It provides an easy-to-use interface for configuring the system and allocating resources such as RAM, storage, and CPU as required.

In contrast, Linux-based systems typically require a higher level of expertise though there are some user friendly distributions.

In Summary: Consider the Pros and Cons of Each Server and Your Hosting Needs

Choosing a server’s operating system is a major decision for any company or individual. Either Linux or Windows, your choice should be based on what you need to accomplish with your project as well as your standard operating environment. Consider the pros and cons of each server and how well it integrates into your hosting needs.

Windows offers simple installation and configuration and is an excellent choice for projects that require the organization of work and communication flows. Linux is widely regarded as the preferred platform for web applications and embedded solutions.

Aezion can help you with custom programming services with custom software development, multi-system integration and application hosting matched to your requirements. Contact us today to discuss your customer data strategy.