Digital advancement has made it critical for businesses to adopt newer technologies and change the ways of doing business. The changing business models and revenue streams have forced organisations to create websites for being more accessible to the customers. However, not all companies are aware of the technological aspects of hosting a website, bandwidth, security of the server, Operating System, scalability, etc. This leaves them vulnerable and could lead to wrong decisions that could have a negative impact on the organisation.
One such critical factor that can impact your business is the Operating System (OS) you select for your VPS Hosting. While selecting the hosting server is daunting, the task does not end there. The Operating System that you select for your VPS will have an impact on your business from types of apps you could install to the ease of usage. When selecting the best OS for VPS, it is crucial to consider the needs and priorities of your business, along with your budget, technical capabilities, etc.
Top VPS OS Options Available
When it comes to VPS Operating Systems, there are two options available at your disposal – Windows and Linux.
- Windows is offered by Microsoft and has superior compatibility with programs as well as applications offered by Microsoft. Windows OS for VPS is developed by the technical team of Microsoft, and using it would not require a great deal of technical knowledge. It is also comparatively easier to manage a Windows server environment.
- On the other hand, Linux is an open-source platform that comes with a range of options that you could select. Being open-source, these Operating Systems are practically free, with the enterprise versions still being cheaper than the Windows OS. Ubuntu and CentOS are two Linux-based OS for VPS, which are easier to use and ideal for first-time users. Options for more technologically sound users include Debian, Red Hat, Fedora, and OpenSUSE. Some of the Linux-based Operating Systems are:
- CentOS
- Debian
- Red Hat (RHEL)
- Fedora
- Ubuntu
Linux VPS vs Windows VPS
After understanding the wide range of VPS options available at your disposal, you must understand the key differences between the Windows and Linux based VPS Operating Systems.
- Security
With the rising number of cyber-security breaches and DDoS attacks, it has become crucial to ensure that your VPS Operating System offers the best security. In terms of security, Linux is comparatively more secure due to its open-source and open-community. Both these aspects ensure that any bugs or backdoors are identified and rectified quickly. The fact that Linux has a smaller user base when compared with Microsoft also makes it less vulnerable. On the other hand, Microsoft does have a secure OS, but given the number of attempted attacks, it is more likely to be breached.
- Performance
Your users expect a rapid and reliable user experience when they visit your company website. This makes the performance of the Operating System of your VPS equally crucial for the success of your business. Linux is designed to be used with a Secure Remote Login, and the entire management can be done using the command line. Linux also does not require reboots after every update resulting in faster performance. However, the Command Line Interface (CLI) involves inputting lines of commands for every instruction and can be complicated for a common user.
Windows uses Graphical User Interface (GUI), making it more user-friendly. With the widespread use of Windows OS in personal computers and laptops, a general user is more adept at handling the easy-to-use interface of Windows. The CLI of Linux OS can be complicated for people who lack technical proficiency. Thus, Windows OS with GUI is intuitive and anyone, irrespective of how technically savvy they might be, can use it. However, with Windows OS, VPS needs to be rebooted after every driver update or patch.
- Technical Support
Irrespective of the technical expertise of your team, at some point in time, you will need the technical assistance of the Operating System’s support teams. It could be for something as small as fixing a minor glitch, or it could be as serious as a hacking attempt. Linux is backed by a huge community of coders who will fix bugs, answer queries on open forums, and share solutions to common problems. However, as this is a voluntary service, grievance resolution is not dedicated or quick and can take a longer time. Microsoft is a paid service with high licensing fees. This ensures that there is a dedicated support team whose only duty is to help you solve your queries as soon as possible. Thus, Microsoft VPS OS will ensure better customer service.
- Scalability
As your business grows, you will need a server OS that can equip you to handle increased traffic without compromising the performance. Irrespective of whether you are using Linux VPS or Windows VPS, you will be able to upgrade both of them.
- Cost
Irrespective of the features, finally it comes down to the value each OS provides based on the cost involved. There are no annual fees involved in using Linux OS and most of the Linux-based software, as well as applications, are free to use. On the other hand, Microsoft products require you to purchase a license. So, you may end up paying a license fee for the Operating System for your VPS and a few other applications that you might use.
Conclusion
As discussed earlier in the article, it is not as easy as it may seem to pick the best OS for your VPS. You will have to analyse the specific needs of your organisation and the resources, both in terms of workforce and finances available at your disposal. Linux OS for VPS will be more flexible, compatible, and developer-friendly. On the other hand, Windows OS for VPS will be extremely easy to use with an intuitive interface, along with improved control and better and quick support.
With each Operating System offering an exclusive set of benefits, it becomes imperative that you determine your exact needs and proficiencies. So, opt for the Operating System that meets most of your organisational requirements and goals.
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