Across the globe, mostly all web servers either run Windows or Linux. But, what difference does it make to you?

Simple. They both have their own pros and cons. Depending on your needs, you should choose which hosting to implement.

Linux is suitable for low cost economic hosting. This hosting is becoming more and more popular as it can now support more and more technologies. But even today, if you web site contains ASPs, I would recommend a windows platform for you. To some it may seem that Windows is a better option, but it has its own drawbacks too and also comes at a heavier price.

Additionally, with Linux your database solutions are cheaper as MySQL works better and naturally on a linux platform, while for windows solutions MS-SQL is the desired choice. While MySQL is free, you need to pay extra for MS-SQL. Also if you are programming in .NET and ASP .NET then you will have to choose Windows hosting.

But ASP is not the only scripting language. Perl, PHP, CGI, Python are all scripting languages which you can implement most effectively on a linux platform.

Don't buy into the paid advertising that Microsoft is putting out everywhere without considering it carefully. If you are large enterprise and running a network with over 100 clients with solutions designed to work better with Microsoft Windows servers, then it is a different issue. For most of us, looking to put up a reliable web site, I would highly recommend windows.

As a solution provider we keep the same margins on both linux and windows. Our net billing is lower by selling a linux solution, yet we recommend it whole heartedly, because I believe that the customer's benefit and value come first.