There is a war on the Internet. An Internet war that, for the most part, is pointless, useless, and can be solved in 5 seconds. This war?
Windows versus Linux.
Both sides make compelling arguments as to why their choice OS is superior to the other, but that’s only because both are fantastic operating systems. However, there is one question that I’ve seen quite a few times and have even heard in my I.T. classes: Which OS is better for servers?
Should you use a more modern OS for servers like Windows Server, or should you opt for a more lightweight, simple OS like Linux?
Don’t Miss-
Best Microsoft Visio Alternatives
10 Essential Linux Tools for Developers
Why You’d Choose Windows Server
Windows Server is fantastic and, depending on your university/instructor, will be your first foray into setting up a server. The reason why is pretty simple: Windows Server is extremely simple.
Everything is only a few clicks away, is explained clearly to the user and is all-in-all very sleek and modern, granted you’re using a modern version. Also, most applications and programs run on Windows, so you don’t have to worry about struggling with a certain application like you might on a Linux-based server.
All in all, Windows Server takes almost no time at all to set up and get running. Even my little sister could do it, and she can barely work a phone!
Why You Wouldn’t Choose Windows Server
All the bells and whistles of Windows Server come at a price, and this price is performance. Due to Windows Server being GUI-based, more resources will be taken up by the system itself, leaving less for the duties of the server.
And while Windows Server installations offer a “Server Core” installation, where the GUI is removed and only command line remains, you might as well use Linux at that point.
You also have to pay for Windows Server, and this price can add up depending on how many servers you need to install Windows on.
Why You’d Choose Linux
First off, Linux is open-source, and because of this, it’s free. It doesn’t matter if you have 10 or 10,000 servers you need to install an OS on; Linux remains free. Better yet, because of Linux’s open-source nature, it can use open-source applications instead of Windows-based applications, AKA closed-source.
Linux is also easier on resources due to 1.) a common lack of GUI and 2.) the lightweight nature of Linux. Can there be a Linux server with a GUI? Not really. Though, you won’t need one as long as you know the commands for Linux, which are only a Google search away if you forget.
Why You Wouldn’t Choose Linux
As I mentioned before, Windows Server comes with all the bells and whistles, while Linux is pretty basic. I’m not saying a Linux server is bad, of course, but you will be lacking in a few features such as Remote Desktop Management.
Linux is also not as simple or as sleek as Windows Server, so this can cause some discord in a company. For example, the company may struggle updating a Linux server due to not knowing how. On the other side of the same coin, Windows Server is designed to be simple to the user.
No matter which server OS you choose, you’re making an—at worst—decent decision, because neither Linux or Windows Server is bad. Of course, you should choose your OS based off your personal needs and the job of the server, but most of the time any OS will work. Do you think a VPN server has to use the latest version of Windows Server? Of course not.
Personally, I prefer Windows Server, and many bigger businesses use Windows Server over Linux, but if you’re a smaller company and can’t afford all those licenses, Linux is a go-to option. In fact, many smaller companies end up doing just that. In the end, go with what you’re comfortable with.
