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What is the difference between Linux and Windows hosting?

Linux and Windows are two different types of operating systems. Linux is the most popular operating system for web servers. Since Linux-based hosting is more popular, it has more of the features web designers expect.  So unless you have websites which need specific Windows applications, Linux is the preferred choice.

Windows Specific Applications

Windows applications which require a Windows server:

  • ASP Classic
  • ASP.NET
  • MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server)
  • MS Access (Microsoft Access)
  • Visual Basic Development
  • C#
  • Remote Desktop (dedicated server only)

Windows dedicated servers can support additional Windows-specific applications.  For some applications, you may need to purchase a license and install the software on your Windows dedicated server.

  • Microsoft Exchange (requires license & Installation)
  • Microsoft SharePoint (requires license & Installation)

Note: Software not included with the server is not supported by our technical support staff, since we would not know how your server and applications are setup.

Linux Specific Applications

Applications that require a Linux-based server.

  • SSH
  • FrontPage Extensions
  • Scripts or applications that require specific Apache modules

Control Panels

Windows servers and Linux servers use different control panels.

  • cPanel is available on all Linux-based hosting plans, such as Linux Shared, Reseller, VPS and Linux Dedicated Servers.
  • WHM (Web Host Manager) is available on Reseller, VPS and Linux Dedicated Servers.
  • Plesk is available on Windows Shared, Windows Dedicated Servers and VPS.

Case Sensitivity

One other difference is that Linux files are case-sensitive and Windows files are not.

For example:
On a Linux server, home.html and Home.html are different names.
On a Windows server, home.html, Home.html, and HOME.HTML are the same name.

Server Security

Although many people consider Linux to be more secure than Windows, both operating systems are equally secure.  Security really has more to do with the server setup and administrators running the server.  All managed servers are maintained with the latest security and performance patches and configured for optimal security.

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Article Comments

Keith Johnson
Based on your example for Windows versus Linux, does the Linux case-sensitive issue trickle down to the end user? For instance, if my Mom types in demo.com/specialoffer and the linux address is actually demo.com/SpecialOffer, does that mean that she'll get a web page not found error message?
Posted: August 22, 2009
HostGator
Yes, your example is correct.

Fortunately, you can also use AWstats to know what visitors are typing to get 404 Not Found messages. Then you can use mod_rewrite to redirect future visitors to the correct spelling.
Posted: August 24, 2009
Victor M
I have a shared hosting plan. How do I know if I'm on Linux or Windows server? If I am on Linux and I need Windows, can you transfer the site to Windows? Is there a cost?
Posted: December 2, 2009
HostGator
For now, all of our shared servers use Linux.

You cannot migrate to a Windows server until we officially launch Windows shared hosting.

Note: We currently offer a Windows Dedicated server starting at $174 per month.
Posted: December 3, 2009
Chris
Is there any way to "turn off" the case sensitivity on Linux accounts?
Posted: December 15, 2009
HostGator
Yes, you can enable mod_speling via Apache. This can only be done on a dedicated server or VPS account.
Posted: December 21, 2009
Michael Tims
How close is Hostgator to offering shared Windows hosting?
Posted: March 2, 2010
HostGator
Do a search for "beta" and you will find our new shared Windows ASP.NET plans.
Posted: March 2, 2010
Al Ayala
Do you have windows VPS ?
Posted: May 3, 2010
HostGator
Not at this time.
Posted: May 4, 2010
Oscar
Microsoft canceled support for Frontpage in the majority of Webhosting companies long time ago, also web servers with Windows2008 doesn't include FrontPage, now the successor to frontpage is Microsoft Expression web. Then, witch of your hosting plans will support frontpage and then MS Expression ??
Posted: September 7, 2010
HostGator
Correct, but FrontPage is so popular with our clients that all of our hosting is made compatible with it.

Expression Web is only compatible with a Windows dedicated server.

Read more at the related article.
Posted: September 8, 2010
HostGator
Thank you for your comments. Just a quick reminder that the comments on this page are not monitored by technical support staff, and that for support issues, it is best to contact us by live chat, phone or email so we can assist you right away.

Although comments are not monitored by technical support staff, they are moderated and read by technical writers. Comments will need to be approved by a moderator before appearing.

Our technical writers do read the comments periodically for the purposes of updating the articles, and do appreciate your feedback, suggestions and corrections to the articles themselves, as well as any suggestions or tips for readers of this article. However, support questions posted here are not guaranteed to be replied to in a timely manner or at all. For support issues, it is best to contact our support staff instead by live chat, email or phone.

Posted: December 13, 2011 (Global Reply)
Your comments help us keep the knowledge base updated. This is not a medium for support. If you have questions or need help, please contact us via email, phone or live chat for fast assistance.

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