Windows and Linux servers are very similar, so when choosing whether to go with Linux hosting or Windows hosting, it may be more important to see which hosting supports the features you plan to use. 

            If you like to access your web site using FTP, you can go with either hosting option since they both support FTP access.  If you prefer to telnet directly to your pages online and edit them on the server, you'll probably want to go with Linux hosting since telnetting with Windows hosting is extremely limited.  Frontpage extensions, HTML and Javascript are all supported by both forms of hosting, but CGI/PERL for processing online forms are more commonly found with Linux hosting than Windows.  When dealing with ASP and PHP, you'll find that Windows fully supports ASP and ASP.net, while Linux does not; PHP is only available on Linux hosting. 

            Many web sites depend on the use of databases to generate content dynamically rather than statically.  The most common database software is Microsoft Access, and because it is a Windows product,  Linux does not support Microsoft Access databases.  If you plan to use an Access database to dynamically create your web site, you'll want to use Windows hosting.  Either hosting option will support mySQL databases, however.

            Another aspect to consider when selecting whether you want to use Linux hosting or Windows hosting for your web site is your budget.  Linux tends to be less expensive because it is an open source program, while Windows will typically cost you a little more to get your site up and running because it is a Microsoft program.

-----------------------------------------------

Part of the PremiusHosting article series, PremiusHosting Technologies offers cheap Linux web hosting plans and a number of other services.