Windows and Linux are two very different types of operating systems – each with their own advantages. Both Linux and Windows formats will work on any PC regardless of the operating system in use. However, each technology has its own distinctive characteristics. Linux web hosting is ideal if you are using PHP, MySQL or Perl programming languages, or if your website displays information in brochure, newsletter or data sheet formats.
In contrast, Windows offers Windows-specific technologies such as ASP, .NET and Microsoft Access. There are also various advantages if you plan to integrate Windows-based applications or searchable databases within your website. If you aim to use out-of-the box solutions for powering content management systems or blogs, bear in mind that there are generally more open source applications available for Linux web hosting, whereas Windows licensed solutions will likely incur costs.