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Dispelling Windows & Linux Myths
Myth #1: Windows is not secure.
Windows like Linux is very secure if properly configured. With the latest Service Pack and security updates Windows is actually rock-solid. All the major security scares like Code Red are in the past, and with automatic updates, Windows can actually retrieve security fixes automatically on a daily basis.
Of course any web server should live behind a hardware firewall, but Windows Server 2003 even has a built in Software Firewall. If you run Windows with a current Antivirus Product, it’s practically a fortress.
Myth #2: Windows Servers are slower than Linux
OK this one technically is true. On equivalent hardware, Linux will usually out perform Windows. However you can be sure that any Windows 2003 Server will be running on very modern kit, because it just won’t tolerate legacy hardware. Linux in contrast, will run happily on virtually any old piece of junk. This is a feature and also a flaw of Linux because it allows people running Linux servers to get away with using older, less reliable machines. A little research is normally recommended before taking out a Linux hosting plan with a budget host.
Myth #3: You don’t need a Linux Desktop to work with a Linux hosting Plan
Well no you don’t but, you need to know a little about file types before using FTP to publish your site designed on a Windows Desktop to a Linux Server, (or vice versa). ASCII and Binary Files need to be moved using the correct encoding, if you use the wrong encoding, your files will be corrupted.
If you don’t know the difference between ASCII and Binary File types then its time to get a Hosting Platform which matches your Desktop PC Operating System.
Myth #4: You can run ASP on Linux
Nope you can’t, Chillisoft ASP which is the Unix/Linux version of ASP, doesn’t even come close to classic ASP. Don’t be fooled its not the same thing.
Myth #5: PHP & MySQL are Linux Technologies.
No they are open source technologies and both can be installed and run on Windows or Linux Servers.
Myth #6: FrontPage Server Extensions need a Windows Server.
No they’ll run quite happily on Linux.
Myth # 7: It’s just as easy to develop for Linux as Windows.
The truth if you’re running Windows on your desktop, it’s easier to develop site for Windows Servers than Linux servers, because you can test locally in an almost identical environment. The same is true in reverse, if your running Linux, it’s easier to develop for a Linux Server. Basically whatever environment you are running on desktop, you want to develop for the same server-side environment. This way you can test your site without constant FTP Publishing to check your latest changes, very useful when debugging scripts.
Myth #8: Windows or Linux is a matter of personal preference.
This is only true if you are developing a static HTML Web Site with no server-side scripting or programming technologies. Beyond that it’s a matter of technical preference. If in doubt, go with a server type which matches your desktop PC Operting System.
Myth #1: Windows is not secure.
Windows like Linux is very secure if properly configured. With the latest Service Pack and security updates Windows is actually rock-solid. All the major security scares like Code Red are in the past, and with automatic updates, Windows can actually retrieve security fixes automatically on a daily basis.
Of course any web server should live behind a hardware firewall, but Windows Server 2003 even has a built in Software Firewall. If you run Windows with a current Antivirus Product, it’s practically a fortress.
Myth #2: Windows Servers are slower than Linux
OK this one technically is true. On equivalent hardware, Linux will usually out perform Windows. However you can be sure that any Windows 2003 Server will be running on very modern kit, because it just won’t tolerate legacy hardware. Linux in contrast, will run happily on virtually any old piece of junk. This is a feature and also a flaw of Linux because it allows people running Linux servers to get away with using older, less reliable machines. A little research is normally recommended before taking out a Linux hosting plan with a budget host.
Myth #3: You don’t need a Linux Desktop to work with a Linux hosting Plan
Well no you don’t but, you need to know a little about file types before using FTP to publish your site designed on a Windows Desktop to a Linux Server, (or vice versa). ASCII and Binary Files need to be moved using the correct encoding, if you use the wrong encoding, your files will be corrupted.
If you don’t know the difference between ASCII and Binary File types then its time to get a Hosting Platform which matches your Desktop PC Operating System.
Myth #4: You can run ASP on Linux
Nope you can’t, Chillisoft ASP which is the Unix/Linux version of ASP, doesn’t even come close to classic ASP. Don’t be fooled its not the same thing.
Myth #5: PHP & MySQL are Linux Technologies.
No they are open source technologies and both can be installed and run on Windows or Linux Servers.
Myth #6: FrontPage Server Extensions need a Windows Server.
No they’ll run quite happily on Linux.
Myth # 7: It’s just as easy to develop for Linux as Windows.
The truth if you’re running Windows on your desktop, it’s easier to develop site for Windows Servers than Linux servers, because you can test locally in an almost identical environment. The same is true in reverse, if your running Linux, it’s easier to develop for a Linux Server. Basically whatever environment you are running on desktop, you want to develop for the same server-side environment. This way you can test your site without constant FTP Publishing to check your latest changes, very useful when debugging scripts.
Myth #8: Windows or Linux is a matter of personal preference.
This is only true if you are developing a static HTML Web Site with no server-side scripting or programming technologies. Beyond that it’s a matter of technical preference. If in doubt, go with a server type which matches your desktop PC Operting System.
hawaiibeemer
This can open to a discussion between linux and windows fans. Thanks for sharing 
~e
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There is a bias towards Linux on this Forum and I have seen some pretty negative, and untrue things said about Windows. So I felt another perspective was required.
Both Windows and Linux have their merits, but for my money, unless you're already and established Windows or Linux Web Developer, then the best choice Server OS is the same OS as you have on your desktop. Because a) There will be no File Corruption Issues with cross/OS FTP transfers and b) its easier to learn a technology which is native to your PC.
I hope that this post hasn't stunned all the Linux fans into silence, there hasn't been much of a response to this thread so far.
Both Windows and Linux have their merits, but for my money, unless you're already and established Windows or Linux Web Developer, then the best choice Server OS is the same OS as you have on your desktop. Because a) There will be no File Corruption Issues with cross/OS FTP transfers and b) its easier to learn a technology which is native to your PC.
I hope that this post hasn't stunned all the Linux fans into silence, there hasn't been much of a response to this thread so far.