Linux vs. Windows: Which Is Better?
 

I have asked this question in forums before, but haven't yet received a definitive answer. I want to know which server platform is better, Linux or Windows? I know that this has to do with personal preference, at least in part. But I have utilized both, and done light configuration for both, and my preference is Linux because of .htaccess capabilities. However, I would like an unbiased answer (if that be possible in a Linux forum).

which is better, vanille or chocolat icecream?

It is entirely subjective. If you take the correct steps, both can be as secure as the other. It comes down to what you are comfortable with and what your hardware can take. As with any "X vs Y" question, there is no right answer but this thread will grow and grow.

And also how much money you have, and what your requirements are (neither of which you've mentioned).

Personally, I believe chocolate is WAY better than vanilla, but it gives me zits.

chocolate.

Hello,

The reason in my mind that you have not gotten a clear answer is that your question is too big. What is your goal? What does your organization require you to use for the Desktop? (Mac, Windows, Linux) There are a lot of variables that go into determine which is best for a given implementation. In general, look to the marketplace, Windows is king right now on the desktop and Linux is king in the data center, unless you are looking to support Windows clients with Windows solutions. Example would Outlook and Exchange. You have to have Windows running on the server.

Hope this helps and Happy New Year,
Scott

You will NEVER get a definitive answer to that question, because it doesn't exist. Once you play around with both platforms enough, you'll be able to make your own opinion. And that's all it's gonna be - an opinion - but hey, at least it will be your own. I agree with most of the feedback you've received so far, in that your question is entirely subjective, equal to asking whether chocolate is better than vanilla, and too broad.

As others have said, it comes down to what your requirements are. If you have to run MS Exchange, then Windows Server is your only choice. If you are running web apps written in .Net, then it is better to use IIS and Windows server. I know about Mono, but there is enough that it can't do to not make it a viable choice for many web apps.

As for stability, you can have stable Windows servers just like stable Linux servers. Where I work, we have a number of Windows 2003 servers (for internal applications and SQL databases, etc). The uptime on each is > 12 months (the servers are 18 months old). We also have a Linux based firewall / gateway for part of the network. The uptime is in excess of 4 years.

It basically comes down to horses for courses. Linux is better than Windows, and Windows is better than Linux :)

--Ian

Thanks 4 the feedback
 

Your feedback has been perfect. Now I understand. One of my clients uses MS Exchange mail server, so that may be why he was required to install a Windows Server. Also, the client's IT dept is extremely security conscious (as they should, but they overdo it, in my opinion) and I think they have the belief that the Windows Server is more secure.

Thank you, all, for the feedback.

If they have the motivation to stay completely on top of MS security, vs having to start from scratch with Linux (which they don't want to use), then for them, MS is probably more secure.

As some have already mentioned, it really comes down to a matter of cost. But Linux definitely has a lot of advantages. With Windows, you are using closed-source software which you must pay for and you will probably end up also paying for additional software components if needed. My experience with Windows is that it is NOT as stable as Linux. I have seen Linux servers run for YEARS without a reboot. With Windows, you end up rebooting once per month for patches/updates. The LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) platform is rock solid, easy to develop on, and has been this way for years. There are tons of enterprise grade programs that run on this platform out there, available for FREE. In my opinion, this is the way to go. I also have an article that goes over a whole list of additional reasons why I believe this:

http://members.apex-internet.com/sa/windowslinux

Just wanted to commend everyone on their unbiased comments on this one. So much Linux/Unix discussion is anti-Microsoft, anti-proprietary and tends to point out the failings of others rather than the strengths of *nix. It seems very few people are capable of supporting Linux without partaking in some almost obligatory MS bashing.

Well done again everyone.

Windows by far
 

I say windows runs circles around linux. Now I will admit that I am a bit biased. I have gone to school for windows, I have certs for widows and I have only used linux for about 2 days and it is pissing me the F*^K OFF.

I may have spoke too soon

Well, I don't think the problem is that you've got so much Windows experience. I mean, that might make you biased but we can all put bias aside for a second when we need to. I think your problem lies more with the almost non-existent GNU/Linux experience you have, which unlike bias, isn't something you can just set aside. Your opinion will definitely be worth a lot more once you've become familiar with both platforms. Until then, posts such as yours come off as flamebait.