Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

April 27, 2010

Why is Linux Web Hosting Cheaper than Windows Web Hosting?

In the web hosting industry there are two main flavors -Windows web hosting and Linux web hosting, with the latter being the less expensive. Many people choose Linux web hosting based solely on the economical price, however there is much more to the comparison between the two.

If you want to make the most informed decision then you should consider the pros and cons of  both hosting solutions, but before you do that you have to understand what these two types of web hosting entail. Both Windows and Linux web hosting bear their names because the web server itself is run on either Windows or Linux. Just about every type of hosting account is offered with both Windows and Linux servers available. A quick comparison of plan pricing should show that Linux web hosting is generally cheaper than Windows web hosting; the following information should help you understand why.

Supply, Demand and Brand

The most obvious reason for the price difference is the overall popularity of Windows. Meanwhile, a lot of average consumers have never even heard of Linux. This popularity alone allows web hosting companies to charge more for Windows web hosting. Since more people trust the Windows name it is easier for web hosting providers to sell Windows-based hosting accounts for a higher price. On the other hand, trying to sell someone a Linux web hosting plan when they have never even heard of Linux is notably more difficult. The situation is actually deeper than just the power of the Windows name however.

Server Maintenance

Ironically Linux web server are more reliable than Windows web servers. This is great for the customer, but it results in added service cost for the web hosting company. This means the web hosting company has to account for the added cost of keeping the Windows servers running smoothly. Since the web hosting company has to hire and pay staff to maintain the integrity of the Windows servers, this cost is then transferred to the end customer. One of the reasons why Linux web servers are more reliable is because they have to run less software to complete the same functions.

Microsoft Applications

Another reason why Windows web hosting is more expensive is because of the compatibility that windows has with third-party Microsoft Applications. Many business need a web server that can run Microsoft applications, and a Linux server will simply not accomplish this. The web hosting providers recognize this absolute need for Windows web servers and capitalize on it by charging more for Windows web hosting solutions. The reason why there are more applications for Windows web servers once again ties into the fact that Windows is a more popular platform, for both end users and developers. For this reason more server applications are designed for Windows, and thus the need for Windows goes up. These tactics have been used by the Microsoft corporation to create a corner on the computer technology industry for years.

Tags: Microsoft Applications,  Linux web server,  Linux Web Hosting,  linux,  hosting account,  Windows web servers,  Windows Web Hosting