Windows and Linux are the two main server operating systems. This is the first decision when picking hosting. The choice depends on the technology your site or application is written in. PHP, WordPress, MySQL favor Linux; ASP.NET, MS SQL favor Windows.
Linux hosting
Linux is open source, free, and cheaper for hosting providers. Common distributions: CentOS/AlmaLinux (a replacement for the deprecated CentOS), Ubuntu, Debian. Server software: Apache or Nginx web server, MySQL/MariaDB database, PHP. cPanel control panel.
Runs on Linux: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, OpenCart, Laravel, Symfony (PHP). Python (Django, Flask), Ruby (Rails), Node.js. Bash scripts and cron jobs.
Windows hosting
Windows Server is a commercial operating system. Hosting providers pay Microsoft a license, so prices are higher ($5-15/month more). Plesk control panel. Server software: IIS (Internet Information Services) web server, MS SQL Server, ASP.NET.
Runs on Windows: ASP.NET (C#, VB.NET applications). Sites tied to MS Access or MS SQL Server. Microsoft technologies: SharePoint, Exchange, Active Directory. Power Apps and other Microsoft products.
Main differences
Price: Linux is 20-50% cheaper. Performance: Linux is better (uses fewer resources). Security: Linux is better (less malware, regular security updates). Speed: both are equally good when properly configured. Ecosystem: Linux has a wide PHP/MySQL ecosystem, Windows has a wide MS technology ecosystem.
Which to choose?
Choose Linux when: you run WordPress or a PHP CMS; you want cheap hosting; for standard websites; for e-commerce (WooCommerce, OpenCart, Magento); for Python or Node.js projects; most developers know Linux.
Choose Windows when: you write ASP.NET applications; you need MS SQL Server; for .NET Framework custom solutions; to work with SharePoint or Exchange; for corporate Active Directory integration.
Sayt.uz practice
Sayt.uz hosting tariffs run on Linux (CentOS/AlmaLinux). Out of 8000+ clients only 3% use Windows hosting โ mostly corporate clients running ASP.NET sites. For these clients we offer VPS Pro Windows tariffs (Windows Server 2019 or 2022). Tip: if you're building a site and have no specific technology pick, choose Linux โ bigger market, cheaper, and WordPress runs best on it.