There are differences between Linux and the Microsoft platform (and others). There are some differences between two platforms, such as security features, functionality and of course supported scripting languages. Microsoft has its own operating system with associated licensing fees, and Linux is an open source operating system that is often free. The majority of web features run on both platforms.

Linux Hosting | Enterprise RedHat

Linux , an "open source" operating system is a highly stable and reliable platform. A Linux hosting solution is designed for businesses requiring up to 99.99% uptime for their revenue-generating online applications: effectively, the solution cannot go down. Its design allows for high-volume web-serving capabilities, web-server redundancy, multi-layer managed security and dedicated processing for applications and database servers, and high-availability SAN services for database storage in a secure environment.

Uptime is a critical metric for IT systems in web hosting some applications require up to 99.9% uptime for their revenue-generating online applications.  A Linux Hosting solution is an option where designed for such exacting requirements, where, ons: effectively, the solution cannot go down.

Despite the fact that there are many operating servers to choose from (Linux, Macintosh, Unix and windows), Linux and Windows are the most common and available operating systems on the market today.  Unix is very similar to Linux as is Mac OS X, although  relatively very few use Mac systems. Thus when looking to purchase a web hosting solution, it remains, ultimately, a choice between Windows Hosting and Linux Hosting.  There are a number of factors to be considered when addressing the respective advantages and disadvantages of each and these include:

Sourcing the best and most appropriate web hosting service for your website(s) can be a challenging task for the typical business owner or entrepreneur.  In a highly competitive market environment with each hosting service provider offering multiple options and features, the array of decisions is vast. Even the so-called “cheapest” provider cannot be determined by a cursory glance as sometimes fees and costs are not fully  disclosed. A step-by-step process is recommended. This should include: