Why to choose Windows VPS server?

Why to choose Windows VPS hosting?

Launching a website is a serious task that requires careful planning. Choosing a hosting package and an operating system is a significant part of the project, but if you are to pick the correct solution, you need to figure out a few other things first.

The budget should be a major consideration. Most Linux distributions on web hosting servers are free and open-source. All you pay for is the hardware, which is why Linux hosting plans tend to be much cheaper than Windows ones.

But before you even consider the financial aspect, you need to know which types of hosting will work for you. For example, if you plan to use the MSSQL database management system or the ASP.NET development framework, your only viable choice would be a Windows server.

On the other hand, while running PHP, MySQL, and web servers like Apache and Nginx on Windows is not impossible, doing so is much more difficult. So if you want to launch a simple WordPress blog – you should probably consider going for a Linux server.

In case the underlying technology isn’t an issue, you might want to consider your own level of technical expertise. Having used Windows on your desktop PC for years, you might think that you should have no problems wrapping your head around Windows Server.

However, the two solutions serve entirely different purposes, so you need to have more specific know-how of server management.

As a newbie, it’s best to go for a managed VPS solution and check with your host to see what sort of tools and assistance you’ll get as part of the package.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows VPS Hosting

Over 77% of desktop and laptop computers today run on Windows. For many of you, the sight of a familiar graphic interface when you start managing a server will be more than welcome. This is a definite advantage, especially for those who don’t feel comfortable working with a command-line interface.

There are other things to consider, though.

The price is the most obvious distinctive factor between Windows and Linux hosting servers. Subscription fees for Microsoft products should always be considered when you outline your hosting budget. In comparison, the open-source nature of Linux welcomes users to develop all kinds of plugins and tools to make the OS better.

Security is another major point you need to consider when choosing your operating system. Due to its proprietary nature, the number of threats aimed at Windows machines is evergrowing and cybercriminals don’t shy away from hitting Windows-based servers. While Linux isn’t immune to cyberattacks, it doesn’t seem to be targeted that often. Its open-source architecture also allows the code to be reviewed by a plethora of people, who are more likely to quickly spot bugs and put together patches.

The process of applying updates is easier with Linux as well. You can update applications and make significant changes to the configuration of the operating system without the need to reboot the machine. Windows is much more likely to require a restart after major updates, which is hardly ideal given that you’re trying to host a website and keep downtime to a minimum.

Linux is generally considered faster and more efficient when it comes to hardware resource usage. The server performance depends on a number of different factors, but the fact remains that although Microsoft has done a lot to streamline its operating system, Windows is still relatively heavy compared to its competitors.

If you keep this in mind and choose a slightly more powerful VPS, this shouldn’t affect your website’s loading speeds. In the event of a traffic spike, however, the server may find itself struggling to keep the performance at a decent level with the more resource-intensive OS.

Choosing a Windows Virtual Private Server (VPS) server can be advantageous for various reasons, depending on your specific needs and requirements. Here are some reasons why you might choose a Windows VPS server:

1. Windows-specific Applications: If you rely on Windows-specific applications or software for your business or projects, a Windows VPS server allows you to run these applications seamlessly. This includes applications developed for the Windows operating system, such as Microsoft SQL Server, ASP.NET, Visual Basic, and Microsoft Exchange.
2. Familiarity and Compatibility: If you or your team are more familiar with the Windows operating system and prefer working in a Windows environment, a Windows VPS server provides a familiar platform for managing your websites, applications, and server configurations. Additionally, Windows VPS servers offer compatibility with popular development tools and frameworks commonly used in Windows-based environments.
3. Remote Desktop Access: Windows VPS servers typically include Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access, which allows you to remotely access and manage your server using a graphical user interface (GUI). This provides a user-friendly way to interact with your server and perform administrative tasks, software installations, and troubleshooting.
4. Support for Microsoft Technologies: Windows VPS servers are designed to support a wide range of Microsoft technologies and services, including Active Directory, SharePoint, Exchange Server, .NET Framework, and Windows Server roles and features. This makes Windows VPS servers suitable for hosting complex enterprise applications and infrastructure.
5. Integrated Management Tools: Windows VPS servers come with integrated management tools such as Windows Server Manager, which provides a centralized interface for managing server roles, features, and configurations. These tools simplify server administration tasks and allow you to monitor server performance, configure security settings, and automate routine maintenance tasks.
6. Compatibility with Windows-based Development Environments: If you are developing applications or websites using Windows-based development environments such as Visual Studio, IIS (Internet Information Services), and .NET Framework, a Windows VPS server provides a compatible platform for hosting and testing your applications.
7. Support for RemoteApp and Desktop Services: Windows VPS servers support RemoteApp and Desktop Services (formerly known as Terminal Services), allowing you to virtualize and centralize Windows applications and desktops for remote access by users. This enables remote access to Windows applications from any device with an internet connection, enhancing productivity and flexibility for your team.
8. Enterprise-level Security Features: Windows VPS servers offer enterprise-level security features, including built-in firewall, user authentication, encryption, and access control mechanisms. Additionally, Windows Server operating systems receive regular security updates and patches from Microsoft to protect against security vulnerabilities and threats.

Overall, choosing a Windows VPS server can provide you with a reliable, scalable, and feature-rich hosting solution that meets your specific needs for running Windows-based applications, services, and development environments. Whether you require compatibility with Windows-specific technologies, familiarity with the Windows operating system, or support for enterprise-level applications, a Windows VPS server can offer the flexibility and performance you need for your projects or business operations.